Sr. Project Manager

KPI Solutions is a national supply chain consulting and warehouse automation systems integrator, helping some of the biggest names in e-commerce, retail, and distribution move product faster and smarter. Formed in 2021 through the combination of Kuecker Logistics Group, PULSE Integration, and QC Software, KPI brings together decades of material handling and systems integration experience — rooted in material handling integration dating back to 1971. From initial design through go-live and ongoing support, KPI delivers engineered solutions that blend automated technologies (MHE, robotics, conveyor, ASRS, AMR/AGV) with intelligent warehouse execution software to optimize productivity, increase fulfillment speed, and build operational resilience for clients.

The Sr. Project Manager leads the delivery of complex warehouse automation and material handling equipment (MHE) implementation projects from initiation through go-live and closeout. This role owns the full project lifecycle for 2–4 concurrent client engagements — spanning design, procurement, robotics and automation integration, installation, commissioning, and transition to operations — while managing budget, schedule, vendor performance, and stakeholder relationships at every level, including executive sponsors. This is a highly visible role suited to a project leader who is equally comfortable in a technical design review, a vendor negotiation, and an executive steering committee meeting.

•       Lead end-to-end delivery of 2–4 assigned client projects involving material handling equipment (MHE), robotics, and warehouse automation systems (e.g., AS/RS, AMR/AGV, conveyor, sortation, goods-to-person, WCS/WES/WMS software).

•       Manage the complete project lifecycle — initiation, planning, execution, monitoring/controlling, and closure — for Design-Bid-Build and turnkey systems integration projects.

•       Oversee robotics and automation integration and installation phases on-site, coordinating factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), commissioning, and go-live cutover with minimal disruption to client operations.

•       Read, interpret, and apply automated system design drawings and layouts to track scope, sequence installation work, and resolve field-fit issues.

•       Own project P&L: build and manage project budgets, track costs against forecast, and report financial performance and variances to internal leadership and client stakeholders.

•       Manage change orders, scope changes, and commercial impacts, ensuring margin protection and accurate financial forecasting across the project lifecycle.

•       Prepare and present project financials, schedules, and status reports in client-facing formats appropriate for executive audiences.

•       Manage third-party equipment vendors, integrators, and subcontractors — including scheduling, performance, quality, and on-site coordination with both onsite and remote project personnel.

•       Hold vendors accountable to contractual scope, schedule, and quality commitments; escalate and resolve vendor performance issues that put project milestones at risk.

•       Coordinate procurement timelines for MHE and automation equipment to align with installation and go-live schedules.

•       Serve as the primary point of accountability for assigned clients, building trust and credibility with stakeholders at all levels — from site operators to executive sponsors.

•       Act as a staunch customer advocate internally, translating client priorities into project decisions and surfacing risks proactively rather than reactively.

•       Lead steering committee updates, client business reviews, and executive presentations, communicating status, risk, and financial performance clearly to non-technical and executive audiences alike.

•       Manage cross-functional internal stakeholders — engineering, controls, software, procurement, and field services — to keep delivery aligned and on schedule.

•       Identify, track, and mitigate project risks throughout the lifecycle; maintain a proactive risk and issue log with clear ownership and resolution paths.

•       Manage formal change control processes for scope, schedule, and budget changes.

•       Ensure IQ/OQ/PQ and FAT/SAT documentation and quality checkpoints are completed and signed off before go-live.

•       5–7+ years of progressive project management and leadership experience delivering large, multi-site projects, with a high level of customer focus and a culture of accountability — preferably in warehouse automation, MHE, robotics, e-commerce/retail distribution & fulfillment, software, or logistics.

•       Direct experience managing warehouse automation or MHE implementation projects, including robotics integration and installation, from design through commissioning and go-live.

•       Experience managing Design-Bid-Build projects and owning project budgets/P&L, including cost tracking, forecasting, and change order management.

•       Demonstrated experience managing third-party vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors, including onsite and remote project personnel.

•       Ability to read and understand automated system design drawings/layouts.

•       Proven high-level stakeholder and executive relationship management — able to build trust, respect, and confidence with customers at all levels, including the executive level.

•       Ability to work effectively in high-pressure, high-stress environments while maintaining composure and professionalism.

•       Strong business acumen and financial, organizational, and project management skills.

•       Excellent client-facing and internal communication skills, both oral and written, including experience preparing and delivering client-facing presentations.

•       Proficiency with MS Office and MS Project.

•       Willingness to travel 25–50% to KPI Centers of Excellence (COEs), corporate offices, and project sites as needed.

•       PMP certification.

•       Background in e-commerce, retail distribution and fulfillment, software, automation, and/or logistics.

•       Familiarity with core automation/controls vocabulary (PLC/SCADA/HMI, ASRS, AMR/AGV, GTP) and systems integrator project environments.

This position has no direct reports however will manage 3rd party suppliers/vendors and employees working on their assigned projects, both onsite and remote. Will guide/direct site supervisors/leads and collaborate with fellow project and program managers.