Distribution Project Manager

Capstone Logistics is seeking a Project Manager to lead cross-functional site startup and go-live initiatives. This role coordinates execution across Operations, IT, Finance, HR/HRIS, Payroll, Data & Reporting, Service Desk, Telecommunications, and other enabling teams to ensure successful site activation and stabilization.

The Project Manager owns the project plan, timeline, risks and issues, and go-live readiness, driving alignment from planning through post–go-live transition. The ideal candidate is a proactive, detail-oriented leader who excels at coordinating complex initiatives and guiding cross-functional teams to successful outcomes.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, results-driven collaborator who can guide a team of subject matter experts to success in a high-impact, visible role.

PMP Certification - Required

Project Manager Responsibilities:

• Confirm site startup schedule, scope, and site list (e.g., partner/site type, services to be enabled, pilot exclusions, and go-live date).

• Gather and validate required site leadership and contacts (Site Manager/Director/VP/SVP) to prevent workflow validation errors and misrouted access requests.

• Develop and maintain an end-to-end startup plan (milestones, dependencies, owners, due dates) and communicate the critical path.

• Establish governance cadence (weekly stakeholder calls; daily huddles as go-live approaches) and document decisions and action items.

• Submit and manage the site startup request; ensure required data and attachments (pricing, site details, headcount, hours of operation, connectivity requirements) are complete and accurate.

• Monitor auto-generated tasks, confirm they are applicable, and coordinate execution with the responsible teams; document exemptions where tasks are not required.

• Identify risks, constraints, and dependencies (e.g., approvals, system lead times, integration readiness), maintain a RAID log, and drive mitigation/contingency plans.

• Coordinate setup and validation across core systems (e.g., site creation/configuration, access provisioning, and role setup) in alignment with the selected startup scenario.

• Coordinate IT hardware and asset readiness (ordering, configuration, shipping, and on-site delivery where needed) and confirm inventory requirements.

• Coordinate telecommunications and connectivity readiness (e.g., dedicated internet/phone, routers/MiFi where applicable, connectivity validation/speed tests, and VPN/access standards).

• Coordinate reporting platform readiness: confirm site mapping/codes, ensure site availability in reporting, and validate role-based access (e.g., limited vs. full reporting access by role).

• Coordinate financial system setup and banking prerequisites as applicable (e.g., new site setup activities and required assignments).

• Define go-live readiness criteria and run a final readiness review: confirm all required tasks are complete, tested, and signed off (or formally exempted).

• Manage go-live support period: lead issue triage, coordinate fixes/workarounds, and provide frequent status updates to stakeholders.

• Establish post-startup governance (weekly recurring check-ins) to resolve access, reporting, and operational gaps during stabilization.

• Document lessons learned and transition open items to steady-state owners (KTLO/support teams) with clear handoffs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Quickly understands operational, technical, and organizational requirements associated with new site implementations and system integrations

• Serves as the central point of coordination for cross-functional implementation efforts across Operations, IT, Finance, HR/HRIS, Payroll, Data & Reporting, Service Desk, Telecommunications, and other enabling teams

• Ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders to define implementation objectives and align execution plans

• Conducts stakeholder analysis and establishes appropriate communication and governance structures

• Develops, maintains, and executes detailed project plans to support site startup, integration build, migration, and go-live activities

• Identifies cross-team dependencies, risks, and issues; proactively drives mitigation and resolution to ensure timeline adherence

• Reviews and validates implementation requirements, deployment plans, and go-live readiness criteria

• Drives execution through go-live, ensuring successful handoff to operational and support teams

• Prepares and delivers clear, concise status reporting and go-live readiness communications

• Experience managing projects involving multiple business service lines and third-party vendors

• Strong working knowledge of project management methodologies and delivery frameworks (Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid models)

• Ability to manage scope, milestones, risks, issues, and dependencies across multiple teams and workstreams

• Strong experience using collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint for documentation, communication, and status reporting

• Demonstrated leadership skills in guiding cross-functional teams through complex implementation efforts

• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments with shifting priorities

• High attention to detail across both strategic planning and tactical execution

• Ability to balance speed-to-market with disciplined delivery and risk management

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Logistics Management, Management Information Systems (MIS), or a related field.

• At least 5 - 7 years of relevant experience in Implementation project management OR

• Relevant combination of education and experience

• Proven ability to communicate effectively (written & oral) and deliver consistently strong, measurable results

• Strong Smartsheet or MS Project skills, as well as proficiency with the MS Office suite

• Required: PMP certification/ CSM or PSM certifications and formal training in negotiation/facilitation skills

• Preferred: 3-5 years of demonstrated experience in logistics industry or similar

COMPETENCIES:

• Self-starter that learns quickly, takes ownership, and can navigate a fast-paced environment

• Detail orientated with a drive to execute tasks and deliver high-quality work

• Ability to develop and deliver multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding to a variety of audiences

• Highly organized, strategic, and creative personality with strong business acumen

• Anticipates and balances the needs of multiple stakeholders

• Strong problem solving, negotiation, and interpersonal skills

• Must demonstrate integrity, enthusiasm, and initiative in their daily work

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