Solution Design Manager (Warehouse Automation)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Solution Design Manager (Warehouse Automation)

Company: Toll Group

Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations & Supply Chain Management (Warehouse Automation Focus)

Date Posted: September 19, 2025

Experience Level: 7+ Years (with 2+ in Design/Analytical Role)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and development of innovative warehouse and distribution solutions, focusing on automation technologies to drive efficiency and customer satisfaction within the Retail, Consumer & Auto (RCA) division.

• Lead complex intralogistics design projects from conception through to delivery, ensuring commercial viability and alignment with strategic business objectives.

• Leverage advanced data analysis and process mapping techniques to create robust cost models and optimize operational workflows for new and existing clients.

• Serve as a key liaison, collaborating cross-functionally with sales, implementation, and project management teams to ensure seamless solution integration and successful project outcomes.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities for innovation, cost savings, and enhanced operational performance through strategic automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Intralogistics Solutions team, indicating a specialized focus on internal logistics operations and warehouse automation, rather than broader supply chain network design. The emphasis on "high to low complexity" design projects suggests the manager will handle a range of projects, from detailed process improvements to comprehensive new warehouse setups.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end intralogistics design projects, from initial customer engagement and data gathering to final solution proposal and handover.

• Conduct detailed analysis of operational data, including throughput, labor, and equipment utilization, to develop accurate cost models, business cases, and process flow diagrams.

• Prepare compelling tender responses, quotations, and strategic presentations for both internal stakeholders and external clients, clearly articulating the value proposition of proposed automation solutions.

• Collaborate closely with Sales, Operations, Implementation, and Project Management teams to ensure proposed solutions are feasible, scalable, and effectively integrated into existing or new operational frameworks.

• Proactively identify and champion opportunities for innovation, cost reduction, and continuous improvement within warehouse and distribution operations through the strategic application of automation technologies.

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with customers, technology vendors, and internal cross-functional teams to foster trust and ensure successful project execution.

• Ensure all designed solutions are commercially sound, meet profit margin targets, and are strategically aligned with Toll Group's business goals and customer requirements.

• Stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in warehouse automation, robotics, and intralogistics technologies to inform and enhance solution designs.

• Contribute to the development of best practices and standard methodologies for solution design within the Intralogistics Solutions team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking, technical design, commercial awareness, and strong interpersonal skills. The emphasis on "commercial due diligence" implies a need to assess the financial viability of proposed solutions beyond just operational efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in logistics, supply chain, or operations management.

• At least 2 years of direct experience in a solution design, analytical, or engineering role focused on warehouse operations or intralogistics.

Required Skills:

• Advanced Microsoft Excel: Essential for data analysis, modeling, and creating complex spreadsheets for cost estimation and operational simulations.

• Data Analysis & Modeling: Proven ability to collect, interpret, and analyze large datasets to derive actionable insights and build financial and operational models.

• Warehouse & Intralogistics Design: Deep understanding of warehouse layout principles, material flow, process optimization, and the application of automation technologies.

• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of business financials, cost drivers in logistics operations, and the ability to develop commercially viable solutions.

• Communication & Presentation Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts and proposals clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

• Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking: Exceptional ability to identify root causes of operational issues, develop creative solutions, and apply logical reasoning.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to build rapport, influence, and collaborate effectively with internal teams (Sales, Operations, IT, Finance) and external customers.

Preferred Skills:

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Proficiency in creating compelling presentations for executive reviews and client proposals.

• Microsoft Visio: Experience in creating process flow diagrams, workflow charts, and system architecture diagrams.

• AutoCAD: Familiarity with or ability to interpret CAD drawings for warehouse layout design and space planning.

• Warehouse Management System (WMS) & Automation Technology Knowledge: Familiarity with common WMS platforms and various types of warehouse automation equipment.

• Lean/Six Sigma Methodologies: Understanding of process improvement frameworks to drive efficiency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "Advanced Microsoft Excel" and "7+ years of experience in logistics or supply chain, with at least 2 years in a design or analytical role" clearly defines the core technical and experience benchmarks for this position. The inclusion of Visio and AutoCAD as desirable skills suggests a need for strong visualization and spatial reasoning capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Warehouse Automation Projects: Candidates should prepare detailed case studies showcasing their involvement in designing and implementing warehouse automation solutions. These should highlight the problem statement, the proposed solution, the technologies involved, and the quantifiable results achieved (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, throughput improvements).

• Cost Modeling Examples: Showcase examples of cost models developed for logistics operations, demonstrating the ability to accurately forecast capital expenditure (CAPEX), operational expenditure (OPEX), and return on investment (ROI) for automation projects.

• Process Flow Diagrams: Include examples of detailed process flow diagrams (using Visio or similar tools) that illustrate current-state and future-state operational workflows, particularly those involving automation.

• Tender Response/Proposal Excerpts: If possible, anonymized excerpts from previous tender responses or client proposals that demonstrate persuasive communication and a clear understanding of customer needs and solution articulation.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping complex warehouse workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and redesigning processes to incorporate automation for enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and safety.

• System Integration Documentation: Be prepared to discuss how proposed automation solutions integrate with existing systems, such as Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and Transport Management Systems (TMS).

• Performance Measurement Frameworks: Showcase an understanding of how to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for automated warehouse operations and how to establish mechanisms for tracking and reporting on these metrics to demonstrate ongoing value.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Solution Design Manager role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase past work but also demonstrate the candidate's thought process, analytical rigor, and ability to translate technical capabilities into business value. The emphasis on WMS integration and performance measurement metrics is key for this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the location (Sydney, Australia), experience level (7+ years with 2+ in design/analytical), and specialized nature of warehouse automation design, a competitive salary range is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Sydney, the estimated annual salary range for a Solution Design Manager (Warehouse Automation) would likely fall between AUD $140,000 and AUD $190,000, depending on the specific candidate's qualifications, depth of experience, and the complexity of projects managed.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Access to medical, dental, and optical coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions to a superannuation fund as per Australian legislative requirements, potentially with employer matching options.

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, personal/carer's leave, and public holiday entitlements.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and attendance at industry conferences related to logistics and automation.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.

• Career Advancement Opportunities: Potential for growth within Toll Group's global network, including roles in broader supply chain strategy or implementation management.

• Employee Discounts: Potential benefits on Toll Group services or partner offerings.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours for this role are typically 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday. However, given the project-driven nature of solution design and the potential need to collaborate with international teams or address urgent customer needs, some flexibility may be required, potentially involving occasional work outside of standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on Glassdoor, Seek, and Robert Walters salary guides for similar 'Logistics Manager', 'Operations Manager', and 'Solution Architect' roles in Sydney, Australia, with adjustments for the specialization in warehouse automation and the seniority implied by the experience requirements. Superannuation is a mandatory employer contribution in Australia.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Logistics & Supply Chain Services. Toll Group operates across various sectors, including transport, warehousing, freight forwarding, and customs brokerage, serving a wide array of industries such as retail, automotive, consumer goods, and resources. This broad scope provides exposure to diverse operational challenges.

Company Size: Over 16,000 employees globally. This large size indicates a well-established organization with structured processes, extensive resources, and numerous career pathways, but also suggests that individual impact might be within a specific division or specialized team.

Founded: Over 130 years ago. Toll Group has a long history, signifying stability, deep industry knowledge, and a proven track record in the logistics sector.

Team Structure:

• Intralogistics Solutions Team: This specialized team likely consists of solution designers, analysts, and engineers focused on optimizing internal warehouse and distribution processes. The team size is not specified but is expected to be a core functional group within the broader Retail, Consumer & Auto (RCA) division.

• Reporting Structure: The Solution Design Manager will likely report to a Head of Solutions Design or a Director of Intralogistics within the RCA division, with close collaboration with sales leadership and implementation project managers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role is inherently cross-functional, requiring close partnerships with Sales for new business development, Operations for understanding current capabilities and constraints, Engineering for technical implementation details, and Finance for cost justification.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role emphasizes analyzing operational data to develop cost models and process flows, indicating a strong reliance on quantitative analysis for solution design.

• Customer-Centric Design: Solutions are developed for both new and existing customers, requiring a deep understanding of client needs, business objectives, and the ability to tailor solutions accordingly.

• Continuous Improvement Focus: The role involves identifying opportunities for innovation and cost savings, promoting a culture of ongoing optimization and efficiency enhancement.

Company Website: www.tollgroup.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The information about Toll Group's history and global presence suggests a stable, experienced company. The focus on the RCA division and the Intralogistics Solutions team points to a specialized operational area within a larger conglomerate.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior management level, focusing on specialized technical design and strategic solution development within warehouse automation. It requires a blend of deep technical understanding, analytical prowess, and commercial execution.

Reporting Structure: The Solution Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within the Intralogistics Solutions team or the RCA division, such as a Director of Solutions Design or Head of Operations. This position acts as a key contributor, influencing operational strategies and new business opportunities.

Operations Impact: The Solution Design Manager has a significant impact on revenue generation and operational efficiency. By designing compelling and cost-effective automation solutions, they directly contribute to winning new business, retaining existing clients, and improving the profitability and competitiveness of Toll Group's warehouse and distribution services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Progress to a Senior Solution Design Manager or Principal Solution Architect role, taking on larger, more complex, and strategic projects, potentially across different regions or business units.

• Leadership Roles: Transition into management roles overseeing the entire Solutions Design team, or move into operational leadership positions (e.g., Operations Manager, General Manager for a specific site or division) where the understanding of automation and process design is critical.

• Implementation & Project Management: Move into roles focused on the execution of designed solutions, such as Project Director or Head of Implementation for automation projects.

• Strategic Planning: Contribute to broader supply chain strategy development, leveraging insights gained from solution design to inform long-term network and technology roadmaps.

• Industry Expertise Development: Become a recognized subject matter expert in warehouse automation, potentially leading industry forums or training initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 'Manager' title suggests direct leadership or significant project ownership. The growth paths outlined reflect typical progressions for individuals in specialized technical and analytical roles within large logistics organizations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily on-site, with the expectation of working from a Toll Group office location in Sydney. The environment is likely to be a mix of corporate office space for analysis, modeling, and presentations, and potentially site visits to warehouses for assessment and stakeholder engagement.

Office Location(s): Sydney Olympic Park, New South Wales, Australia is the primary listed location. Other potential locations like Melbourne might be considered based on candidate location, but the core role is tied to Sydney.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close collaboration with sales, operations, and implementation teams, suggesting an office environment that facilitates teamwork and open communication.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard office technology, high-performance computing for data analysis, and specialized design software (Excel, Visio, AutoCAD) will be essential.

• Field Exposure: Occasional site visits to operational warehouses will be required to understand current processes, assess infrastructure, and engage with on-site teams, providing a practical contrast to office-based analytical work.

Work Schedule: Adherence to a standard 40-hour work week (Monday to Friday) is expected. However, project deadlines, tender submissions, and customer engagements may require flexibility and occasional work outside of typical business hours to meet critical milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation and specific office location indicate a traditional work setting, emphasizing in-person collaboration and site-specific understanding. Flexibility is noted as a requirement due to project demands.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and cover letter, focusing on relevant experience in logistics, warehouse design, and automation.

• Technical Assessment/Skills Test: Potentially a practical exercise involving data analysis, cost modeling, or process mapping using tools like Excel or Visio to assess core competencies.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions designed to explore your problem-solving approach, collaboration skills, stakeholder management, and experience with challenging projects. This may include detailed discussions about your portfolio.

• Panel Interview: Interviews with key stakeholders from Sales, Operations, and potentially senior management to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with business objectives.

• Final Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager or a senior leader to finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project in your portfolio, clearly articulate the business problem, your specific role, the solution implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., % increase in throughput, % reduction in operational costs, % improvement in order accuracy).

• Showcase Process Thinking: Use flowcharts and diagrams to visually represent your design process, demonstrating your understanding of workflows and how automation integrates into them.

• Highlight Automation Technologies: Be prepared to discuss the specific automation technologies you have worked with, their pros and cons, and why you chose certain solutions for particular problems.

• Demonstrate Commercial Savvy: Ensure your portfolio examples include elements of cost-benefit analysis, ROI calculations, and justification for capital investments.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align most closely with warehouse and distribution automation, as this is the core focus of the position at Toll Group.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Practice: Be ready to walk through a complex solution design scenario. Practice structuring your response: understanding the problem, gathering information, analyzing options, proposing a solution, and justifying it with data and commercial rationale.

• Excel & Modeling Proficiency: Refresh your skills in advanced Excel functions, scenario analysis, and building financial models.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare examples of how you have communicated complex technical details and recommendations to non-technical stakeholders, including senior management and clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and the specific types of projects expected (automation, cost modeling, process flows) suggest a practical, results-oriented evaluation process. The inclusion of a potential technical assessment or skills test is a common practice for analytical and design roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Excel (Advanced): The cornerstone tool for data analysis, financial modeling, scenario planning, and cost estimation. Proficiency in advanced functions, pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data visualization is critical.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Essential for creating impactful presentations to clients, internal teams, and senior management, articulating solution proposals and business cases.

• Microsoft Visio: Used for creating detailed process flow diagrams, workflow charts, and system architecture layouts, crucial for visualizing operational processes.

• AutoCAD (Desirable): Potentially used for detailed layout design, space planning, and visualization of physical warehouse configurations and automation placements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• WMS (Warehouse Management System) Data: Experience extracting and analyzing data from various WMS platforms to understand operational performance.

• ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Data: Familiarity with integrating or analyzing data from ERP systems for a holistic view of inventory and order management.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau): While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with BI tools for data visualization and dashboard creation would be advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (e.g., Salesforce): Understanding how sales processes interact with solution design, and potentially using CRM data for customer analysis.

• Automation Technology Platforms: Familiarity with the operational interfaces or data outputs of various automation systems (e.g., robotics, automated storage and retrieval systems - AS/RS, sortation systems) to inform design.

• Integration Platforms: Understanding the principles of integrating different systems (WMS, automation hardware, ERP) to ensure seamless data flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is heavily Microsoft Office-centric, with a strong emphasis on Excel. The mention of AutoCAD as desirable and the implied need to work with WMS and automation hardware data indicate a practical, hands-on approach to design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong emphasis on understanding and meeting customer needs, ensuring solutions deliver tangible value and enhance client satisfaction.

• Innovation & Improvement: A drive to continuously explore new technologies and methodologies to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency in warehouse automation.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards in all dealings and taking ownership of the solutions designed, ensuring they are robust and deliver as promised.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where cross-functional teams work together effectively to achieve common goals and share knowledge.

• Safety & Efficiency: Prioritizing safe operational practices and driving efficiency through smart design and automation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands proactive engagement with Sales, Operations, Implementation, and IT teams, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills to align diverse perspectives and objectives.

• Process Review Culture: An open approach to reviewing and challenging existing processes, encouraging constructive feedback and a willingness to adopt new methods for improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights within the Solutions Design team and across relevant departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values listed reflect a typical corporate environment focused on customer service, innovation, and teamwork. The emphasis on collaboration is particularly pertinent given the cross-functional nature of the Solution Design Manager role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Practicality: Designing cutting-edge automation solutions while ensuring they are commercially viable, technically feasible within existing infrastructure, and meet immediate customer needs.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Aligning the expectations of various stakeholders (Sales, Customers, Operations, Finance) who may have differing priorities and levels of understanding regarding automation capabilities and costs.

• Data Availability and Quality: Overcoming challenges related to inconsistent or incomplete operational data, which can impact the accuracy of cost models and the effectiveness of solution designs.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the constantly evolving landscape of warehouse automation technologies and integrating new advancements effectively into solutions.

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and agreement between departments with potentially different objectives (e.g., Sales focused on winning deals vs. Operations focused on current resource constraints).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Automation Technology Training: Access to training on new robotics, AS/RS, AI/ML applications in logistics, and advanced WMS functionalities.

• Commercial & Financial Modeling Workshops: Opportunities to deepen expertise in business case development, ROI analysis, and complex financial modeling for large-scale projects.

• Industry Conferences & Webinars: Participation in key logistics and automation industry events to stay updated on trends, network with peers, and gain insights from industry leaders.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders in solution design, operations, or strategy, and potentially to mentor junior analysts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying these challenges helps candidates prepare for the realities of the role and demonstrate their problem-solving capabilities during interviews. The growth opportunities highlight Toll Group's commitment to employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex warehouse automation project you designed. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the ultimate ROI?" (Focus on demonstrating problem-solving, technical depth, and commercial impact.)

• "How do you approach building a cost model for a new warehouse operation? What are the critical data points you need, and how do you ensure accuracy?" (Assess analytical rigor and financial acumen.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Toll Group and its position in the logistics industry, particularly in Australia?" (Show research into the company's operations, market presence, and strategy.)

• "How do you see warehouse automation playing a role in Toll Group's future growth, especially within the Retail, Consumer & Auto division?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and alignment with the company's direction.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each portfolio example, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Analysis -> Solution -> Implementation Considerations -> Results (Quantified).

• Visual Aids: Use your prepared diagrams (process flows, layouts) and charts (performance data, cost breakdowns) to support your explanations.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and decisions within each project.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about the technical details of automation, the assumptions made in your models, and the trade-offs considered.

• Connect to Toll Group: Wherever possible, draw parallels between your past successes and how you would apply those learnings to solve problems for Toll Group's clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples and structuring responses around the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will be highly beneficial for answering behavioral and situational questions. Demonstrating an understanding of Toll Group's business context will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in warehouse automation, intralogistics design, data analysis, cost modeling, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility.

• Develop Your Portfolio: Compile a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your expertise in designing warehouse automation solutions. Focus on quantifiable results and clearly outline your role and methodology.

• Prepare for Case Studies: Practice articulating your approach to common solution design challenges, including data analysis, process mapping, and cost estimation, using your portfolio examples as a basis.

• Research Toll Group: Understand Toll Group's business, its services, its presence in Australia, and its strategic direction, particularly within the Retail, Consumer & Auto sector.

⚠️ 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.

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