Startup Projects Director

Kane Logistics; Elwood (IL); Remote; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company is seeking a Startup Project Director to oversee start-up projects across the U.S. The ideal candidate will manage facility operations, ensuring integration of design and operational readiness while leading project teams and collaboration across departments. This remote role requires extensive experience in e-commerce fulfillment and facility startup management. Attractive compensation includes competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company matching

Generous PTO and sick time

Company holidays

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in large-scale e-commerce fulfillment.
• Demonstrated expertise in distribution center infrastructure planning.
• Strong knowledge of facility systems like HVAC and power.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of new facility startups and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Manage on-site startup execution and coordinate vendors.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Stakeholder Alignment

Operational Optimization

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field

MBA

Job description

Description

Position Overview:

The Startup Project Director is a strategic, hands-on leader responsible for executing end-to-end greenfield and brownfield startup projects across our U.S. network. This role serves as the bridge between solution design, construction, and operational readiness, ensuring our facilities are launch-ready and aligned with both corporate standards and client expectations. From early-stage feasibility assessments through go-live, you’ll be on the ground making decisions that directly impact the success of each site launch.

Location:Remote. The selected internal or external candidate must live in the EST or CST time zone

Work Schedule:Monday -Friday 8AM-5PM, other hours based on business needs for emergencies and urgent items that need immediate attention

TravelSpecific:50% travel and subject to change based on business needs as we develop new startup locations across the USA

Competitive Compensation:Attractive annual salary $150,000- $180,000 plus bonus opportunity.In addition, with base salary, our total rewardsincludecomprehensive benefits; medical,dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with company matching, generous PTO, sick time, and company holidays. Compensation is based on experience, skills, and education

This position is posted in multiple cities. We are currently hiring for 2 roles at this time.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all aspects of new facility startups from site assessment through project handoff to Operations
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Business Solutions, Engineering, Real Estate, and Operations to bring each site to life
• Support early-stage site analysis: evaluate utilities, structural capacity, space planning, and operational feasibility
• Oversee construction and infrastructure layout decisions: HVAC, power requirements, racking design, dock configuration, office sizing/placement
• Manage on-site startup execution: coordinate vendors, deliveries, contractors, and build milestones as go-live nears
• Recruit, train, and oversee project team members as needed for each site
• Develop and maintain implementation schedules, status reports, and executive updates
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and GMP guidelines throughout project lifecycle
• Transition projects from “crawl/walk/run” phase to steady-state operations, ensuring readiness for handoff
• Travel cadence adjusts by project stage, typically home-based early, then 1–2 weeks on-site per month as go-live approaches

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• 5+ years’ experience in large-scale e-commerce fulfillment, 3PL, or distribution environments, specifically leading facility startup projects
• Demonstrated expertise in distribution center infrastructure planning including racking, layout design, construction flow, and operational optimization
• Prior work experience with a tier-1 e-commerce or globally recognized distribution operation is required
• Working knowledge of warehouse automation, continuous improvement methodologies, and modern WMS systems
• Proven experience in managing greenfield and brownfield startups with an operations-first mindset
• Strong knowledge of facility systems (HVAC, power, space planning) and ability to contribute to infrastructure design decisions
• Advanced project management capability with excellent time management, communication, and stakeholder alignment skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally and drive execution across internal and external teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field; MBA preferred