Senior Program Manager, Material Handling Equipment MHE

This role is responsible for the performance, reliability, and lifecycle management of all material handling equipment (MHE), including conveyor automation systems and Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) assets within distribution center (DC) operations. The position ensures MHE and PIT capabilities support operational throughput, productivity, and service level targets while driving continuous improvement, safety, and cost efficiency. It serves as a key liaison between operations, engineering, maintenance, IT, and external partners to optimize equipment performance and enable operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• MHE / PIT Operations & Performance Management
  • Own day-to-day performance, uptime, and reliability of all MHE / PIT assets (e.g., forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyor and sortation systems, RFID equipment, PandA, and ASRS).
  • Ensure MHE / PIT capabilities support DC throughput, productivity, and service level expectations.
  • Monitor and manage key performance indicators (KPIs), including uptime, downtime, cost per unit, maintenance intervals, and safety incidents.
  • Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to address equipment failures and performance gaps.
• Maintenance & Lifecycle Management
  • Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance strategies across all MHE assets.
  • Manage spare parts inventory, planning, and availability to minimize downtime and operational disruption.
  • Partner with residence maintenance teams on lifecycle planning, including equipment upgrades and replacements.
  • Drive continuous improvement in maintenance maturity and asset reliability.
• Vendor & External Partner Management
  • Actively manage external partners to ensure efficient, well-maintained, and operational material handling equipment (e.g., conveyance, PIT equipment) to maximize uptime availability.
  • Vendor relationship management (e.g., operating rhythm, capital projects, QRAIL).
  • Conduct regular vendor audits and performance reviews to ensure contract compliance and expected service levels.
  • Coordinate service schedules, maintenance activities, and system upgrades.
  • Leverage external expertise to optimize MHE / PIT operations and performance.
  • Proactively develop and execute strategies to manage end-of-life equipment, ensuring operational continuity.
• Cross-Functional Integration
  • Serve as the primary liaison between DC operations, engineering, maintenance, IT, and external partners for all MHE / PIT-related topics.
  • Establish clear operating rhythms, escalation protocols, and communication processes.
  • Ensure alignment between MHE / PIT capabilities and broader operational priorities.
  • Facilitate effective and timely communication with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Process Improvement & Innovation
  • Identify and implement automation, efficiency, and cost optimization initiatives.
  • Support the design and implementation of new systems, retrofits, and facility enhancements.
  • Lead continuous improvement efforts focused on safety, productivity, and cost reduction.
  • Continuously develop, analyze, optimize, and standardize processes.
  • Lead all phases of assigned projects, including planning, coordinating, executing, and acceptance.
• Finance and Cost Management
  • Develop and actively manage annual maintenance budgets for all service areas (both CAPEX and OPEX) in close partnership with business stakeholders and assigned financial controller.
  • Accurately track actual spend, manage, and be fully accountable for monthly/quarterly forecasts.
  • Proactively identify opportunities for cost savings and report savings to leadership.
  • Manage and ensure accurate and timely invoices from all external partners.
• Safety & Compliance
  • Ensure all MHE / PIT operations comply with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
  • Partner with HSE teams to promote a strong safety culture, ensure proper training/certification, reduce incidents, and improve overall safety performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain, operations, or a related field (or equivalent technical experience).
• Minimum 7 years of experience in distribution center, manufacturing, or logistics operations with a strong focus on MHE / PIT operations.
• Hands-on experience managing or supporting MHE / PIT systems in high-volume environments.
• Experience working with MHE/PIT and automation providers (e.g., KNAPP, Honeywell, or similar).
• Proven experience managing vendors, contracts, or external service providers.
• Experience leading projects or initiatives related to operations, equipment, or process improvement.

Skills

• Strong technical expertise in MHE / PIT systems, including powered industrial trucks, conveyor systems, and sortation technologies.
• Deep understanding of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance practices.
• Proven experience in vendor management and service-level governance.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational data and drive decision-making.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence with and without direct authority.
• Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across operational and technical teams.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
• Financial acumen related to cost management, budgeting, and capital investment decisions.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Smart Sheet, and AutoCAD.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to stand; walk long distances; use hands and fingers, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Occasionally required to sit.
• May occasionally be required to lift and/or move objects over 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• May occasionally be required to work outside of standard normal working hours.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently exposed to hot and/or cold and outside weather conditions.
• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and high, precarious places.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally high.

Schedule

• Full-time onsite presence (5 days per week) at the Distribution Center.
• During peak operational periods, additional hours and schedule flexibility may be required to support business needs and ensure operational performance objectives are achieved.

Benefits

• Robust and progressive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage, including HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer funding or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) options.
• Adoption, surrogacy, and fertility support.
• Short and long-term disability, and basic life and AD&D insurance, which can be supplemented with employee-paid coverage.
• 401k plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match.
• Education assistance.
• Generous leave policies, including 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Annual bonus based on both company and personal performance.
• Prorated flexible time off that increases with years of service, twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year, and Service Time Off during milestone years.