Building Transition Project Manager

Orchard Retail Group USA; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics and retail company is seeking a Transition Project Manager to lead a consolidation project from two warehouses to a single facility. This role involves managing project deliverables, ensuring safety and efficiency during the transition, and requiring strong expertise in logistics transitions and facility readiness. The contractor operates independently, governs their methods and schedules, and requires mid-senior level project management experience. Opportunities exist for a hybrid working model.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success leading complex warehouse consolidations or logistics transitions.
• Expertise in facility readiness, inventory migration, and food-safety continuity.
• Experience coordinating technology transitions and data migration.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a transition from two warehouses to one facility.
• Manage project charter, readiness verification, and technology transition.
• Ensure compliance with safety and food-safety protocols.

Skills

Leading complex warehouse consolidations

Expertise in facility readiness

Strong executive communication

Risk management

Stakeholder facilitation

Job description

Transition Project Manager

Deliver a time‑bound, deliverables‑based transition from two warehouses to one facility, improving safety, efficiency, and service.

Term (estimated)

24–36 months, with phased milestones; contractor sets methods and schedule to meet deliverables.

Engagement Sponsor

Chief Operating Officer – approves deliverables and outcomes; does not direct day‑to‑day methods.

Independence

Contractor operates an independently established business, can use own tools and may serve other clients, and controls how work is performed.

Site Access

On‑site presence for discovery, readiness checks, cutover, and post‑move support as needed; remote work otherwise.

Scope of Services & Deliverables

1) Project Charter

• Project charter, high‑level scope, success criteria, and stakeholder map.

2) Facility Readiness Verification

• Facility readiness checklist covering build‑out, racking, utilities, life‑safety, compliance, and permits.
• Gap list with remediation actions, owners, and target dates.

3) Technology & Infrastructure Transition

• Transition plan for network and core systems (e.g., ERP, WMS), including data migration and user acceptance test approach.
• Go‑live runbook for technology cutover and stabilization.
• Move plan for material‑handling and building systems (forklifts, refrigeration, conveyors, security, office furniture).
• Commissioning checklists and acceptance criteria.

5) Inventory Transfer & Food‑Safety Continuity

• Inventory migration plan (lot/expiration control, temperature integrity, documentation, and chain‑of‑custody).
• Exception handling and reconciliation process.

6) Process Design & Operating Documents

• Future‑state process maps and standard operating documents for receiving, putaway, slotting, picking, packing, staging, shipping/appointments, sanitation/workplace organization, and returns/residuals.
• Visual management aids (dashboards/boards) and performance measures.

7) Change Management Materials (in partnership with Workplace Strategy Lead)

• Training plan, reference guides, and a communications toolkit for staff.
• Go‑live command‑center plan and post‑go‑live support (“hypercare”) plan.

8) Budget & Executive Reporting

• Periodic budget variance summaries and recommended mitigations.
• Executive‑level status reports aligned to agreed milestones and metrics.

Acceptance Criteria

Each deliverable will include scope, assumptions, dependencies, acceptance criteria, and measurable outcomes. Deliverables are deemed accepted upon written approval by the Engagement Sponsor (or designee) within an agreed review window; otherwise, the contractor will address documented gaps and resubmit.

Timeline & Milestones

• Phase 1 (Mobilize & Assess): Charter, plan, readiness baseline, risk log.
• Phase 3 (Execute & Cutover): Facility acceptance, equipment commissioning, inventory migration, go‑live command center.
• Phase 4 (Stabilize & Handover): Hypercare metrics, issue closure, handover of final documentation.

Client Responsibilities

• Provide timely access to facilities, systems, data, and internal subject‑matter experts.
• Manage any union, policy, or employment‑related matters; the contractor will not supervise employees.
• Determine the means and methods of performance, staffing, sequencing, and tools.
• Provide own equipment/software and any subcontractors (with prior written consent); remain responsible for quality and delivery.
• Comply with all site safety and food‑safety protocols while on premises.
• Maintain business licenses and good standing; provide a W‑9.

Qualifications (Capabilities of the Firm/Consultant)

• Demonstrated success leading complex warehouse consolidations or logistics transitions.
• Expertise in facility readiness, equipment moves/commissioning, inventory migration, and food‑safety continuity.
• Experience coordinating technology transitions (e.g., ERP/WMS), data migration, and user acceptance testing.
• Strong executive communication, risk management, and stakeholder facilitation.

Insurance & Compliance

• Professional Liability / Errors & Omissions.
• Workers’ Compensation/Employers’ Liability: As required by law (or valid exemption if sole proprietor, where permitted).
• Automobile Liability: If driving on behalf of the engagement.
• Evidence of coverage required prior to start; client named as additional insured where customary.

Fees, Invoicing & Expenses

• Commercial model: Fixed‑fee by milestone or time‑and‑materials with a not‑to‑exceed cap (propose structure and rates).
• Invoices submitted against accepted deliverables or approved time; Net 30 terms.
• Pre‑approved, reasonable travel or out‑of‑pocket expenses reimbursed per client policy.

Intellectual Property & Confidentiality

• All work products created specifically for this engagement will be owned by the client upon full payment.
• Contractor will protect confidential information and return/destroy materials at closeout.

Conflict of Interest & Governance

Any potential conflicts (including familial relationships with client employees or officers) must be disclosed. Note: Final classification as an independent contractor depends on contractor’s ability to comply with applicable laws governing such classification.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Project Management and Information Technology

Industries

Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage