Milton B.-Interim Project Manager

Responsible for leading the commissioning, testing, and acceptance of TGW intralogistics systems on site to ensure smooth project delivery and maximum customer satisfaction. The project volume is approximately €90 million. The facility is equipped with 60 Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), an Automated Small Parts Warehouse (AS/RS) with 93,000 storage locations, and a pallet high-bay warehouse with 34,000 pallet locations. The role combines project management, on-site coordination, and technical integration, including oversight of all functional, performance, and availability-related testing before final handover.

Key responsibilities and results:

• Led commissioning and ramp-up phases from system installation through customer acceptance, including functional leadership of a 25-person on-site commissioning team, ensuring full compliance with contractual and technical specifications and supporting project management with planning and workflow optimization.
• Coordinated and optimized interfaces between TGW teams, subcontractors, and customer representatives to ensure successful project delivery and integration of lessons learned.
• Planned, prepared, and conducted pre-tests, mass tests, and operational readiness tests, including facilitating and reporting results and KPIs for transparent project tracking.
• Continuously identified risks and managed escalations, fostering a safe, structured, cooperative, and solution-oriented on-site environment.

• Spearheaded the execution plan for each warehouse by establishing daily milestones, defining technology locations, coordinating machine delivery, and managing Third Party Assembler (3PA) communications.
• Collaborated closely with the Transportation Operations Management (TOM) team to ensure efficient logistics and timely delivery.
• Facilitated ongoing alignment between warehouse operations, Area Managers, and Operations Managers by conducting regular project debriefs.
• Directed comprehensive activities including employee training led by the Learn team, performed detailed machine parts checklists to verify compliance, and monitored setup adherence to safety and operational standards.
• Led the SAT (Site Acceptance Test) process by enforcing predefined KPIs, ensuring all technical requirements were met.
• Utilized internal Amazon tools to track daily progress, escalate and resolve safety issues, and manage project handover within the defined timeline.
• Maintained thorough project documentation to ensure accuracy and facilitate seamless transitions.

• Executed a comprehensive concept study and business case development including supplier selection, payback time calculation, budget estimation, UPH simulation with the new machine, and scenario analysis for multiple warehouses.
• Oversaw layout management and contract negotiations, ensuring optimal machine positioning in the warehouse and achieving contractually defined KPIs for FAT, SAT, and FT.
• Successfully achieved contractually defined KPIs for proof of concept, resulting in a 20% increase in machine reliability and a 25% reduction in downtime during testing; implemented project corrections and expanded implementations across the Zalando network.
• Monitored implemented systems with the operations team for continuous improvement and adjustment of both upstream and downstream processes; conducted a final calculation of the potential financial benefits compared to the business case predictions.

• Held daily debriefings with the engineering team responsible for vehicle development and managed supplier selection by assessing global capabilities, supply chain performance, and time-to-market.
• Purchased over €250,000 worth of automotive parts each month for prototype testing (vibration/oscillation, fuel consumption, crash, endurance) and coordinated deliveries to test centers across Germany.
• Maintained relationships with 35 global suppliers, providing excellent customer service and building trust through reliable communication.
• Introduced quality control measures for each batch of delivered parts, resulting in a 30% decrease in defective parts and a 25% improvement in the security and safety of packaging for sensitive parts.
• Improved the purchasing system by automating purchase orders and introducing new control features; worked with engineers and CATIA™ designers to select automotive parts and release orders efficiently.