About us

KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, Chico's, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, Talbots, White House Black Market. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful.

 

Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.

 

About the role
The Manager, Industrial Engineering provides leadership, analytical expertise, and strategic insight to drive operational excellence across the Distribution Center. This role partners closely with facility leadership to identify opportunities, analyze performance data, improve processes, and influence decisions that enhance productivity, quality, service, safety, and associate engagement.

The Manager, Industrial Engineering serves as a catalyst for continuous improvement by leveraging data, Lean methodologies, and operational best practices to support business objectives. This role leads cross-functional initiatives, evaluates operational opportunities, facilitates change management efforts, and promotes a culture focused on innovation, problem-solving, and sustainable performance improvement.

The Impact You Can Have

• Partner with Distribution Center leadership to evaluate operational performance, identify improvement opportunities, and develop actionable recommendations that drive business results.

• Analyze large data sets from multiple systems to identify trends, uncover root causes, and support informed decision-making.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, service, safety, and associate experience

• Facilitate problem-solving efforts using Lean principles, process mapping, and structured root cause analysis methodologies.

• Develop meaningful metrics, dashboards, and reporting tools that provide visibility into operational performance and business opportunities.

• Influence and support organizational change through effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and project leadership.

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement by partnering with leaders at all levels to build problem-solving capabilities and accountability.

• Evaluate process, automation, and technology opportunities that improve operational efficiency and scalability.

• Lead cross-functional projects that support strategic business initiatives and long-term operational goals.

• Develop business cases and operational analyses to support capital investments and process improvement opportunities.

• Promote associate involvement and engagement in continuous improvement activities, helping build organizational capability and ownership at all levels.

• Supervise and provide daily direction to Distribution Center Operations Clerks, ensuring accurate execution of operational reporting, productivity tracking, and administrative support functions.

• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Operations, Maintenance, IT, and Finance teams to drive enterprise-wide improvements and best practice adoption.

You’ll Bring to the Role

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial or mechanical engineering required.

• 5+ years of experience in Industrial Engineering, Continuous Improvement, Supply Chain, Distribution, Manufacturing, or Operation Analytics roles.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to transform complex data into actionable business insights.

• Demonstrated experience leading continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.

• Proven ability to influence decision-making and drive results across multiple levels of an organization without direct authority.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance operational, financial, and customer considerations.

• Experience developing reports, dashboards, and performance metrics to support operational leadership.

• Working knowledge of distribution center operations, automation systems, material handling equipment, and workflow optimization.

• Exceptional communication, presentation, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Lean methodology experience required; Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.

• Strong project management and change management capabilities.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

You'll have the opportunity to influence the future of a high-volume, highly automated distribution operation while partnering directly with senior leaders to shape strategy, improve performance, and enhance associate experience. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys using data to solve complex business challenges, leading change, and creating a culture where continuous improvement is part of everyday work.

Benefits at KnitWell Group

• Merchandise discount at our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Ann Taylor, LOFT, & Lane Bryant (in store and online) 

• Support for your individual development plus career mobility within our family of brands   

• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities*  

• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K) retirement* 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Time off – paid time off & holidays*

*Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role. 
 

This position works on-site at our Etna, OH location Monday-Friday. 

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Location:

Ascena Corp ETNA-ascena-Pataskala, OH 43062

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity
The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact [email protected]. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.