Project Engineer

About Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, and Gourmet Garage® banners.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices.

About Role

Summary

The Project Engineer in Logistics supports the successful delivery of projects undertaken by leadership within any of the five distribution centers and four 3rd party Logistics facilities. This position is responsible for the facilitation, tracking and reporting of all projects and acts as the first point of contact. In this role, the Associate works directly with various functional areas, including Engineering, Finance, Procurement, Tech and Operations to plan and execute projects approved in the division and capital budget. The Project Engineer will assist with advising managers and teams on the best use of project management standards and approaches. Additional responsibility includes acquiring and directing all necessary resources needed per project. An important aspect of the role is effectively aligning communication with each functional group to plan and control project scope, schedule, and budget to achieve timely and successful completion of all projects.

Essential Functions

• Assists in leading cross-functional project teams responsible for large Logistics infrastructure projects.Responsibilities include developing and maintaining project plans, coordinating the purchase and installation of specific material handling equipment, budget tracking and providing weekly progress reports.
• Analyze and improve store delivery schedules, transportation routes, and dispatch operations to enhance service levels, maximize equipment and labor utilization, reduce transportation costs, and improve on-time delivery performance.
• Evaluate the financial, operational, and environmental impacts of fleet initiatives, including electric vehicle (EV) adoption versus diesel-powered equipment. Develop business cases, cost-benefit analyses, ROI projections, and implementation recommendations to support strategic fleet decisions.
• Assess warehouse workflows, picking methodologies, and order selection paths to identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements that increase productivity, improve accuracy, reduce travel time, and enhance overall operational performance.
• Analyze warehouse storage configurations, slotting practices, inventory placement, and facility layouts to optimize cubic capacity, improve inventory accessibility, increase throughput, and support future growth requirements.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret operational, transportation, labor, and supply chain data using statistical and analytical tools to identify trends, uncover opportunities, and provide actionable recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Lead cross-functional projects focused on improving logistics, transportation, and distribution center operations through process redesign, technology implementation, automation opportunities, and best practice adoption.
• Design and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs), scorecards, and reporting tools to monitor transportation efficiency, warehouse productivity, service performance, and operational costs.
• Evaluate distribution networks, facility capacities, transportation lanes, and operational constraints to recommend solutions that support business growth, operational scalability, and cost optimization.
• Prepare and deliver clear, data-driven presentations, reports, and business cases to leadership teams, translating complex operational analyses into actionable business decisions.
• Demonstrates strong ability to negotiate pricing with Vendors and Indirect Procurement Team.
• Ensures Compliance Standards and project specifications are met by all vendors.
• Evaluates, recommends and reviews designs that are complex, requiring technical Logistics knowledge and skills while exhibiting a sound understanding of Wakefern’s organization and operations.
• Proven project planning experience with demonstrated ability to manage complex projects from concept to design completion.
• Ability to create, read, and understand site drawings and blueprints.
• Plans, organizes, administrates and controls multiple projects simultaneously. Problem solving skills coupled with time management skills are essential. Ability to complete projects within proposed schedule and allocated budget.

Additional Functions

• Creates and maintains work standards for unionized warehouses. Ability to modify standards to reflect change in work methods and explain work standards to management.
• Prepare financial justifications for Logistics infrastructure projects. Summarize findings and present recommendations to senior managementand member committees. Coordinates Logistics network capacity analysis to ensure facilities have sufficient capabilities to meet future growth.
• Utilize simulation and modeling tools to evaluate transportation, distribution, and warehouse process changes before implementation.
• Conduct time studies and labor analyses to identify productivity improvement opportunities.
• Benchmark industry best practices and emerging trends in supply chain, transportation, and distribution operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree is required. Concentration in Business Management, Engineering, Project Management and System Design or a related field is preferred.
• A minimum 5 years of experience in warehouse systems design.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills; ability to lead important meetings and establish actionable expected outcomes.Comprehends and conveys information clearly and effectively
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to decipher data, formulate conclusions and make sound decisions
• Demonstrated ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Strong problems solving skills are required.
• Proficient technology skills to include: MS Office, Word, Excel, and Power Point with ability to be trained in various customized project management programs
• Knowledge of TMS/ WMS / RAPID systems with ability to understand and optimize its impact on operations.
• Knowledge of third party applications and technical specifications.
• Ability to communicate detailed specifications to our team.
• Conveys strong business acumen, uses sound judgement and decision making skills to manage job responsibilities
• Flexibility with regard to working any 5 out of 7 day schedule including; days, shifts, overtime and holidays. Schedule is based on business need and may not include traditional Saturdays/Sundays off.
• Required to be on call 24/7 to support system issues that may occur on off hours.
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish preferred.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, bend and walk for long periods of time in regular and refrigerated warehouses.
• Occasional bending, lifting and or moving a case / tote up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to drive to multiple Wakefern locations, including various state locations.
• Must be capable of typing and monitoring screens for long periods of time.
• Must wear protective steel toe shoes when working in warehouse environment.

Competencies

• Communicate Effectively: Communicates thoughts and ideas in a well-organized manner, encouraging two-way communication.
• Build Relationships: Creates cross-functional partnerships through the development and maintenance of constructive and cooperative relationships.
• Stay Competitive: Demonstrates a mindset of continuous improvement while exhibiting passion and enthusiasm for their work.
• Embrace Change: Looks for new ways of working by supporting advancements in processes and technology.
• Develop You: Identifies and capitalizes on opportunities for personal and professional career growth.
• Drive for Results: Supports divisional and strategic objectives through achievement of work goals.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $81,224 – $118,092. Placement in the range depends on several factors, including experience, skills, education, geography, and budget considerations.

Wakefern is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional development of our Associates. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match & annual company contribution, paid time off, holidays, and parental leave. Associates also enjoy access to wellness and family support programs, fitness reimbursement, educational and training opportunities through our corporate university, and a collaborative, team-oriented work environment. Many of these benefits are fully or partially funded by the company, with some subject to eligibility requirements.