Direct Load – Solution Design Manager (F/M/D)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Direct Load – Solution Design Manager (F/M/D)

Company: Rhenus Logistics

Location: Duisburg, Germany (Preferred Rhein Ruhr area, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Duisburg etc.) & Remote/Hybrid in Europe (DE, UK, ES, IT, PL)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales Operations / Solution Design / Logistics Operations

Date Posted: May 29, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Solution Design & Optimization: Lead the development and refinement of Direct Load solutions across Europe, ensuring alignment with customer needs and Rhenus Group’s strategic objectives. This involves deep dives into customer operational flows and identifying areas for efficiency gains.

• Sales & Tender Support: Provide critical expertise to the European sales organization by designing tailored Direct Load solutions and actively participating in customer tender processes, from preparation through to follow-up.

• Market & Carrier Expertise: Leverage in-depth knowledge of the European land transport market to effectively match transport capacity with customer requirements, including dedicated carrier sourcing and relationship management.

• Strategic Business Development: Contribute to the development of individual strategies for the Direct Load business, aiming to grow the division, enhance customer experience, and achieve Pan-European success.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits at the intersection of sales, operations, and strategy, requiring a strong understanding of logistics processes, customer requirements, and market dynamics. The emphasis on "Direct Load" indicates a focus on FTL (Full Truckload) or specific dedicated transport solutions within the broader logistics offering. The "Solution Design Manager" title suggests a blend of technical logistics knowledge and commercial acumen, with a strong focus on problem-solving for clients.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the central Direct Load team to support the European sales organization in developing innovative Direct Load solutions for clients.

• Conduct thorough customer needs analysis to identify and define optimal logistics solutions, ensuring a high degree of customization and value.

• Provide comprehensive support to sales teams in managing customer tenders within the Direct Load sector, including intensive preparation, proposal development, and post-tender follow-up.

• Utilize deep knowledge of the European land transport market to effectively source and secure appropriate transport capacity, matching it precisely to stated customer needs.

• Develop and implement dedicated carrier sourcing strategies to ensure reliable and cost-effective capacity for Direct Load services.

• Support the development and execution of individual strategies aimed at driving the growth and success of the Direct Load business across Europe.

• Maintain a clear overview of complex projects, large data volumes, and competing priorities to ensure efficient and effective solution delivery.

• Foster strong communication and collaboration with internal stakeholders, including sales, operations, and carrier management teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to solution design and tender management, emphasizing the need for both strategic thinking and operational execution. The requirement to "match transport capacity to customer needs" implies a strong understanding of freight management, route optimization, and network planning within the land transport sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Several years of professional experience in sales and operational roles within the logistics or freight forwarding industry.

Required Skills:

• Solution Design Expertise: Intensive knowledge in designing logistics solutions specifically for Direct Load business on a European scale.

• European Land Transport Market: In-depth understanding of the European land transport market, including key players, routes, and regulatory landscapes.

• Carrier Sourcing & Management: Ability to identify, vet, and manage a network of carriers to meet diverse customer capacity requirements.

• Tender Management: Experience in supporting and managing customer tenders, including proposal development, pricing, and negotiation.

• Pricing Competence: Strong understanding of pricing structures, cost drivers, and profitability within the land transport sector.

• Data Analysis & Management: Ability to maintain a clear overview of overlapping topics and large volumes of data, with a focus on analytical problem-solving.

• MS Office Proficiency: High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with a specific emphasis on advanced Excel skills for data analysis, modeling, and reporting.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex solutions clearly and persuasively.

• Reliability & Initiative: Demonstrated high degree of reliability, proactivity, and self-motivation.

• Team Integration: Proven ability to integrate seamlessly into a team and collaborate effectively.

• Language Proficiency: Good knowledge of German, English, and ideally other foreign languages spoken within Rhenus’ key operating countries (e.g., Italian, Spanish, Polish).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CRM systems for sales support and customer relationship management.

• Familiarity with transportation management systems (TMS) for operational execution and visibility.

• Experience in developing and implementing strategic growth initiatives for logistics products.

• Additional foreign language skills relevant to the European logistics market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "several years of professional experience" combined with "intensive knowledge" and "carrier market understanding" suggests this is not an entry-level role. The requirement for strong MS Excel skills points to a need for robust data manipulation and analytical capabilities in solution design and pricing. Proficiency in multiple European languages is a significant advantage, reflecting the Pan-European scope of the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Solution Design Case Studies: Showcase examples of Direct Load solutions you have designed, detailing the customer's challenge, your proposed solution, the implementation process, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, transit time improvements, increased capacity utilization).

• Tender Management Contributions: Evidence of your involvement in customer tenders, including sections on proposal structure, pricing strategies, risk assessment, and how you addressed specific customer requirements.

• Carrier Sourcing & Network Mapping: Examples of how you have identified, evaluated, and onboarded carriers for specific lanes or customer needs, demonstrating your understanding of carrier capabilities and market availability.

• Process Optimization Documentation: Portfolios should include documentation of process improvements you've implemented or recommended, illustrating workflow enhancements, efficiency gains, and a data-driven approach to operational refinement.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Analysis: Demonstrate your ability to map existing logistics workflows, identify bottlenecks, and design optimized future-state processes for Direct Load operations.

• Implementation & Automation: Provide examples of how you have supported the implementation of new solutions or automation within logistics processes, focusing on change management and user adoption.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Showcase your approach to defining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Direct Load services, reporting on performance, and using data to drive continuous improvement and strategic decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio demonstrating concrete examples of successful solution design, tender support, and carrier management within the European land transport sector is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to articulate the methodology behind their solutions and quantify the impact of their work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on regional benchmarks for a Solution Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the logistics industry in Germany, a competitive salary range is estimated.

• Estimated Salary Range: €60,000 - €85,000 per annum.

• Methodology: This estimate is derived from analysis of similar roles in Germany (specifically the Rhein Ruhr area and major cities like Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Dortmund) and broader European logistics hubs, considering factors such as experience level, specific responsibilities (solution design, tender management, carrier sourcing), and the complexity of Pan-European operations. Data sources include industry salary reports, job board aggregators for logistics and operations roles, and cost of living indices for the specified regions.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Environment: Opportunity for remote and hybrid work arrangements across key European locations.

• Travel Opportunities: Willingness to travel is expected, offering exposure to various European markets and operations.

• Professional Development: Access to training and development programs to enhance skills in logistics, solution design, and market trends.

• Pan-European Exposure: Work on a diverse range of international projects, collaborating with teams across multiple countries.

• Competitive Pension Scheme: Contribution towards retirement savings.

• Health & Wellness Programs: Access to health benefits and wellness initiatives.

• Employee Assistance Programs: Support services for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility offered through hybrid and remote work options, allowing for effective management of personal and professional commitments while ensuring operational needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards and location. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the final negotiation with Rhenus Logistics. The benefits package emphasizes flexibility and professional growth, aligning with the nature of a hybrid/remote role in an international logistics company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Logistics & Transportation. Rhenus Logistics is a globally operating logistics service provider with a strong presence in European land transport, warehousing, and freight forwarding. The company is known for its comprehensive service portfolio and customer-centric approach.

Company Size: Rhenus Group is a large, established organization with tens of thousands of employees globally. This size provides stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for career advancement, while also meaning that processes and decision-making can be structured and hierarchical.

Founded: The Rhenus Group has a long history, founded in 1898. This deep heritage signifies stability, extensive industry knowledge, and a proven track record.

Team Structure:

• Central Direct Load Team: You will be part of a specialized central team focused on developing and enhancing the Direct Load product across Europe.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with European sales organizations, operational teams at decentralized locations, and carrier management departments.

• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, a Solution Design Manager typically reports into a Head of Operations, Head of Sales Operations, or a dedicated Product/Business Unit Manager for Direct Load.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data (e.g., market analysis, customer data, operational metrics) to inform solution design and strategic planning.

• Customer-Centric Approach: Focus on understanding and meeting customer needs through tailored logistics solutions.

• Process Optimization: Continuous effort to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the customer experience within Direct Load operations.

• Pan-European Strategy: Developing and implementing solutions that scale across different European markets.

Company Website: https://www.rhenus.group/

📝 Enhancement Note: Rhenus's long history and global presence suggest a culture that values stability, expertise, and a structured approach to business. The emphasis on "decentralized locations" implies a need for strong communication and coordination skills to bridge central strategy with local execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level to Senior position within the operations and sales support spectrum. As a Solution Design Manager, you are expected to be an individual contributor with significant expertise, capable of leading complex design initiatives and influencing strategic direction for the Direct Load product. The role requires a blend of technical logistics knowledge, commercial understanding, and strategic thinking.

Reporting Structure: You will likely report to a senior leader within the Direct Load business unit or Sales Operations, such as a Head of Direct Load, Director of Sales Operations, or a similar role. You will work collaboratively with sales teams at various European locations.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on Rhenus Logistics' revenue growth and customer satisfaction. By designing effective Direct Load solutions and winning tenders, you will contribute to increased market share, improved profitability for the Direct Load product, and strengthening customer loyalty. Your strategic input will shape the future direction of this key logistics service.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in Direct Load solutions, European land transport, and complex logistics problem-solving.

• Leadership: Potential to move into team lead or management roles within the Direct Load product line or Sales Operations.

• Broader Scope: Transition into roles with wider responsibilities, such as Head of Solution Design, Head of Sales Operations, or Product Management for other logistics services.

• International Mobility: Opportunities to work in different European countries within the Rhenus Group, leveraging language skills and international experience.

• Strategic Influence: Grow into roles where you can heavily influence the strategic direction and innovation of Rhenus's logistics offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Solution Design Manager in logistics often involves a progression from operational execution to strategic solution development and potentially team leadership. This role provides a solid foundation for advancing within a large, international logistics organization like Rhenus.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role offers a hybrid and remote work arrangement, allowing for flexibility. When working remotely, your home office will be your primary workspace. For hybrid arrangements or office-based work, Rhenus Logistics typically operates from professional office environments.

Office Location(s):

• Primary Preferred Location: Rhein Ruhr area, Germany (e.g., Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Duisburg).

• Remote/Hybrid Options: Available across key European countries including Germany (DE), United Kingdom (UK), Spain (ES), Italy (IT), and Poland (PL).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While remote, expect active digital collaboration through video conferencing, messaging platforms, and shared project management tools. Hybrid work allows for in-person team meetings and strategic sessions.

• Tools & Technology: Access to Rhenus's standard IT infrastructure, including MS Office suite. You will likely utilize various communication and collaboration tools.

• Team Interaction: Regular virtual or in-person interactions with the central Direct Load team, sales teams across Europe, and operational colleagues. This fosters a dynamic environment where diverse perspectives are shared.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected.

• The hybrid/remote nature provides flexibility in managing your daily schedule to balance work tasks and personal life, while ensuring availability for critical meetings and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid/remote flexibility is a key aspect, catering to a modern workforce while acknowledging the need for structured work and collaboration. The "preferred" German locations suggest that candidates based in or willing to relocate to the Rhein Ruhr area might have an advantage for hybrid roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review your application and conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager to delve into your experience with solution design, European land transport, tender management, and carrier sourcing. Expect behavioral questions and scenario-based inquiries.

• Skills Assessment / Case Study: You may be given a hypothetical customer scenario or a problem related to Direct Load solutions. You will be expected to analyze the situation, propose a solution, and potentially present it. This is where your portfolio will be highly relevant.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential colleagues or key stakeholders from sales or operations to assess your collaboration style and ability to integrate with the team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment and confirm your suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each case study, clearly state the problem, your solution, and the measurable results (e.g., % cost reduction, % improvement in transit time, % increase in capacity utilization, successful tender win rate).

• Showcase Process: For solution design examples, clearly illustrate your methodology – how you gathered requirements, analyzed data, developed options, and finalized the solution.

• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, demonstrate how you worked with sales, operations, and carriers to achieve successful outcomes.

• Tailor to Rhenus: Research Rhenus's current offerings, market position, and strategic goals. Frame your portfolio examples to show how your skills align with their business needs, particularly in the European Direct Load segment.

• Conciseness & Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically. Use clear headings, concise descriptions, and visually appealing formats (e.g., charts, graphs for data visualization).

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario Analysis: Practice analyzing logistics challenges, identifying root causes, and proposing practical, cost-effective solutions.

• Pricing & Costing: Be ready to discuss how you approach pricing for complex logistics solutions, considering variable costs, fixed costs, and market dynamics.

• Market Knowledge: Refresh your knowledge of current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the European land transport market.

• Presentation Skills: Practice articulating your solutions and strategies clearly and confidently, especially for potential case study presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both your technical expertise in logistics solution design and your ability to apply that knowledge within a commercial context, particularly in tendering and client-facing scenarios. A well-prepared portfolio is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• MS Office Suite: Mandatory, with advanced proficiency in MS Excel for data analysis, financial modeling, scenario planning, and reporting. PowerPoint for presentations and Word for documentation are also critical.

• CRM Systems: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, SAP CRM) is highly beneficial for understanding sales pipelines, customer data, and managing client interactions.

• Transportation Management Systems (TMS): Familiarity with TMS platforms is advantageous for understanding operational execution, tracking shipments, and managing carrier performance. Examples include SAP TM, Oracle Transportation Management, or other industry-specific TMS.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView could be beneficial for creating dashboards and reports to communicate solution performance and market insights.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: General understanding of BI principles for extracting insights from logistics data.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Rhenus Systems: You will likely use Rhenus's proprietary or integrated systems for operations, sales, and customer management.

• Communication Platforms: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for daily communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of advanced Excel skills highlights its importance for this role, suggesting that much of the analytical and modeling work will be done using spreadsheets. Familiarity with common logistics software will allow for quicker integration into Rhenus's operational environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A commitment to understanding and exceeding customer expectations through tailored logistics solutions.

• Efficiency & Reliability: Driving operational excellence, ensuring timely deliveries, and minimizing costs through optimized processes.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking new and improved ways to design and deliver Direct Load services, adapting to market changes.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering a supportive environment where knowledge is shared, and collective goals are pursued across different departments and countries.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in all business dealings, especially in carrier relationships and tender processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with sales teams to understand client needs, operations teams to ensure feasibility, and carrier management to secure capacity.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and consistent communication channels, especially given the remote/hybrid nature of the role and Pan-European scope.

• Solution-Oriented Problem Solving: A collaborative approach to identifying challenges and jointly developing effective solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the dissemination of best practices and market insights across the team and wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Rhenus's culture likely emphasizes a blend of traditional logistics values like reliability and efficiency with a forward-looking approach to customer solutions and international collaboration, essential for a Pan-European role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pan-European Complexity: Navigating diverse market conditions, regulations, and operational practices across multiple European countries.

• Carrier Market Volatility: Managing fluctuating capacity availability and pricing in the land transport sector.

• Balancing Customization and Scalability: Designing unique solutions for clients while maintaining efficient, scalable processes for the Direct Load product.

• Data Integration & Analysis: Consolidating and analyzing data from various sources across different regions and systems.

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively collaborating and building strong relationships with team members and stakeholders across different locations and time zones.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge in Pan-European Direct Load logistics, complex solution design, and international tender management.

• Industry Exposure: Participate in industry conferences, webinars, and forums to stay abreast of the latest trends in logistics and transportation.

• Cross-Cultural Competence: Enhance skills in working with diverse international teams and understanding different business cultures.

• Strategic Planning & Development: Contribute to and learn from the strategic planning process for Rhenus's Direct Load business.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within Rhenus or to mentor junior team members as the role evolves.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex international logistics challenges and contributing to the strategic development of a key business segment within a major logistics player.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed a complex Direct Load solution for a key client. What were the challenges, your approach, and the quantifiable results?" (Focus on methodology, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How would you approach developing a carrier sourcing strategy for a new market or a specific high-volume lane in Europe?" (Assess understanding of carrier markets, risk management, and negotiation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Rhenus Logistics and this specific role within our Direct Load team?" (Showcase research into Rhenus and alignment with the role's responsibilities.)

• "How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication with sales teams and operational teams across different countries, especially in a hybrid/remote setting?" (Demonstrate cross-functional and international collaboration skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear story arc: The Client's Challenge -> Your Proposed Solution -> The Implementation Process -> The Measurable Results -> Key Learnings.

• Highlight Your Role: Be specific about your contributions. Use "I" statements to describe your actions and decisions.

• Visualize Data: Use charts, graphs, and tables to present metrics and outcomes effectively. Show trends, comparisons, and ROI where possible.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology, decisions, and potential alternative approaches.

• Connect to Rhenus: Conclude by explaining how your experience and skills can directly benefit Rhenus Logistics in achieving its goals for the Direct Load product.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss specific examples from your experience that directly map to the core responsibilities of solution design, tender support, and carrier management within the European logistics context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link on the Rhenus Logistics careers page.

• Resume & Cover Letter Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight specific achievements in solution design, European logistics, tender management, and carrier sourcing. Quantify your accomplishments with data and metrics. Consider a cover letter that articulates your understanding of Rhenus's market position and your value proposition for the Direct Load team.

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a concise, impactful portfolio showcasing 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your expertise in Direct Load solution design, tender support, and carrier management. Focus on quantifiable results and your methodology.

• Interview Practice: Prepare specific examples for common interview questions related to solution design, problem-solving, stakeholder management, and market knowledge. Practice articulating your portfolio case studies clearly and concisely.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Rhenus Logistics, its services (especially Direct Load), its presence in key European markets, and its recent news or strategic initiatives. Understand their operational footprint and customer base.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.