Project Manager – Reverse Logistics & Operations
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Project Manager – Reverse Logistics & Operations to lead strategic initiatives across our fulfillment, diagnostics, repair, refurbishment, and rebox operations. This role is ideal for a hands-on operations leader with strong project management capabilities and a proven track record of driving process improvements in high-volume supply chain environments.
The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, executing, and optimizing operational projects that improve efficiency, reduce turnaround times, increase refurbishment yield, and ensure the highest quality standards. In Lenovo's NCSC IDG organization, automation and continuous improvement are core business priorities, requiring close collaboration with cross-functional teams across Operations, Engineering, IT, Quality, Supply Chain, and Warehouse Management.
This position requires a highly organized and structured project manager who can effectively translate business requirements into actionable plans while maintaining cost, schedule, and quality objectives. The role is both strategic and operational, with opportunities to work directly on the warehouse floor alongside teams to implement and validate process improvements.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Execution
- Lead end-to-end operational projects supporting fulfillment, repair, refurbishment, reverse logistics, and rebox operations.
- Develop project plans, timelines, risk assessments, resource plans, budgets, and key performance metrics.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet defined quality objectives.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams and manage stakeholder expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
- Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful project execution.
Workflow Engineering & Process Optimization
- Design and optimize warehouse workflows, facility floor layouts, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Improve processes for incoming returns, diagnostics, component-level repairs, refurbishment, testing, quality inspection, and final packaging.
- Identify and eliminate bottlenecks impacting throughput, turnaround time (TAT), productivity, and operational efficiency.
- Translate complex engineering and repair requirements into practical, repeatable processes for warehouse and operations teams.
Capacity Planning & Resource Management
- Forecast processing volumes and align labor scheduling, testing equipment, workstations, packaging materials, and operational resources with business demand.
- Support workforce planning and resource allocation to maximize productivity and service levels.
- Monitor capacity utilization and recommend operational adjustments based on changing business requirements.
Systems Integration & Automation
- Partner with IT, Engineering, and Operations teams to implement and enhance Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), ERP platforms, inventory tracking solutions, and automation initiatives.
- Ensure accurate inventory visibility, product traceability, serialization tracking, and process controls throughout the refurbishment lifecycle.
- Support digital transformation projects and continuous automation efforts that improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
Vendor, Parts & Inventory Management
- Coordinate with suppliers, procurement teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure the availability of spare parts, repair components, testing materials, and packaging supplies.
- Mitigate supply risks that could impact operational performance, customer commitments, or production schedules.
- Drive inventory accuracy and material availability across all operational processes.
Continuous Improvement
- Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence initiatives to improve performance and reduce waste.
- Utilize data-driven methodologies to reduce scrap rates, lower repair costs, increase refurbishment yield, and improve product quality.
- Implement and sustain 5S practices, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Root Cause Analysis, and corrective action programs across operations.
Performance Monitoring & Analytics
- Develop and maintain dashboards and reporting tools that track:
- Turnaround Time (TAT)
- First-Time Fix Rate (FTFR)
- Refurbishment Yield Rates
- Productivity Metrics
- Quality Performance
- Cost-to-Repair Metrics
- Inventory Accuracy
- Present project status, operational performance, risks, and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders.
Microsoft Tools & Reporting
- Utilize Microsoft Office applications to manage projects, analyze data, document processes, and communicate results.
- Working knowledge of:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Teams
Required Technical Skills
Supply Chain & Warehouse Systems
- Strong expertise with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), including:
- SAP WM/EWM
- Manhattan Associates
- Oracle WMS
- Similar enterprise warehouse management platforms
- Experience with ERP systems and inventory serialization tracking.
- Understanding of inventory control, warehouse operations, and reverse logistics processes.
Industrial Optimization & Operational Excellence
- Lean Manufacturing
- Six Sigma Methodologies and Tools
- 5S Methodology
- Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
- Root Cause Analysis
- Industrial Process Improvement
- Continuous Improvement Frameworks
Metrics & Analytics
- Advanced skills in data analysis and KPI development.
- Experience building and managing operational dashboards.
- Strong understanding of:
- Turnaround Time (TAT)
- First-Time Fix Rate (FTFR)
- Yield Rates
- Productivity Metrics
- Operational Performance Reporting
- Experience with Microsoft Excel skills and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
Hardware Lifecycle Knowledge
- Basic to intermediate understanding of:
- Electronics repair and refurbishment processes
- Hardware lifecycle management
- Diagnostic testing procedures
- Component-level repair environments
- Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) controls
- Component testing fixtures and equipment
Essential Behavioral Skills (Soft Skills)
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Ability to effectively work across Operations, Engineering, IT, Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Warehouse teams.
- Skilled at translating technical requirements into practical operational solutions.
Hands-On Leadership
- Comfortable working directly with operational teams on the warehouse floor to support implementation, process validation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Leads by example and actively engages with frontline associates and supervisors.
High-Stress Composure
- Demonstrated ability to remain calm, organized, and effective during periods of high operational demand, shifting priorities, or unexpected volume spikes.
Root-Cause Orientation
- Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.
- Focuses on identifying underlying causes of operational issues rather than implementing temporary fixes.
- Use data and operational insights to drive sustainable improvements.
Communication & Stakeholder Management
- Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to influence teams, gain alignment across functions, and drive organizational change.
Team Leadership
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage resources effectively.
- Strong organizational, planning, and execution skills.
Clear Performance Expectations
Turnaround Time (TAT)
- Meet or exceed targeted cycle times from product receipt through diagnostics, repair, refurbishment, reboxing, and final inventory availability.
Yield Optimization
- Increase the percentage of successfully refurbished and resalable units while reducing scrap rates and unnecessary part consumption.
Operational Excellence
- Improve productivity, throughput, quality performance, and overall cost-to-repair metrics through process improvements and automation.
Project Delivery
- Deliver projects on time, within budget, and in alignment with business objectives.
- Successfully implement process, system, and automation initiatives with measurable business outcomes.
Safety & Compliance
- Ensure 100% compliance with:
- E-waste disposal regulations
- Labor standards
- Facility safety requirements
- Quality management procedures
- Environmental and operational compliance standards
Qualifications & Experience
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience
- 7-10 years of project management experience in one or more of the following environments:
- Fulfillment Centers
- Distribution Centers
- Reverse Logistics Operations
- Electronics Refurbishment Facilities
- Repair & Diagnostic Centers
- Manufacturing Operations
- Supply Chain Operations
- Proven experience leading complex cross-functional projects from concept through implementation.
- Experience working in high-volume, fast-paced operational environments.
- Strong background in process improvement, operations management, and stakeholder engagement.
Certifications (Preferred)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
- APICS or other Supply Chain certifications are a plus
