Senior Solution Design Manager (Warehouse Physical Automation)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Solution Design Manager (Warehouse Physical Automation)

Company: Toll Group

Location: Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, Australia (with potential for Melbourne or Brisbane)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations / Supply Chain / Logistics / Solution Design

Date Posted: February 5, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end design of complex warehouse automation solutions for diverse industries within the Retail and Consumer (R&C) sector, focusing on scalability and operational execution.

• Leverage strong analytical, modeling, and commercial capabilities to develop robust solutions, including process design, data analysis, cost modeling, and strategic pricing to ensure sustainable margins.

• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration with internal teams, clients, and stakeholders to validate assumptions, align solution components, and ensure the feasibility of designs within the broader Toll network.

• Drive innovation by adopting best-practice tools, emerging technologies, and new methodologies to enhance solution quality, speed, and overall competitiveness in the logistics and supply chain market.

• Ensure operational excellence, governance, and compliance through effective workload management, adherence to project methodologies, and maintenance of high-quality standards for consistent, impactful outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized within warehouse physical automation, requiring a blend of technical engineering/logistics knowledge and strong commercial acumen. It sits at a senior level, indicating significant responsibility for complex projects and stakeholder management. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for strong self-management and effective remote collaboration tools.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, development, and validation of intralogistics solutions for warehouse automation, encompassing network design, operational flow, and technology integration.

• Conduct detailed data analysis, process mapping, and simulation to identify bottlenecks, optimize workflows, and quantify the impact of proposed automation solutions.

• Develop comprehensive cost models, perform scenario planning, and contribute to pricing strategies to ensure the commercial viability and profitability of integrated logistics solutions.

• Prepare and present high-quality documentation, including detailed solution designs, tender responses, business cases, and client presentations, articulating value drivers and ROI.

• Collaborate closely with sales, operations, engineering, and IT teams to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions with existing infrastructure and business processes.

• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices in warehouse automation, robotics, and material handling systems to foster innovation and continuous improvement.

• Ensure adherence to project management methodologies, governance frameworks, and compliance requirements throughout the solution design lifecycle.

• Provide expert input and support during the implementation phase, working with project teams to troubleshoot and ensure successful deployment of designed solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core of this role involves translating client needs and operational challenges into tangible, executable warehouse automation solutions. This requires a deep understanding of logistics operations, physical automation technologies, and the ability to quantify the business impact of proposed designs. The emphasis on "end-to-end" suggests ownership from initial concept through to implementation support.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical) or Logistics Management from a recognized tertiary institution.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5-10 years of comprehensive experience in warehouse automation, intralogistics, supply chain, or a related logistics function.

• Demonstrated success in leading and delivering complex solution design projects, preferably in a consulting or client-facing capacity.

Required Skills:

• Solution Design: Expertise in developing end-to-end logistics and automation solutions, from concept to implementation support.

• Warehouse Automation: In-depth knowledge of physical automation technologies (e.g., conveyors, AS/RS, robotics, AGVs/AMRs) and their application in warehouse environments.

• Analytical & Modeling Skills: Proficiency in data analysis, process mapping, cost modeling, and scenario development to support robust decision-making.

• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of pricing strategies, margin analysis, and commercial due diligence within the logistics sector.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to effectively engage and influence diverse stakeholders across various departments and with external clients.

• Technical Proficiency: Essential skills in AutoCAD, Tableau, MS Office Suite (including Excel, PowerPoint), and MS Visio.

• Problem-Solving: Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to address complex operational challenges.

• Communication: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical and commercial information clearly in tenders and presentations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with simulation software for logistics and automation modeling.

• Knowledge of supply chain management software and warehouse management systems (WMS).

• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.

• Experience in the Retail, Consumer, FMCG, or Beverages industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required technical skills (AutoCAD, Tableau, Visio) are specific and crucial for the visualization and analysis aspects of solution design. The emphasis on "consulting capability" suggests a need for strong client-facing and presentation skills, with a focus on demonstrating project success through a portfolio.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful end-to-end intralogistics solution designs for warehouse automation projects.

• Include case studies detailing process optimization initiatives, highlighting the challenges, solutions implemented, and quantifiable results achieved (e.g., efficiency gains, cost reductions, throughput improvements).

• Present examples of system integration strategies and how proposed automation solutions were incorporated into existing operational frameworks.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of detailed process maps and workflow designs for automated warehouse operations.

• Showcase documentation related to the implementation and automation of warehouse processes, including integration plans.

• Include examples of how performance was measured and analyzed post-implementation, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Solution Design Manager role, a robust portfolio is critical. It should not only showcase technical design capabilities but also the ability to translate technical solutions into commercially viable and operationally sound proposals. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their portfolio, explaining their thought process, challenges, and outcomes in detail.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the senior level, specialized nature of the role (warehouse physical automation), and location in major Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane), a competitive salary range is expected.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.

• Generous paid time off and leave entitlements.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.

• Contribution to superannuation (Australian retirement savings scheme).

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Employee assistance programs for personal and professional support.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 38-40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be offered for hybrid work arrangements, with an expectation of being on-site for key meetings, client engagements, and collaborative sessions as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research for similar senior-level roles in logistics and automation within Australia, considering the cost of living in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Benefits are standard for large, established organizations like Toll Group. The hybrid nature suggests a need for efficient time management between remote work and on-site requirements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Logistics, Transportation, and Supply Chain Services. Toll Group operates globally, providing a wide range of services including freight forwarding, warehousing, and integrated supply chain solutions. The Retail and Consumer (R&C) division focuses on specialized contract warehousing and distribution for sectors like Consumer & Beverages, Specialty Retail, and FMCG.

Company Size: Toll Group is a large, established global organization with over 16,000 employees and 500 sites in 27 markets. This indicates a structured environment with established processes and opportunities for career progression within a large corporate framework.

Founded: Toll Group has a history spanning over 130 years, highlighting its stability, experience, and deep understanding of the logistics industry.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Head of Warehouse Solution Design, suggesting a dedicated team focused on developing and optimizing warehouse solutions.

• This team likely comprises individuals with expertise in various aspects of logistics, engineering, and commercial analysis.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on a data-driven approach to solution design, utilizing analytical modeling and cost-benefit analysis to justify proposals.

• Adherence to structured project methodologies for tender responses and solution development, ensuring quality and consistency.

• A culture that encourages innovation, the adoption of new technologies, and continuous improvement in logistics processes and automation.

• Focus on commercial viability and sustainable margins as key drivers for solution design.

Company Website: www.tollgroup.com

📝 Enhancement Note: As a large, established player in the logistics industry, Toll Group likely fosters a culture that balances process adherence with innovation. The specific mention of "Retail and Consumer" indicates a focus on a particular market segment where efficiency, speed, and reliability are paramount. The company's long history suggests a stable environment, while its global presence and affiliation with Japan Post point to a robust and well-resourced organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Managerial position, signifying a significant level of responsibility. It requires not only technical expertise in warehouse automation and solution design but also leadership capabilities in managing complex projects, influencing stakeholders, and driving commercial outcomes. The role acts as a critical bridge between client needs, operational capabilities, and technological solutions.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Solution Design Manager reports to the Head of Warehouse Solution Design. This indicates a clear hierarchy within the solution design function, with opportunities to learn from and contribute to the strategic direction set by the Head.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on Toll Group's ability to win new business and retain existing clients by designing innovative and cost-effective warehouse automation solutions. Successful designs translate directly into improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, enhanced customer satisfaction, and ultimately, increased revenue and profitability for the company.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific automation technologies or industries within the R&C sector, potentially becoming a subject matter expert.

• Leadership Progression: Advance to a Head of Solution Design role or move into broader operational leadership positions within Toll Group.

• Strategic Involvement: Contribute to the overall strategic planning and technology roadmap for Toll's warehousing and logistics operations.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to transition into related roles in operations management, project management, or business development.

• Continuous Learning: Access to industry training, conferences, and certifications to stay at the forefront of warehouse automation and logistics innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a leadership component, not just individual contribution. Career growth likely involves taking on larger, more complex projects, mentoring junior team members, and potentially developing new methodologies or service offerings within the solution design function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. This suggests a blend of remote work and on-site presence at one of Toll Group's Australian offices (Sydney Olympic Park, Melbourne, or Brisbane). The on-site component would likely involve collaborative meetings, client presentations, and team-based problem-solving sessions.

Office Location(s): The role is open to Sydney Olympic Park (NSW), Melbourne (VIC), or Brisbane (QLD), offering flexibility for candidates in these major Australian cities.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment will likely be professional and collaborative, requiring effective communication and coordination across distributed teams.

• Access to necessary technology and tools for remote work and on-site collaboration will be provided.

• Opportunities for interaction with experienced logistics professionals, engineers, and commercial teams.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 38-40 per week).

• Hybrid arrangement offers flexibility, requiring proactive time management to balance remote tasks with on-site collaboration and client-facing activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature requires candidates to be self-disciplined and adept at virtual communication and collaboration tools. The need for occasional travel indicates a requirement for flexibility and willingness to be mobile when project demands necessitate it.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, focusing on alignment with the core requirements and experience.

• Technical/Functional Interview: This stage will likely involve a deep dive into your experience with warehouse automation, solution design methodologies, and technical skills. Expect questions related to specific technologies, process analysis, and commercial considerations.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a solution design for a hypothetical scenario or walk through a relevant project from their portfolio. This assesses your problem-solving approach, analytical capabilities, and presentation skills.

• Stakeholder/Team Interview: You will likely meet with potential colleagues and senior leadership, including the Head of Warehouse Solution Design, to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and overall suitability for the team.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview, potentially with a senior executive, to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your skills in warehouse automation solution design, commercial acumen, and client engagement.

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly outline:

  • The client's challenge or objective.
  • Your role and approach.
  • The technologies and methodologies used.
  • Key design elements and rationale.
  • Quantifiable results (ROI, efficiency gains, cost savings).
  • Lessons learned.

• Quantify Everything: Use data and metrics extensively to demonstrate the value of your solutions. Be prepared to explain your assumptions and calculations.

• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase how you worked with different teams and stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.

• Visual Aids: Utilize diagrams, process maps, and visual representations (e.g., from AutoCAD or Visio) to illustrate your designs effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business: Research Toll Group, its R&C division, and the broader logistics industry in Australia. Understand common challenges in warehouse automation for retail and FMCG clients.

• Practice Problem-Solving: Be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving optimizing warehouse layouts, selecting automation technologies, or improving operational efficiency under cost constraints.

• Articulate Your Value: Practice explaining how your skills and experience directly address the requirements of the role and can benefit Toll Group.

• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers about the team, current projects, company strategy, and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess a candidate's comprehensive skillset – technical, analytical, commercial, and interpersonal. A strong portfolio is paramount, serving as tangible evidence of capability. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their contributions and the business impact of their work in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD is explicitly mentioned and is essential for creating detailed warehouse layouts, flow diagrams, and equipment placement plans.

• Data Visualization & Analytics: Tableau is required for creating dashboards, analyzing performance data, and presenting insights to stakeholders.

• Process Modeling: MS Visio is a key tool for mapping current and future state processes, workflows, and operational flows within the warehouse.

• Productivity Suite: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel for advanced data analysis and modeling, PowerPoint for presentations, Word for documentation) is fundamental.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with data analysis tools beyond Tableau, such as advanced Excel functions, or potentially SQL for data extraction, would be beneficial for deeper analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary tool for this role, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) feed into sales bids and how automation platforms (e.g., RPA, workflow automation) can integrate with warehouse operations would be advantageous.

• Knowledge of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and their integration capabilities with automation hardware and enterprise software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools (AutoCAD, Tableau, Visio) are critical for this role. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency. Beyond these, understanding the broader technology ecosystem of logistics (WMS, ERP, TMS, automation control systems) will be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Designing solutions that directly meet and exceed client needs, ensuring satisfaction and long-term partnerships.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking and implementing new technologies and methodologies to enhance warehouse automation and logistics efficiency.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on rigorous analysis, modeling, and KPIs to inform solution design and validate outcomes.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams and with external stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence & Continuous Improvement: Striving for high-quality outcomes, operational efficiency, and a proactive approach to identifying and implementing improvements.

• Commercial Responsibility: Ensuring that solutions are not only technically sound but also commercially viable and contribute positively to profitability.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where solution designers work closely with sales, operations, engineering, IT, and finance teams.

• Proactive Communication: Open and transparent communication is key, especially in a hybrid setting, to ensure alignment and address challenges effectively.

• Feedback & Learning: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and continuous learning from both successes and failures.

• Partnership Approach: Working collaboratively with clients to understand their unique challenges and co-create optimal solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Toll Group's values likely emphasize reliability, integrity, and a forward-thinking approach, reflecting its long history and global presence. For this role, a proactive, analytical, and collaborative mindset is essential to thrive in the solution design function.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Practicality: Integrating cutting-edge automation technologies while ensuring they are feasible, cost-effective, and scalable within existing operational constraints.

• Complexity of Stakeholder Management: Aligning the interests and expectations of diverse internal departments (sales, operations, finance) and external clients.

• Data Quality and Availability: Dealing with potentially incomplete or inconsistent data for analysis and modeling, requiring strong data validation and assumption-making skills.

• Pace of Technological Change: Keeping up-to-date with the rapid advancements in warehouse automation hardware and software to ensure solutions remain competitive and future-proof.

• Hybrid Work Effectiveness: Maintaining strong team cohesion, collaboration, and productivity in a hybrid work model.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Automation Technologies: Opportunities to gain expertise in emerging areas like AI-driven automation, advanced robotics, and integrated IoT solutions for warehouses.

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing certifications in project management, supply chain management, or specialized automation technologies.

• Cross-Industry Exposure: Gaining experience in designing solutions for different sectors within the Retail & Consumer space, broadening your understanding of diverse operational needs.

• Leadership Development: Access to leadership training programs to enhance skills in managing teams, projects, and strategic initiatives.

• Global Best Practices: Learning from Toll Group's global operations and contributing to the development of best practices across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex, real-world logistics challenges and staying at the forefront of automation technology. The company's scale and global reach provide a broad platform for development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed a complex warehouse automation solution. What were the key challenges, how did you address them, and what was the quantifiable outcome?" (Focus on your process, analytical rigor, and impact.)

• "How do you approach cost modeling and pricing for automation solutions to ensure both client value and sustainable company margins?" (Demonstrate commercial understanding.)

• "Walk me through your process for validating assumptions and ensuring the feasibility of a proposed automation solution across different operational functions." (Highlight collaboration and stakeholder management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Toll Group's Retail and Consumer division, and how do you see your solution design expertise contributing to its success?" (Research the company and tailor your response.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication with your team and stakeholders?" (Address the work arrangement directly.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as compelling stories with a clear beginning (challenge), middle (solution and process), and end (results and impact).

• Focus on "Why": Clearly articulate the rationale behind your design choices. Why this technology? Why this layout? Why this process?

• Quantify the Impact: Be ready to present specific metrics and demonstrate the ROI of your solutions. Use numbers to prove your value.

• Visual Clarity: Use your prepared diagrams and visuals effectively to support your narrative. Ensure they are easy to understand.

• Engage Your Audience: Encourage questions throughout your presentation and be prepared to discuss your work in detail, demonstrating your expertise and passion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical expertise, commercial acumen, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and excellent communication/collaboration abilities. The ability to articulate the business value of automation solutions is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Solution Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Toll Group careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experience in warehouse physical automation, solution design, cost modeling, and client-facing roles. If you have a portfolio, ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., via a link or attached document) and showcases your most relevant projects.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience with the required tools (AutoCAD, Tableau, MS Visio, MS Office Suite) and quantifies your achievements with specific metrics related to efficiency, cost savings, or throughput improvements.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and be ready for technical and case study challenges.

• Company Research: Investigate Toll Group's recent projects, strategic initiatives, and their position in the Australian logistics market, particularly within the R&C sector. Understand their approach to innovation and automation.

⚠️ 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.