What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Manager position at Refrig-It Warehouse?
Job Title: Project Manager / Operations Manager
Department: Warehouse Operations
Reports To: General Manager
Location: Newark, NJ
Position Summary:
The Project Manager – 3PL Fulfillment Center is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing strategic and customer-driven projects across the warehouse network. This role ensures seamless onboarding of new customers, optimization of warehouse processes, and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives that enhance service quality, productivity, and cost efficiency. The Project Manager serves as a key liaison between Sr Leadership, internal operations, IT, and external customers to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with contractual requirements.
Once a project or customer account transitions from implementation to steady-state operations, this role will evolve into the Operations Manager for that account—overseeing day-to-day performance, productivity, and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate combines strong project management discipline with hands-on operational leadership in a fast-paced 3PL fulfillment environment.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
· Lead end-to-end project management for new customer implementations, process improvements, system upgrades, and operational transitions between facilities.
· Develop detailed project plans, including scope, timelines, resources, milestones, and communication plans.
· Coordinate cross-functional teams (Operations, Customer Service, IT, Inventory Control) to ensure alignment and timely delivery of project objectives.
· Serve as the primary point of contact for customers and Sr leadership during onboarding or major process changes, ensuring a smooth transition into operations.
· Oversee warehouse layout design, slotting strategies, and process mapping to optimize space utilization and workflow efficiency.
· Analyze fulfillment center performance data to identify improvement opportunities related to cost, productivity, and accuracy.
· Implement Lean and continuous improvement methodologies to drive operational excellence and eliminate waste.
· Prepare and present project updates, risk assessments, and performance metrics to leadership and key stakeholders.
· Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and customer service level agreements (SLAs).
Operations Management (Post-Implementation Phase)
- Assume full operational ownership of accounts following project completion.
- Oversee daily order fulfillment, receiving, inventory control, and shipping activities for assigned clients.
- Manage labor planning, productivity metrics, and service level performance.
- Lead, train, and coach team members to maintain consistent execution and operational excellence.
- Partner with customers to review performance metrics, resolve issues, and identify continuous improvement opportunities.
- Drive cost efficiency, safety compliance, and adherence to company policies.
Core Competencies
- Customer Onboarding & Relationship Management
- Leadership & Team Development
- Operational Process Optimization
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Continuous Improvement / Lean Leadership
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Accountability & Follow-Through
- Operational Excellence
Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree preferred in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
· 3–5 years of project management and operations experience within a 3PL or fulfillment center environment.
· Strong understanding of warehouse management systems (WMS), order fulfillment processes, and inventory management.
· Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
· Exceptional communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
· Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools (e.g.,, MS Project).
Working Environment:
This position operates in a fast-paced 3PL fulfillment environment that includes both office and warehouse settings. The Project Manager will:
· Spend time on the warehouse floor observing processes, collaborating with operations teams, and ensuring project execution.
· Work within multiple offices and facilities, coordinating across various customer accounts and locations.
· Be exposed to warehouse conditions, including varying temperatures, noise levels, and equipment in operation.
· Occasionally travel between facilities or customer sites as needed to support implementation.