The Director of Technical Software Project Management is responsible for leading and overseeing all software-related project initiatives across KPI Solutions' portfolio of supply chain and warehouse automation engagements. This role bridges the gap between software development, systems integration, controls engineering, and client operations to ensure the successful delivery of KPI's intelligent warehouse software platforms — including warehouse management systems (WMS), warehouse execution systems (WES), and warehouse control systems (WCS). The Director will drive project strategy, manage cross-functional teams, and ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget while upholding KPI Solutions' reputation for engineering excellence.
Strategic Leadership
- Define and execute the software project management strategy in alignment with KPI Solutions' growth objectives and client commitments.
- Establish and refine project management methodologies, standards, and best practices across all technical software initiatives.
- Collaborate with KPI executive leadership to prioritize the project portfolio and allocate resources effectively across concurrent client engagements.
- Contribute to KPI's technology-agnostic approach by evaluating and recommending best-of-breed software solutions for client needs.
Project Oversight & Delivery
- Oversee the full lifecycle of technical software projects, from requirements gathering and design through development, testing, deployment, and post-go-live support.
- Manage multiple concurrent projects involving WMS, WES, WCS, SCADA, PLC integration, and software for robotics and automation platforms such as AutoStore, Geek+, Hai Robotics, and other KPI technology partners.
- Ensure projects meet quality standards, client expectations, and contractual obligations.
- Identify and mitigate project risks, removing roadblocks and escalating issues as needed.
- Coordinate closely with KPI's systems integration and consulting teams to align software deliverables with overall facility design and automation strategy.
Team Management & Development
- Lead, mentor, and grow a team of technical project managers and coordinators.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence consistent with KPI Solutions' values.
- Conduct performance evaluations, set professional development goals, and support career advancement within the team.
- Recruit and retain top talent in a competitive market for technical project management professionals.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Serve as the primary liaison between software engineering, systems integration, controls engineering, sales, and client stakeholders.
- Partner with KPI's solutions architects and engineers to ensure software deliverables integrate seamlessly with material handling systems, conveyors, sortation equipment, AS/RS, AGVs/AMRs, and robotic systems.
- Coordinate with client operations teams during system commissioning, user acceptance testing (UAT), and go-live events.
- Collaborate with KPI's Lifetime Services team to ensure smooth transitions from project delivery to ongoing support.
Financial & Resource Management
- Develop and manage software project budgets, forecasts, and resource plans for software project engagements.
- Track software project financials, including labor costs, vendor expenses, and margin performance.
- Provide regular reporting on software project status, KPIs, and financial health to senior leadership.
Process Improvement
- Implement and continuously improve project management tools, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms.
- Drive adoption of Agile, hybrid, or other appropriate methodologies tailored to KPI's software delivery environment.
- Establish lessons-learned processes and ensure knowledge transfer across projects and client engagements.
Competencies
- Strategic Thinking – Ability to align project execution with KPI Solutions' broader business objectives and client success.
- Technical Acumen – Deep understanding of software development lifecycles, warehouse automation technologies, and systems integration.
- Leadership – Inspires and develops high-performing project management teams in a fast-paced, client-facing environment.
- Client Focus – Committed to delivering exceptional outcomes and building lasting client relationships that reflect KPI's reputation.
- Problem Solving – Navigates complexity and ambiguity with sound judgment and decisive action.
- Communication – Articulates technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, from engineers to C-suite executives.
- Collaboration – Thrives in KPI's cross-functional, team-oriented culture.
Travel
- Up to 25–40% travel may be required for client site visits, system go-lives, KPI headquarters collaboration, and industry events (e.g., MHI, ProMat, LINK).
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 10+ years of experience in technical software project management, with at least 5 years in a leadership or director-level role.
- Demonstrated experience delivering software solutions in the material handling, warehouse automation, supply chain, or logistics industry.
- Strong understanding of WMS, WES, WCS, PLC/SCADA systems, and their integration with material handling equipment and robotics.
- Proficiency in project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid) and tools (e.g., Jira, MS Project, Smartsheet, Azure DevOps).
- Proven ability to manage large-scale, multi-million-dollar software implementation projects across multiple simultaneous client engagements.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred
- Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Engineering Management, or related field.
- PMP, PgMP, or SAFe certification.
- Experience with robotics and automation software platforms from KPI technology partners such as AutoStore, Geek+, Hai Robotics, or similar.
- Familiarity with cloud-based architecture, APIs, and data integration in supply chain environments.
- Experience working with 3PL, eCommerce, retail, or food and beverage distribution clients.
- Prior experience at a systems integrator or in a consulting-driven project delivery model.
Benefits
- Health Care Concierge Service
- 401(k) Retirement Plan (Pre-tax & Roth)
- Company paid Basic Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability & Long-Term Disability
- Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance
- Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- Wellness Program with gift card redemption and wellness challenges
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & 10 Holidays)
- Training & Development
KPI Solutions provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by states, federal, or local law.