Software Project Manager II

About Us

Daifuku Intralogistics America Corporation is a leading provider of intelligent material handling systems. With hundreds of engineers in-house, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs a full spectrum of intralogistics solutions to meet client needs. These include leading-edge conveyor and sortation systems, voice- and light-directed order fulfillment equipment, a suite of warehouse controls & execution software, robotics, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), mezzanines, and structures, all backed by critical round-the-clock service and support.

About the Role

The Software Project Manager II provides support and technical expertise to the Daifuku Intralogistics Project Management team. This role is responsible for executing projects as Software Project Manager of Warehouse Controls Systems (WCS) and Warehouse Execution Systems (WES). During project execution, Software Project Management utilizes a matrix organization by following the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).

Responsibilities

• Thoroughly understand project scopes and requirements.
• Read and analyze Scope of Work/RFQ/Proposal and Estimated Cost (Cost Sales Worksheet) to perform initial gap analysis and develop a high-level software schedule.
• Provide software project management expertise for material handling automation projects involving a wide variety of equipment, machines, and technologies.
• Plan, execute, and complete material handling equipment projects involving software through the software development life cycle.
• Act as the main point of contact for external customers to plan and manage implementation project tasks.
• Work with clients to obtain information, deliverables, and approvals.
• Maintain contact with client representatives to identify and respond to client requests as needed.
• Assist with coordination and planning with project teams and customers to define, write, and execute the Business Requirement Document (BRD) and UML Diagrams.
• Assist with coordination and planning of hardware and network requirements working with the Software Team and Client.
• Coordinate and plan testing lifecycles (Internal QA, Conference Room Pilot, Factory Acceptance Testing, On Site Commissioning, User Acceptance Testing) and testing requirements.
• Coordinate, plan, and support resources with onsite activities.
• Coordinate, plan, and support Go Live Support activities.
• Assist with coordination and planning of roadmap strategy for products developed by Daifuku Intralogistics Software Engineering Group.
• Follow established workflows and processes.
• Utilize project management tools to manage both internal and external resources to facilitate project deliverables.
• Adhere to guidelines and standards established for implementation.
• Raise project issues and risks, communicating properly to stakeholders.
• Oversee implementation regarding resources, timing, budget, and quality.
• Ensure successful transition of clients from implementation to go-live.
• Help project managers to close out projects and gain client acceptance.
• Create, manage, and report on WCS Software Project Portfolio within Project Web App.
• Analyze WCS Software Resources within Project Web App to identify risk, modifications, and improvements.
• Support the overall project management team by managing schedule, project budget, installation plan, punchlist items, and risk assessment.
• Create and maintain a documented project schedule; keep complete records of every project, including in-scope deliverables, changelog, action items, issues, and risk monitoring log for software-related items.
• Manage project financials for the software, including budget and forecasting, change requests, and monthly project reports.
• Communicate verbal and written project status to both customers and internal teams.
• Deliver solutions within defined budgets and aggressive timelines while following Wynright project standards.
• Attend project and client meetings, take detailed notes, and coordinate next steps.
• Work with Corporate Services for project entry, billing, invoicing, and acceptance of project.
• Coordinate payment terms and keep preferred subcontractors and other vendors qualified.
• Work within a geographically diverse, US-based, matrixed organization.
• Develop request for quotation templates and review subcontractors’ RFQs for completeness.
• Analyze problems, generate and implement solutions, and assess the success of the plan.
• Assist with building department reports that pertain to financials, status, and leading team meetings.
• Prepare and present vital information to client and/or company stakeholders with minimal support and guidance.
• Improve and maintain efficient and profitable operations that produce the highest quality of services.
• Promote solutions that benefit the business, client, and the team.
• Travel as required up to 30%, typically during Definition, Conference Room Pilot, User Acceptance Testing, and Go Live.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 4-7 years of related experience.
• Experience in the material handling industry, warehouse distribution, and warehouse automation.
• Knowledge of materials handling, WMS, WCS, WES, order fulfillment, distribution center operations, and supply chain logistics software offerings.
• Knowledge of complex warehousing functions including Receiving, Order Fulfillment, Shipping, Picking, Replenishment, Buffering, Order Management, and Inventory.
• Ability to understand and explain database, server, and network requirements that support warehouse functions.
• Experience leading project management of small, medium, and large-size automation projects.
• Knowledge of automation projects involving machines, robotics, controls, and software.
• Understanding of concepts of automated storage and retrieval systems, conveyor systems, and communication with the PLC Layer.
• Knowledge of the Software Development Lifecycle (Define, Design, Development, QA, Implementation, UAT, Training, Turnover to Support).
• Experience with Agile or Waterfall Methodology.
• Ability to plan high-level and detailed milestone schedules related to software.
• Ability to report progress, risk, delays, and mitigation plans during project execution.
• Knowledge of Team Foundation Server and SharePoint version control systems.
• Experience with task-driven systems like Jira or Work Items.
• Knowledge of business practices and project management.
• Experience with risk mitigation and project scheduling based on durations and resource availability.
• Ability to negotiate with customers and prioritize expected software deliverables.
• Ability to manage customer relationships and expectations autonomously during development and implementation lifecycle.
• Ability to handle multiple project assignments and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment while paying attention to detail and deadlines.
• Ability to report on project status and financials for individual projects and the department software portfolio.
• Ability to work weekends and evenings as required, particularly during project go-live events.
• Strong organization and collaborative skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and listening skills.
• Ability to prepare and present vital information to client and/or company stakeholders with minimal support and guidance.
• Technically savvy with tools required to perform at a high level with consistent results.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team as well as independently.
• Leadership skills to ensure deadlines are met consistently.
• Self-motivated and driven.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Adept at handling pressure and working under stress.
• Proven success in a customer-facing role.
• Ability to assess deliverables to ensure they meet outlined design, content, and functionality requirements.
• Solid interpersonal skills with a strong sense of responsibility and personal initiative.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Word, Visio (plus), and Excel skills, with Microsoft Project skills and general knowledge of all other Microsoft Office applications.