Project Lead Implementation Wagner Logistics - 2.8 North Kansas City, MO Job Details 2 hours ago Qualifications Customer communication Microsoft Excel Writing skills Microsoft Teams Leading team collaboration initiatives Managing projects Productivity software Cross-functional team management Cross-functional communication

Full Job Description Summary:

The Project Lead is responsible for coordinating and executing customer implementations, new facility startups, and operational transitions across Wagner Logistics. This role serves as the central project coordinator, ensuring all implementation activities are planned, communicated, tracked, and completed on schedule. The Project Lead works cross-functionally with Operations, Solutions, IT, Engineering, Accounting, HR, Safety, Transportation, and Customer teams to facilitate successful project execution from contract signing through operational stabilization. This position is responsible for maintaining project plans, managing implementation timelines, facilitating meetings, tracking action items, monitoring budgets, and ensuring operational readiness prior to go-live.

What You'll Be Doing:

Project Management & Coordination (35%) Develop, maintain, and manage detailed implementation project plans and timelines. Coordinate all startup activities associated with new customer onboarding and facility launches. Track milestones, deliverables, risks, dependencies, and action items throughout the project lifecycle. Monitor project progress and proactively identify potential delays or obstacles. Escalate project risks and unresolved issues to the Manager - Implementation & Operational Enablement. Ensure all implementation checklists and startup requirements are completed before go-live. Cross-Functional Leadership (25%) Coordinate implementation efforts across Operations, IT, Solutions, Engineering, Accounting, HR, Safety, Transportation, and other support departments. Serve as the primary internal point of coordination during implementation projects. Facilitate communication between departments to ensure alignment on project objectives, timelines, and responsibilities. Hold stakeholders accountable for assigned deliverables and due dates. Maintain visibility of project status and communicate updates to leadership. Customer Onboarding & Startup Support (15%) Participate in customer onboarding meetings and implementation calls. Document customer requirements, operational workflows, reporting needs, and service expectations. Assist in identifying potential scope gaps, operational risks, and startup challenges. Support the development and implementation of customer-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Coordinate customer readiness activities leading up to go-live. Operational Readiness & Stabilization (15%) Verify readiness of systems, facilities, staffing, training, reporting, and operational processes prior to launch. Coordinate startup activities during the first 30, 60, and 90 days of operation. Monitor implementation performance against established expectations and KPIs. Assist with issue resolution and process improvements during stabilization periods. Support operational handoff from implementation to ongoing operations teams. Reporting, Documentation & Continuous Improvement (10%) Maintain implementation documentation, project files, meeting notes, and status reports. Develop project dashboards and KPI tracking tools. Monitor implementation budgets, hours, and approved project spending. Identify opportunities to improve implementation processes, tools, and standards. Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Implementation & Operational Enablement department. Support special projects and initiatives as assigned and approved by the Manager - Implementation & Operational Enablement. Key Responsibilities Manage multiple implementation projects simultaneously. Schedule and facilitate project meetings. Create and maintain project status reports. Track implementation budgets and resource utilization. Coordinate startup activities for new customers and facilities. Ensure completion of all implementation documentation. Support customer onboarding and operational readiness activities. Drive accountability across cross-functional teams. Maintain implementation standards and best practices. Assist with departmental improvement initiatives and special projects as requested and approved by the Manager - Implementation & Operational Enablement.

What You'll Need:

Education Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, Project Management, or related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. Experience 3-5 years of experience in project coordination, implementation, operations, logistics, supply chain, or related fields. Experience managing multiple projects and competing priorities. Experience working with cross-functional teams. Experience in warehousing, transportation, or third-party logistics environments preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong project management and organizational skills. Excellent verbal and written communication abilities. Strong attention to detail and follow-through. Ability to influence and coordinate teams without direct authority. Effective problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Teams, Excel, and project management tools. Experience with Smartsheet, WMS, TMS, ERP systems, or implementation software preferred. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) On-time completion of implementation milestones. Customer startup success rate. Project budget adherence. Action item completion rate. Customer onboarding satisfaction. Go-live readiness performance. 30/60/90-day stabilization success. SOP completion and training compliance. Reduction in implementation delays and escalations. Travel Requirements Up to 25% travel, including customer locations, startup facilities, and implementation support activities. This position may be based at or assigned to any Wagner Logistics facility or corporate office, depending on business needs. The selected candidate must be willing and able to work from any Wagner Logistics location as assigned and support implementation projects across the company's network. Physical Requirements Ability to work in both office and warehouse environments. Ability to occasionally travel and visit customers or operational sites. Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use a computer for extended periods. Success in This Role Success is demonstrated through the consistent delivery of customer implementations that are completed on time, within scope, operationally ready, and successfully transitioned to ongoing operations. The Project Lead creates visibility, accountability, and coordination across departments while ensuring a positive customer onboarding experience. Wagner is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran, or other protected status. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Protected Veterans Education Preferred Bachelor or better in Supply Chain Mgmt or related field Skills Required Planning & Organizing Cross-functional flexibility Project Management Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.