Factory Planning and Optimization Engineer - Schuler Consulting

About the role

The Senior Consultant provides expert guidance to clients on production processes, focusing on designing and optimizing manufacturing workflows in furniture fabrication. They develop tailored production and IT concepts, lead projects, and facilitate workshops to drive operational improvements. The role involves close collaboration with both client teams and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Client Consulting & Advisory - Provide expert consulting services to clients in the wood and furniture industry. Analyze client needs and advise on production and manufacturing processes. Assume responsibility for customer projects, collaborating closely with both customer stakeholders and internal cross-functional teams.
• Production Concept Development - Analyze and define customer requirements. Design and develop customized production concepts tailored to client requirements. Define production capacities and workflows to optimize output.
• Making Manufacturing Optimizations - Conduct potential analyses to uncover areas for operational enhancement and quantify impact. Identify and implement improvements in manufacturing processes to increase efficiency and quality.
• IT Solutions & Implementation - Develop IT concepts integrating ERP, MES, and CAD/CAM systems to support production. Support digital transformation initiatives within client operations.
• Project & Workshop Management - Lead and manage consulting projects, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction. Facilitate workshops and coordinate cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Background in furniture manufacturing or wood related production
• Degree in wood technology, industrial engineering, or equivalent experience
• Strong knowledge of mass customization, variant configuration, and batch size 1 furniture production
• Familiarity with ERP, MES, and CAD/CAM software functionalities
• Tech and commercial acumen
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills
• High interpersonal skills with teamwork and communication strengths
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in factory planning and engineering or management
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally
• Valid Driver's license

Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for internal and external collaboration
• Strong multitasking capabilities with excellent organizational skills
• Advanced problem-solving and decision-making abilities to address complex and diverse project challenges
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to production and manufacturing
• Ability to develop and implement innovative production concepts
• Effective project management and lead project teams and moderate workshop
• Customer-focused approach with consultative selling skills
• Proficient in collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Work Environment

Office-based with frequent client site visits in the USA, Canada and internationally