Project Manager Logistics Transformation

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.

1. Importer of Record (IoR) Transition
2. Transition from a third-party IoR model to an in-house IoR for free-importable containers (target: Jan 2026).
3. 3PL Implementation & Distribution Centre Transition
4. 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