Job Description
Project Manager – Logistics Transformation (IoR Transition & 3PL / DC Implementation)
9 months Contract Role
Role Context
This role leads two mission-critical supply chain transformation programs for a large, fast-moving retail joint venture in Asia-Pacific. Both initiatives run in parallel and require zero tolerance for disruption to store availability or peak trading.
- Importer of Record (IoR) Transition
- Transition from a third-party IoR model to an in-house IoR for free-importable containers (target: Jan 2026).
- 3PL Implementation & Distribution Centre Transition
- End-to-end transition to a new 3PL, covering systems integration, inventory migration, operational readiness, and go-live stabilisation.
The Project Manager acts as the single point of orchestration, ensuring disciplined execution, strong governance, controlled risk, and cross-functional alignment across Inventory, Sourcing, International Supply Chain, Distribution, Technology, Finance, and external partners.
Key Accountabilities
1. Importer of Record (IoR) Transition
Discovery & Readiness
- Lead cross-functional workshops to map current-state (third-party IoR) vs target-state (in-house IoR) processes.
- Identify readiness gaps across compliance, systems, inventory ownership, financial flows, and operations.
- Define trial scope, KPIs, success criteria, and decision gates.
- Build and publish a detailed trial project plan with milestones, dependencies, and RACI.
Trial Execution & Validation
- Coordinate end-to-end trial execution across:
- Supplier documentation and sourcing readiness
- Inventory ownership and financial flows
- Inbound supply chain operations
- Distribution centre receiving and downstream processes
- System configuration and data accuracy
- Track KPIs covering cost, lead time, service levels, and compliance.
- Own issue management, root-cause analysis, and remediation actions.
Cost & Business Case Ownership
- Partner with Finance and Supply Chain to validate total landed cost under in-house IoR vs third-party IoR.
- Quantify one-off transition costs and ongoing BAU impacts.
- Consolidate trial outcomes into a fact-based executive business case, including risks and mitigations.
- Support leadership go / no-go decision-making.
Full IoR Rollout
- Develop the detailed rollout plan post-approval.
- Define cutover, contingency, and hypercare models.
- Lead cross-functional execution through go-live.
2. 3PL Implementation & DC Transition
Transition Planning
- Assess and challenge transition plans submitted by shortlisted 3PL providers.
- Partner with internal distribution teams and the selected 3PL to finalise a detailed, executable transition plan.
Internal Alignment & Governance
- Lead internal resource planning across Operations, Inventory, IT, Finance, Property / Mall Coordination, and other workstreams.
- Finalise and publish RACI aligned to the transition timeline.
IT & Systems Integration
- Lead IT and Inventory teams to define integration scope and sequencing.
- Ensure 3PL system workstreams are clearly defined with owners and timelines.
- Identify and escalate technical risks and dependencies early.
Operational Readiness & UAT
- Oversee facility readiness, dry runs, and operational simulations.
- Lead end-to-end UAT covering all critical scenarios.
- Drive UAT sign-off and manage formal Go / No-Go decisions.
Inventory Migration
- Design and validate inventory movement plans into the new DC.
- Secure cross-functional sign-off (Inventory, Operations, Store Fulfilment, Finance, 3PL).
- Ensure no impact to store availability or peak trading readiness.
SteerCo & Executive Communication
- Lead weekly project and IT huddles (internal and external).
- Maintain dashboards, risk logs, and mitigation plans.
- Prepare materials for SteerCo and senior leadership forums.
Key Deliverables
- Cross-functional readiness assessments and gap analysis
- Trial and transition project plans with milestones and RACI
- Cost impact analysis and executive business cases
- System integration plans and UAT sign-off
- Go-live, cutover, and hypercare plans
- Executive-level reporting and governance packs