Key Accountabilities
1. Warehouse Start Up & Project Management
• Own the warehouse start up from contract award to go live, including but limited to:
o Layout and capacity planning
o Process design and SOP development
o Labour ramp up and training plans
o Systems implementation (WMS, automation interfaces, reporting tools)
o Cycle count implementation
• Act as the overall operational project lead, coordinating:
o Internal teams (IT, Engineering, HR, Finance, Commercial)
o External vendors (racking, MHE, systems integrators)
o Customer stakeholders
• Build and manage detailed project plans, milestones, RAID logs, and readiness reviews.
• Ensure start up is delivered on time, within budget, and to contractual SLAs.
2. Operational Design & Innovation
• Design scalable, fit for purpose operating models for high volume, complex operations.
• Challenge “standard” solutions where required — applying creative problem solving to constraints such as space, labour, systems, or cost.
• Identify and implement automation, mechanisation, or digital solutions where they deliver real ROI.
• Balance speed of deployment with long term operational sustainability.
3. Leadership & Team Build
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high performing operations leadership team (Ops Managers, Department Manager, Support Functions).
• Establish a strong safety first, performance driven culture from day one.
• Coach leaders through ambiguity and rapid change during start up and ramp up.
• Act as the visible senior leader on site during critical phases.
4. Customer & Stakeholder Management
• Serve as the senior operational interface with the customer during implementation and early operations.
• Translate customer requirements into executable operational solutions.
• Manage expectations while maintaining contractual integrity and commercial discipline.
• Present confidently to senior customer stakeholders, including performance updates and risk mitigation plans.
5. Performance, Cost & Risk Control
• Own operational KPIs including:
o Productivity
o Service level attainment
o Safety and quality metrics
o Maintain Cycle count schedules
• Establish strong cost controls during ramp up and steady state.
• Proactively identify operational risks and implement mitigation plans.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives post go live
Skills, Experience & Capability
Essential
• Proven experience leading large scale warehouse operations.
• Demonstrated success in start ups or major operational transformations.
• Strong project management capability in live operational environments.
• Commercially astute — understands cost drivers, margins, and contract obligations.
• Able to operate effectively in uncertain, high pressure environments.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence at all levels.
The vision of Crane Worldwide is to enable global trade for our clients with unparalleled excellence, foster a culture of achievement among our team members, and uplift the communities where we operate. Every day, we endeavor to create a positive influence and aspire to leave a lasting legacy in the logistics industry, improving the lives of people globally.
With a legacy in logistics, our people's expertise, deep industry knowledge, and can-do attitude make a difference to our global and local clients.
As a privately owned, family-run business, we have a flat structure that enables quick decision-making. This enables the team to provide the best solutions for our clients.
Partnerships make a difference, and through organic growth with our clients, we have developed a global footprint with local representation and continue to grow. We will invest where our clients need us to be.
Our technology platform was developed in-house with a holistic view of our clients' needs for real-time information.
We make a difference in the communities in which we operate. Our Crane Cares initiatives are deeply embedded into our corporate culture.
We are living in extraordinary times with constant change in global markets. Our flexible and dynamic approach, accompanied by our value proposition, presents our dedication to our clients through our Technology, Service, and People.
