Solutions Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Solutions Design Manager

Company: Culina Group (Great Bear)

Location: Desborough, England, United Kingdom (with potential for Warrington, England, United Kingdom)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations Management / Logistics Solutions Design

Date Posted: May 01, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Estimated)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end solution design for complex warehouse and transport tender responses within the third-party logistics (3PL) sector.

• Develop commercially viable and operationally efficient logistics solutions, leveraging industry best practices and innovative technologies.

• Analyze customer requirements, conduct detailed data analysis, and build robust financial models to support business development opportunities.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, finance, IT, and other specialist teams to ensure integrated and successful tender submissions and new contract implementations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within the Business Development function, specifically focusing on the technical and operational design aspects of new client acquisitions. The emphasis is on translating client needs into executable and profitable logistics solutions, requiring a strong blend of operational understanding, commercial acumen, and analytical proficiency. The mention of "Great Bear (Part of the Culina Group)" indicates a focus on distribution services for FMCG clients, a key sector for logistics operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement & Requirement Analysis: Communicate directly with prospective clients throughout the tender process, thoroughly analyzing tender documents, data, and specific requirements to identify business development opportunities.

• Solution Design & Optimization: Design comprehensive warehouse and transport solutions, encompassing warehouse processes, facility layouts, equipment selection, vehicle routing, shift planning, IT systems integration, and management/admin structures, always considering industry best practices and potential automation opportunities.

• Financial & Operational Modeling: Develop and execute detailed resource models (people, equipment, property, IT, transport) to feed into comprehensive financial models. Prepare profit and loss budgets in collaboration with finance teams and provide detailed financial and operational comparisons of alternative solutions, explicitly highlighting associated risks.

• Tender Response & Presentation: Prepare high-quality tender response documentation and compelling presentations for internal stakeholders and external clients, up to Board Level.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Liaise effectively with Regional Operations Directors, operational teams, and specialist functions (IT, HR, facilities) throughout all tender phases, ensuring alignment and leveraging their expertise in solution design and process development.

• Market Intelligence & Continuous Improvement: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry developments, automation technologies, and best practices through professional bodies (e.g., CILT), industry events, and training courses. Support the training and development of other members of the business development team.

• New Contract Support: Provide crucial support during the implementation phase of new contracts, ensuring a smooth transition from design to operational execution.

• Sub-contractor Management: Manage quotes and proposals for sub-contracting non-core services that form part of the overall tender scope.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on analytical rigor (financial modeling, data analysis) and strategic communication (customer engagement, presentations). The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and evaluating automation opportunities, a critical aspect of modern logistics solutions design. The emphasis on "commercially competitive solutions" underscores the need for a strong understanding of P&L, operational costs, and profitability drivers within the 3PL sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong understanding of logistics, supply chain management, or a related business field is expected, often gained through academic study or extensive on-the-job experience.

Experience: A proven track record in logistics solutions design roles with demonstrated commercial accountability is essential. Operational experience within the UK third-party logistics sector is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Solutions Design Expertise: Proven ability to design and articulate complex warehouse and transport solutions within the logistics sector.

• Commercial Acumen: Deep understanding of UK third-party logistics market dynamics, commercial rates, and profit & loss management.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel Proficiency: Technically proficient in using advanced Excel functions (macros, pivot tables, data links, lookups) for complex data management and financial modeling.

• Analytical & Modeling Skills: Ability to develop and execute resource models and financial models, assess business opportunities, and provide insightful executive summaries.

• Communication & Presentation Skills: Confident and effective communicator, capable of presenting proposals and engaging with Senior Management, Key Stakeholders, and customers up to Board Level.

• Project & Tender Management: Ability to lead and coordinate teams through the tender process, managing multiple stakeholders and meeting critical deadlines.

• Industry Best Practices Knowledge: Familiarity with warehouse processes, layouts, equipment, routing, and shift planning.

• Automation Awareness: Experience or a strong understanding of current automation technologies relevant to logistics and warehousing.

Preferred Skills:

• Operational Logistics Experience: Hands-on experience in logistics operations management.

• Simulation & Modeling Tools: Proficiency or familiarity with industry-recognized simulation and modeling tools such as CAD, CLASS, CAST, Paragon, or similar.

• Professional Body Membership: Membership in a professional body like the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).

• Team Leadership: Experience in leading and developing cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on advanced Excel functionality suggests that candidates will need to demonstrate a high level of quantitative analysis capability. The preference for simulation/modeling tools indicates that while not strictly mandatory, candidates with these skills will have a distinct advantage, particularly in complex solution design scenarios. The mention of CILT reinforces the expectation of industry knowledge and professional development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Solution Design Case Studies: Showcase examples of past warehouse and transport solutions designed, detailing the client's challenge, the proposed solution, the design process, and the quantifiable business outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, service level improvements).

• Financial Modeling Examples: Demonstrate the ability to build and present financial models, including P&L projections, resource allocation models, and ROI calculations for proposed logistics solutions. Highlight the data sources and assumptions used.

• Tender Response Documentation: Include anonymized examples of tender response sections or presentations that highlight analytical rigor, clear communication, and a strategic approach to addressing client requirements.

• Process Optimization Examples: Feature projects where process improvements were identified and implemented as part of a solution design, illustrating the methodology used for analysis and optimization.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Analysis: Provide evidence of ability to map, analyze, and redesign complex logistics workflows (e.g., inbound, outbound, inventory management, returns).

• Implementation & Automation Proposals: Showcase documentation related to the planning and justification for implementing new systems, technologies, or automation within logistics operations.

• Performance Measurement Frameworks: Demonstrate experience in defining key performance indicators (KPIs) and establishing frameworks for measuring the success and efficiency of designed solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio will be critical for demonstrating practical application of the required skills. Candidates should be prepared to walk through anonymized case studies, explaining their design methodology, the tools used, and the impact of their solutions. Emphasis should be placed on quantifiable results and the ability to articulate complex operational and financial concepts clearly.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Solutions Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the UK logistics sector, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between £50,000 - £70,000 per annum. This range can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and the exact location of employment within the UK.

Benefits:

• Annual Leave: Competitive holiday entitlement of 25 days plus bank holidays.

• Company Bonus: Performance-based bonus scheme, reflecting shared success.

• Private Medical Cover: Through Bupa, offering choice, flexibility, and timely access to clinical care.

• Pension Scheme: Generous employer contribution of 8% (with 5% employee contribution).

• Life Assurance: 4x annual salary coverage.

• Company Car or Car Allowance: Provided based on business needs.

• Wellness Programme: Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering 24/7 counselling and legal information.

• Eye Care Vouchers: Discounts on eye tests and prescription glasses.

• Reward & Recognition: Programs for Employee of the Month/Year, special recognition, and long service awards.

• Everyday Discounts: Access to a benefits platform with over 50 retailer discounts.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 40-hour week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from UK job boards and industry salary surveys for similar roles, taking into account the experience level and specialized skills required. The comprehensive benefits package is typical for senior roles within large logistics organizations, emphasizing employee well-being and financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Logistics and Supply Chain Management, with a specific focus on distribution services for Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) clients.

Company Size: Culina Group is a large organization, indicated by its significant presence in the UK logistics market and its employee count (likely in the thousands). Great Bear, as part of Culina Group, operates multiple distribution sites.

Founded: While not specified for Culina Group directly, the mention of "Great Bear" suggests an established entity within the logistics sector. The company emphasizes a "winning culture" and a "customer-centric service focus" delivered through an "empowered culture."

Team Structure:

• The Solutions Design Manager reports to the Senior Solutions Development Manager, indicating a structured hierarchy within the Business Development function.

• The role requires close collaboration with various internal departments, including Regional Operations Directors, operations teams, IT, finance, HR, and facilities management.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Strong emphasis on analyzing customer data and operational metrics to inform solution design and financial modeling.

• Process Optimization: A core aspect of the role involves designing and recommending improvements to warehouse and transport processes.

• Collaborative Solution Development: The methodology involves leveraging input and expertise from various cross-functional teams to create holistic and robust solutions.

• Customer-Centric Approach: All solutions are designed with the primary goal of meeting and exceeding customer requirements and delivering value.

Company Website: https://www.culina.co.uk/ (Note: The specific URL provided in the input was culina.co.uk, this is a more direct link to the group.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as "winning," "valued, challenged, and inspired," suggesting an environment that rewards high performance and encourages professional growth. The "customer-centric" approach is paramount, meaning solutions must demonstrably benefit the client. The scale of Culina Group implies opportunities for exposure to large-scale, complex logistics operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the operations and business development spectrum. It requires a blend of technical operational knowledge, commercial understanding, and strategic thinking, positioning the individual as a key contributor to new business acquisition and solution innovation.

Reporting Structure: The Solutions Design Manager reports to a Senior Solutions Development Manager, indicating a clear career path towards more senior roles in solution design, business development, or operations leadership.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the company's revenue growth by enabling the acquisition of new clients through the design of competitive and effective logistics solutions. It ensures that the proposed solutions are operationally feasible, financially sound, and aligned with the company's strategic objectives and capabilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Solutions Development Manager: Progression to managing a team of solutions designers and taking on even larger, more strategic tender opportunities.

• Operations Management: Transition into operational roles, leveraging the deep understanding of processes and client requirements gained in solution design.

• Business Development/Commercial Roles: Move into broader business development roles, focusing on client relationships and strategic account management.

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in specific areas like automation integration, network design, or specific industry verticals within logistics.

• Continuous Learning: Opportunities to stay abreast of industry trends, new technologies, and attend professional development courses or conferences (e.g., CILT).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a strong stepping stone for operations professionals looking to move into a more strategic, commercially focused, and client-facing aspect of the logistics industry. The blend of analytical and interpersonal skills cultivated here opens doors to various leadership pathways within the supply chain and operations domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily based at one of the "Great Bear depots within the Midlands or North area," suggesting a hybrid environment where significant time is spent in an office setting at a distribution hub. However, the role requires "some travel" which could include client sites, other company depots, or industry events.

Office Location(s): Potential primary locations include Desborough, England, United Kingdom, and Warrington, England, United Kingdom. The flexibility to be based at "any of our Great Bear depots within the Midlands or North area" offers some geographic choice.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work closely with a dedicated business development team and collaborate extensively with operational managers, finance teams, IT specialists, and potentially client representatives.

• Tool & Technology Access: Will have access to standard office productivity software (Microsoft Office Suite, particularly advanced Excel) and potentially specialized logistics modeling/simulation tools, depending on company investment.

• Dynamic Pace: The nature of tender responses and business development often involves fast-paced work, tight deadlines, and the need for agility in adapting solutions.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour week, Monday to Friday, is specified. However, the demands of tender deadlines may occasionally require flexibility and extended working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be comfortable with a primarily office-based role within a logistics operational hub, with an understanding that travel will be a necessary component. The environment is likely to be professional, results-oriented, and collaborative, reflecting the demands of the logistics industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter, focusing on relevant experience in logistics solutions design, commercial acumen, and technical skills (especially Excel).

• First Interview: Likely with the Senior Solutions Development Manager, assessing your understanding of logistics operations, solution design methodologies, and commercial awareness. This may include behavioral questions and a discussion of your CV.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a practical exercise, such as analyzing a dataset to build a basic cost model or outlining a solution for a hypothetical logistics scenario. This is where portfolio examples can be invaluable.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or department heads, focusing on strategic fit, leadership potential, and ability to represent the company to high-level clients. This stage will heavily involve presentation of portfolio work.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Everything: For each project, clearly state the quantifiable benefits achieved (e.g., "Reduced operational costs by 15%," "Improved delivery success rate by 10%," "Increased warehouse throughput by 20%").

• Showcase Process: Detail the steps you took from understanding the client's needs to delivering the final solution. Highlight your analytical approach, problem-solving techniques, and collaboration.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate your ability with Excel, and any modeling/simulation tools. Explain how you used these tools to derive insights and build robust models.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience relevant to FMCG logistics, warehouse operations, and transport solutions. If you have experience with automation, make sure that's prominent.

• Presentation Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to understand. Prepare to verbally walk through 1-2 key projects in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Excel Mastery: Practice complex Excel functions, data analysis, and financial modeling scenarios relevant to logistics costs and resource allocation.

• Logistics Fundamentals: Refresh your knowledge of common warehouse processes (receiving, put-away, picking, packing, dispatch), transport modes, route optimization principles, and key industry metrics.

• Commercial Awareness: Understand how logistics operations contribute to profitability, common pricing models in 3PL, and risk assessment for new contracts.

• Presentation Skills: Practice articulating complex technical and commercial information concisely and persuasively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the candidate's ability to demonstrate practical application of skills through their portfolio and potential case studies. Candidates should be prepared to defend their designs and financial models with data and logical reasoning.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel is a mandatory requirement for financial modeling, data analysis, and reporting. PowerPoint is essential for presentations.

• Logistics Modeling & Simulation Software (Advantageous): Tools such as CAD (for layout design), CLASS, CAST, or Paragon (for route optimization and network planning) are considered advantageous, indicating a desire for sophisticated design capabilities.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly mentioned, tools for managing tender processes and project timelines may be used (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Trello).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Beyond Excel, any experience with BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for data visualization and analysis would be beneficial.

• Reporting Platforms: Ability to generate clear, concise reports and executive summaries from complex data.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) may be beneficial for understanding client interactions and sales pipelines, though not a primary focus of this role.

• Automation Technologies: Understanding of warehouse automation solutions (e.g., AGVs, ASRS, WMS functionalities) and transport optimization software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of advanced Excel and the "advantageous" inclusion of simulation tools point towards a need for strong analytical and quantitative skills. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience with these tools and how they've leveraged them to design and evaluate logistics solutions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs through tailored logistics solutions.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A drive to continuously improve processes, reduce costs, and enhance operational performance.

• Innovation: An openness to exploring and implementing new technologies, particularly automation, to gain competitive advantage.

• Commerciality: A clear focus on delivering profitable solutions that contribute to the company's financial success.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and effective communication across departments to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where solutions designers work closely with operational experts, finance, and IT to build comprehensive proposals.

• Data-Informed Discussions: Collaboration will likely be based on data analysis and quantitative evidence to support design decisions and financial projections.

• Stakeholder Management: The role requires effective communication and alignment with stakeholders at various levels, from operational teams to senior management and clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a "winning team" mentality, suggesting a performance-driven yet supportive environment. The integration of "Great Bear" into Culina Group implies a blend of established operational expertise with a forward-looking approach to growth and innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Cost and Service: Designing solutions that are both commercially competitive and meet high customer service level expectations can be a significant challenge.

• Data Complexity & Availability: Working with diverse and sometimes incomplete client data to build accurate models requires strong analytical skills and robust data handling capabilities.

• Rapid Technological Advancement: Staying current with evolving automation technologies and integrating them effectively into solutions requires continuous learning.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and collaboration from all relevant internal departments can be complex, requiring strong negotiation and influencing skills.

• Tender Deadline Pressure: Managing multiple tender responses with tight, often overlapping, deadlines demands excellent time management and prioritization skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Certifications: Pursuing advanced certifications in supply chain management, logistics, or project management.

• Technology Exposure: Gaining hands-on experience with various logistics automation technologies and simulation tools.

• Client Relationship Management: Developing skills in client interaction, presentation, and negotiation through direct involvement in tender processes.

• Strategic Planning: Contributing to the development of long-term logistics strategies for new and existing clients.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior leaders within the business development and operations functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in logistics solutions design, requiring a proactive and adaptable mindset. The growth opportunities are focused on expanding both technical expertise and strategic business acumen within the logistics sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

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

• "How do you approach building a financial model for a new logistics contract? What key data points are essential, and how do you account for risk?" (Demonstrate your analytical and commercial thinking.)

• "How would you collaborate with operations, IT, and finance teams to ensure a successful tender response for a large FMCG client with specific automation requirements?" (Highlight your cross-functional team management and communication skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Culina Group and Great Bear's position in the UK logistics market, particularly within FMCG distribution?" (Research their services, recent news, and market standing.)

• "How does your approach to solution design align with a customer-centric and empowered culture?" (Connect your values and working style to the company's described culture.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear structure: Client Challenge -> Your Role & Process -> Solution Design -> Key Tools/Data Used -> Quantifiable Results -> Lessons Learned.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the business value your solutions delivered – cost savings, efficiency gains, improved service, risk mitigation. Use numbers and percentages.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Be prepared to explain the specifics of your models, assumptions, and design choices. Anticipate questions about alternatives you considered and why you chose your final solution.

• Highlight Automation: If you have experience with automation, ensure you can articulate its role in your designed solutions and its impact on operational efficiency and cost.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and be ready to articulate their thought process for analytical and strategic questions. A well-prepared and presented portfolio is likely the most critical element of the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Operations Solutions Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight 2-3 of your most relevant logistics solution design projects, emphasizing FMCG sector experience, complex warehouse/transport solutions, and quantifiable results. Prepare brief, impactful summaries for each.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description such as "Solutions Design," "Logistics," "Tender Management," "Financial Modeling," "Warehouse Operations," "Commercial Awareness," and "Microsoft Excel." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method and prepare to walk through your portfolio case studies. Research Culina Group and Great Bear thoroughly, focusing on their services, clients, and values.

• Company Research: Understand Culina Group's position in the UK logistics market, their focus on FMCG, and their stated company culture ("winning culture," "customer-centric"). This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.