WMS Implementation Manager

Great Lakes Cheese - Hiram, OH

Full-time - Mid Level

Hiram, OH

Food Manufacturing

About the position

The Warehouse Management System (WMS) Implementation Manager is a pivotal role responsible for the project planning and successful implementation of a new Warehouse Management System across all Distribution Centers and Plant Warehouses within the Great Lakes Cheese National Network. This position requires a strategic leader who can coordinate operational requirements and ensure that the implementation meets the standards set forth by the organization. The WMS Implementation Manager will lead the implementation process at each site, collaborating closely with IT, local warehouse and plant management, Quality Assurance, Safety teams, and implementation consultants to ensure a seamless transition to the new system. In this role, the manager will oversee the project team throughout the various phases of the implementation, including concept development, testing, and the go-live process. It is essential to assure that all requirement standards are met and to provide hypercare support at the site location until the system and operations are stable. The manager will also be responsible for providing weekly updates to upper management regarding the project status, identifying any issues, and developing plans to address them. This includes conducting User Acceptance Testing (UAT), training, and operational gap analysis, as well as ensuring functional transaction readiness and overseeing EWM integration. The WMS Implementation Manager will also play a crucial role in fostering collaboration across functions to support optimal outcomes and will initiate and support continuous improvement plans. Daily management and supervision of the EWM team will be part of the responsibilities, which includes staffing, retention, and talent development. Additionally, the manager will participate with the Management Team to develop and implement adherence to Great Lakes Cheese and Plant procedures, ensuring that all employees perform their tasks according to safety policies and procedures while maintaining high-quality production standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead Warehouse Management System (WMS) Implementation across all GLC sites.
• Coordinate operational requirement standards of the WMS for the Great Lakes Cheese Network.
• Work with IT, local warehouse and plant management, Quality Assurance, Safety, and implementation consultants for successful implementation.
• Ensure requirement standards are met through concept, testing, and go-live oversight.
• Manage change requirements at each site and develop training programs to support staff.
• Provide go-live hypercare support until system and operation are stable.
• Provide weekly updates to management on project status and address issues.
• Conduct User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and operational gap analysis.
• Oversee functional transaction readiness and EWM integration.
• Support continuous improvement plans and collaborate across functions for optimal outcomes.
• Manage and supervise the EWM team, focusing on staffing, retention, and talent development.
• Participate in developing and implementing adherence to GLC and Plant procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, IT, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or Industrial Engineering.
• 4 years of warehouse management system experience or more.
• 5 years of warehouse experience or more.
• Ability to provide leadership, support, communication, and direction to the project implementation team.
• In-depth understanding of inventory control and warehouse operations management.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, troubleshoot, and problem-solve beyond routine issues.
• Detailed experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and RF bar code driven operations.
• Strong leadership skills with a clear vision and objectives that support a team-based culture.
• Direct work experience in project management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and advanced computer skills.

Nice-to-haves

• SAP experience with WM or EWM.
• Food warehousing experience.
• PMP or similar project management certification.
• Temperature controlled warehouse experience.
• Production integrated warehouse experience.
• High volume and high inventory turn warehouse experience.