Customer Solutions Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Customer Solutions Design Manager

Company: BT Group

Location: Budapest, HU, 1117

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Sales Operations / Technical Solutions Design

Date Posted: March 17, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and oversee complex network infrastructure transitions and transformations, including Edge Technologies like Cisco, Meraki, and HPE.

• Accountable for the end-to-end technical solution design and delivery of Design Change Memos (DCMs) to meet time, cost, and quality objectives.

• Manage a team of Technical Designers, focusing on performance, risk mitigation, and knowledge sharing to foster a high-performing, collaborative environment.

• Develop and maintain strong internal and external stakeholder relationships, ensuring alignment and effective communication throughout the solution design lifecycle.

• Drive commercial discussions and identify growth opportunities within the customer solutions and design domain, contributing to BT's overall business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Customer Solutions Design Manager," has significant overlap with Revenue Operations and Sales Operations due to its focus on delivering technical solutions that directly impact customer outcomes and commercial success. The emphasis on end-to-end delivery, stakeholder management, and commercial discussions positions it as a critical function within the Go-To-Market (GTM) operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex network infrastructure transitions and transformations, including Wide Area Network (WAN) build, C2M integration, and other intricate initiatives across Edge Technologies such as Cisco, Meraki, and HPE (LAN/WLAN/SDLAN/DC/ACI).

• Ensure the end-to-end technical solution design adheres to BT's Customer Solutions & Design (CS&D) gold standards and governance frameworks.

• Take full accountability for the successful delivery of solution Design Change Memos (DCMs) within defined timeframes, budget constraints, and quality standards.

• Manage a team of Technical Designers, providing mentorship, coaching, and performance management to foster growth, collaboration, and high performance.

• Proactively identify and mitigate project risks, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and internal governance policies throughout the solution design and delivery process.

• Cultivate and nurture strong relationships with diverse internal teams (e.g., sales, engineering, delivery) and external customers, facilitating effective communication and goal alignment.

• Engage in commercial discussions, identifying opportunities for upselling, cross-selling, and new solution development to drive revenue growth and customer value.

• Stay abreast of emergent products and complex customer solutions, continuously updating technical knowledge and design methodologies to meet evolving market demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership and people management, common in senior operations roles. The emphasis on "complex transitions," "Edge Technologies," and "DCMs" points to a need for deep technical understanding within a structured delivery framework. The inclusion of "commercial discussions" and "growth opportunities" suggests this role is integral to the commercial success of BT's solutions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field is typically expected. Advanced degrees or relevant certifications are a plus.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in technical design, network solutions architecture, or a related technology management role, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership or management capacity.

Required Skills:

• Technical Aptitude & Domain Expertise: Strong technical background and understanding of network infrastructure, including WAN, LAN, WLAN, SD-WAN, Data Center, and specific technologies like Cisco, Meraki, and HPE. Ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• People Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, coach, and motivate technical teams. Experience in performance management, career development planning, and fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

• Stakeholder Management & Relationship Building: Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with internal departments (sales, delivery, product) and external customers. Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.

• Risk Management & Governance: Proficient in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks. Strong understanding of governance frameworks, compliance requirements, and best practices for ensuring project integrity.

• Commercial Acumen: Ability to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities, engage in impactful commercial discussions, and understand the financial implications of technical solutions.

• Solution Design & Delivery: Experience in designing and delivering end-to-end technical solutions, ensuring adherence to quality standards, timelines, and cost objectives. Familiarity with Design Change Memos (DCMs) or similar technical documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Edge Technologies Specialization: In-depth knowledge and practical experience with Cisco, Meraki, HPE LAN/WLAN/SDLAN/DC/ACI.

• Project Management Methodologies: Familiarity with project management frameworks (e.g., Agile, ITIL) relevant to technology deployments and transitions.

• Customer Engagement: Experience in direct customer interaction, understanding customer needs, and translating them into technical solutions.

• Process Improvement: Ability to identify inefficiencies in design and delivery processes and implement improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a dual focus on technical depth and leadership capabilities, aligning with senior operations roles that bridge technical execution and strategic people management. The specific mention of technologies like Cisco and Meraki, alongside concepts like DCMs, indicates a need for practical, hands-on knowledge within a structured telecommunications environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Technical Solution Designs: Showcase examples of complex end-to-end technical solutions designed for enterprise clients, demonstrating an understanding of network infrastructure, Edge Technologies, and integration challenges.

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Present instances where you identified and implemented improvements to design or delivery processes, leading to measurable gains in efficiency, cost reduction, or quality.

• Team Management & Development Examples: Provide evidence of your leadership approach, including examples of team performance improvements, mentorship initiatives, or successful conflict resolution within a technical team.

• Risk Mitigation Plans: Include examples of risk assessment and mitigation strategies developed for complex technical projects, demonstrating proactive problem-solving and governance adherence.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Ability to document and streamline technical design workflows, from initial customer requirements gathering to final solution sign-off.

• Implementation & Automation: Experience in documenting processes that involve the implementation of new technologies or automation of design tasks to enhance efficiency and reduce errors.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrate how you establish metrics to track the performance of technical solutions and design processes, analyzing data to identify areas for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only highlight technical prowess but also leadership and process management skills. The emphasis on "end-to-end," "process optimization," and "metrics" directly aligns with the core tenets of Revenue Operations and Sales Operations, where demonstrating quantifiable impact is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Customer Solutions Design Manager in Budapest with 5-10 years of experience in the telecommunications sector, an estimated salary range would be between HUF 1,200,000 - 1,800,000 gross per month. This range is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in major European cities, considering BT Group's standing as a leading telecommunications provider and the complexity of the role.

Benefits:

• Attractive salary

• HUF 600,000/year Cafeteria package

• Performance-based bonus

• Comprehensive private health care package (extendable to family members)

• Nursery support for mothers returning from maternity

• Extended paternity leave: 10+10 days fully paid

• Commuting allowance

• Home office allowance

• Employee discount opportunities

• Highly affordable mobile packages for the family

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week. The company promotes a "smart working approach" which includes a hybrid model (3 days in office, 2 days remote), offering flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation for Budapest is based on aggregated data from reputable salary aggregators for IT and Management roles in Hungary, adjusted for the specific industry (telecommunications) and the seniority level. The benefits package is directly extracted from the job description, highlighting competitive offerings typical for large corporations. The hybrid work model is also directly mentioned.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Telecommunications and Digital Services. BT Group is a foundational player in the UK's telecommunications infrastructure, now heavily involved in digital transformation, full-fibre broadband, and 5G deployment, serving over 180 countries.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (BT Group is a major global telecommunications company with tens of thousands of employees worldwide). This size implies structured processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for career progression within a large corporate framework.

Founded: BT's heritage dates back to 1846, making it one of the world's oldest telecommunications companies. This long history signifies stability, deep industry expertise, and a continuous evolution to meet technological advancements.

Team Structure:

• The Customer Solutions & Design team is a critical component within BT's Go-To-Market (GTM) or Technology division, likely comprising Technical Designers, Solution Architects, and Project Managers.

• The Technical Design Manager reports to a Senior Manager within Customer Solutions & Design for a Technology or Regional Practice, indicating a hierarchical structure within the operations and technical design functions.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Solutions are likely designed based on customer requirements, technical feasibility, and market trends, with performance metrics guiding ongoing optimization.

• Process-Centric Delivery: Emphasis on structured processes, governance standards (CS&D gold standards), and project management methodologies for consistent and high-quality delivery.

• Innovation & Growth: A culture that encourages exploring new technologies (Edge, 5G, Full Fibre) and identifying opportunities for business growth and customer value enhancement.

Company Website: https://www.bt.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights BT Group's significant market position and long history, suggesting a stable yet innovative environment. The description of BT Hungary and its Business Service Centre (BT ROC) emphasizes a hub for high-value services, including network and service design, which directly relates to the role's purpose. The mention of "Randstad's Most Attractive Employers award" indicates a strong focus on employee satisfaction and a positive work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior management level, responsible for a specialized technical team and critical design processes. It signifies a transition from individual contributor or junior management to leading a function with significant impact on customer satisfaction and revenue. The scope includes technical oversight, team development, and contribution to commercial strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Technical Design Manager reports to a Senior Manager within Customer Solutions & Design. This suggests a clear line of progression within the technical design or operations leadership track, with opportunities to move into more senior management roles overseeing broader functions or regions.

Operations Impact: The role directly influences customer acquisition and retention by ensuring that BT's solutions are technically sound, meet customer needs, and are delivered efficiently. Effective technical design is fundamental to customer satisfaction, successful project delivery, and ultimately, revenue generation and profitability for BT Group.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization & Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific Edge Technologies or network architectures, potentially leading to Principal Architect or Chief Technologist roles.

• Leadership Progression: Advance into Senior Manager or Director positions, overseeing larger teams, broader portfolios, or regional operations within Customer Solutions & Design.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related areas such as Product Management, Program Management, or broader Sales Operations leadership roles, leveraging a strong understanding of customer solutions and business drivers.

• Global Mobility: As part of a global organization, potential opportunities for international assignments or leadership roles in other BT Group locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on how this role serves as a critical step in a career path within telecommunications operations and technical leadership. The emphasis on "impact on customer satisfaction and revenue" and "growth opportunities" is tailored to appeal to ambitious operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: BT Group in Hungary operates modern, high-class offices in both Budapest and Debrecen. The description suggests a professional and well-equipped workspace designed to foster collaboration and productivity.

Office Location(s): Budapest, HU, 1117. The specific location in Budapest (1117) is noted. The company also has a presence in Debrecen, indicating a distributed operational footprint within Hungary.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid "smart working" model (3 days in office, 2 days remote) is designed to balance focused individual work with collaborative team interactions. Office spaces are likely equipped for team meetings, workshops, and cross-functional discussions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to BT's standard IT infrastructure, network design tools, project management software, and communication platforms necessary for their roles.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model encourages intentional in-office time for team building, brainstorming, and face-to-face collaboration on complex design challenges.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a hybrid working model. While core hours are expected, the "smart working approach" suggests flexibility in managing the work schedule to accommodate personal needs and team collaboration requirements, within the framework of delivering on responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the office environment and smart working approach is directly from the job posting. The enhancement focuses on how this environment supports operations professionals, emphasizing collaboration and the necessary technological resources.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of your CV and a brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion focusing on your leadership experience, technical background, and approach to team management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement.

• Technical/Case Study Assessment: You may be asked to walk through a past technical solution design, discuss a complex problem you've solved, or complete a case study related to network design or team leadership under pressure.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members or cross-functional stakeholders to assess collaboration style and fit within the broader BT organization.

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

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 impactful projects that best showcase your experience in leading technical design for complex network solutions, team management, and process improvement.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, your role, the solution designed, the technologies used, the challenges overcome, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., improved efficiency, cost savings, customer satisfaction, revenue impact).

• Highlight Leadership: Demonstrate your leadership approach, including how you motivated your team, managed performance, and fostered collaboration during the project lifecycle.

• Process Efficiency: If applicable, include examples of how you improved design or delivery processes, with quantifiable results.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Understand the details of each case study thoroughly to answer any questions about your decisions, methodologies, and the rationale behind them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Depth: Brush up on core networking concepts, Edge Technologies (Cisco, Meraki, HPE), WAN/LAN/WLAN/SD-WAN, and common transition/transformation scenarios.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to handle underperforming team members, resolve conflicts, drive team alignment, and foster a positive work environment.

• Problem-Solving: Think about how you approach complex technical challenges, including risk assessment, root cause analysis, and solution development.

• Commercial Awareness: Be ready to discuss how technical solutions contribute to business objectives and how you identify commercial opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section assumes a typical interview process for a management role in a large tech/telecom company. The portfolio advice is tailored to highlight the specific skills and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, with a strong emphasis on quantifiable results and leadership.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Network Design & Simulation Tools: Potentially including Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, EVE-NG, or vendor-specific design suites for simulating and validating network configurations.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, or BT's internal project management systems for tracking tasks, timelines, and resources.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal communication, team coordination, and document sharing.

• Documentation & Knowledge Management: Confluence, SharePoint, or internal wikis for creating and maintaining design documentation, standards, and best practices.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Network Monitoring Tools: Familiarity with tools like SolarWinds, Nagios, PRTG, or Cisco Prime for performance monitoring and troubleshooting.

• Data Analysis Tools: Excel for data manipulation and basic analysis; potentially SQL or BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) if involved in analyzing performance trends or metrics.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating or interpreting dashboards that report on project status, team performance, and solution delivery metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly a CRM role, understanding how technical solutions integrate with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) to support sales processes is beneficial.

• Automation Tools: Awareness of scripting languages (Python, Ansible) or automation platforms that can be used to streamline network configuration or deployment tasks.

• IT Service Management (ITSM) Tools: Familiarity with ITSM frameworks and tools (e.g., ServiceNow) for managing service requests, incidents, and changes, especially concerning network infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is inferred based on the role's responsibilities and the industry (telecommunications). Specific mentions of Cisco, Meraki, HPE, and network infrastructure imply the need for expertise in tools commonly used by these vendors and in network operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs through robust and efficient technical solutions, aligning with BT's "Delivering for the customer" leadership standard.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding high ethical standards in all dealings, from technical design to stakeholder interactions, reflecting the "Looking in: Leading inclusively and Safely" standard.

• Excellence & Quality: Striving for high-quality design and delivery, adhering to established standards and best practices to ensure reliability and performance, embodying the "Owning outcomes" principle.

• Innovation & Growth Mindset: Encouraging new ideas, exploring emerging technologies, and seeking continuous improvement in both solutions and processes, in line with "Looking to the future: Growth mindset."

• Collaboration & Inclusion: Fostering a supportive team environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional collaboration is encouraged, aligning with "Looking to the future: Building for the future."

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactive engagement with sales, delivery, product, and support teams to ensure seamless integration of technical designs into the broader customer lifecycle.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and honest communication, where feedback is welcomed and acted upon, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.

• Problem-Solving Partnerships: Working collaboratively with stakeholders to identify and resolve complex technical and operational challenges, leveraging collective expertise.

• Knowledge Sharing Culture: Actively participating in and promoting the sharing of technical knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned within the team and the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values section is derived from BT's stated leadership standards and the general expectations of a collaborative, high-performing team in the technology sector. The emphasis is on how these values translate into daily operations and team dynamics.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the fast-changing landscape of network technologies, Edge computing, and cybersecurity threats requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Complex Customer Requirements: Balancing diverse and often conflicting customer needs with technical feasibility, cost constraints, and BT's service offerings.

• Managing Diverse Teams: Leading a team of technical professionals with varying skill sets, experience levels, and motivations, ensuring consistent performance and development.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Navigating organizational complexities to ensure alignment and cooperation between different departments (sales, engineering, delivery, support) involved in the solution lifecycle.

• Balancing Innovation with Governance: Fostering an innovative environment while strictly adhering to established design standards, governance, and compliance requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technology Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications in specific vendor technologies (Cisco, HPE, Meraki) or broader areas like cybersecurity, cloud networking, or SD-WAN.

• Leadership Training Programs: BT likely offers internal leadership development programs focused on strategic thinking, change management, and advanced people management skills.

• Industry Conferences & Forums: Participation in telecommunications and technology conferences to stay abreast of industry trends, network with peers, and gain insights into future technologies.

• Mentorship and Coaching: Access to senior leaders for mentorship, and the opportunity to mentor junior team members, developing coaching skills.

• Exposure to Global Projects: Involvement in designing solutions for international clients, providing exposure to diverse market needs and global operational challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed to reflect the complexities of a senior technical management role in the telecommunications industry. The growth opportunities are designed to appeal to ambitious professionals seeking to advance their careers through skill development and leadership expansion.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a team through a complex network transition. What were the key challenges, how did you mitigate risks, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses leadership, risk management, and project delivery)

• "How do you ensure your team stays up-to-date with rapidly evolving technologies like Edge computing and SD-WAN?" (Evaluates approach to continuous learning and team development)

• "Walk me through a challenging technical solution you designed. What were the requirements, your design choices, and how did it align with the customer's business objectives?" (Tests technical acumen, problem-solving, and business alignment)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about BT Group's current digital transformation initiatives, particularly in fiber and 5G?" (Shows research and interest in the company's strategic direction)

• "How do you align your team's work with BT's leadership standards, such as 'Delivering for the customer' or 'Growth mindset'?" (Assesses cultural fit and understanding of company values)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Clarity: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Solution -> Challenges -> Outcome (quantified results).

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, architecture charts, or screenshots (if permissible) to illustrate complex technical designs and workflows effectively.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the business value and ROI of your solutions and process improvements. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "reduced deployment time by 15%," "increased network uptime by 99.9%").

• Demonstrate Leadership: When discussing team projects, highlight your role in motivating, guiding, and supporting your team members.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific technical choices, trade-offs, alternatives considered, and your decision-making process.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions are crafted to probe the core competencies of a Customer Solutions Design Manager, blending technical expertise, leadership skills, and understanding of business impact, all within the context of BT Group's stated values and industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the BT Group Careers Portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in technical design leadership, network infrastructure (especially Edge Technologies), team management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement. Use keywords from the job description such as "network infrastructure," "Edge Technologies," "Cisco," "Meraki," "HPE," "solution design," "team management," and "governance."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your ability to design and deliver complex technical solutions, manage teams, and improve processes. Quantify your achievements and be ready to walk through them in detail.

• Research BT Group: Familiarize yourself with BT's current strategic priorities (digital transformation, fiber, 5G), its services, and its stated leadership standards to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for common interview questions related to leadership, technical challenges, problem-solving, and team dynamics. Rehearse your portfolio presentations to ensure a clear and compelling delivery.

⚠️ 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.