Senior Solution Design Manager (Warehouse Physical Automation)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Solution Design Manager (Warehouse Automation)

Company: Toll Group

Location: Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, Australia (with flexibility for Melbourne, Victoria & Brisbane, Queensland)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations - Solution Design & Automation

Date Posted: 2026-05-07T00:00:00

Experience Level: Senior (Implied 5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end intralogistics solution design for complex warehouse automation projects, focusing on scalability and customer-centricity.

• Employ strong analytical, modeling, and commercial capabilities, including process design, data analysis, and cost modeling, to support strategic decision-making and ensure profitable outcomes.

• Drive innovation by adopting best-practice tools, emerging technologies, and new methodologies to enhance solution quality, speed, and competitiveness in tender responses.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and external customers to validate assumptions, align solution components, and ensure feasibility across the broader Toll Group network.

• Develop high-quality documentation, tenders, and presentations to clearly articulate solution rationale, value drivers, and benefits to internal stakeholders and prospective clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Solution Design Manager with a focus on Warehouse Physical Automation, indicating a strategic leadership role within the Retail and Consumer (R&C) division of Toll Group. The emphasis on "end-to-end intralogistics solution design" and "tender responses" suggests a strong GTM (Go-to-Market) operations component, requiring deep understanding of logistics processes, automation technologies, and commercial acumen. The flexibility in location (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) indicates a need for a candidate comfortable with travel and regional collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the conceptualization and development of sophisticated warehouse automation solutions, from initial client engagement through to implementation support, ensuring alignment with customer needs and Toll Group's capabilities.

• Conduct comprehensive data analysis, process mapping, and scenario development to build robust financial models and costings that support sustainable margins and informed commercial decision-making.

• Actively engage with Sales, Operations, Engineering, and Finance teams, as well as external clients, to gather requirements, validate design elements, and ensure buy-in for proposed solutions.

• Create compelling and professional tender documents, proposals, and presentations that effectively communicate the technical and commercial value proposition of proposed automation solutions.

• Champion the adoption of new automation technologies, operational methodologies, and continuous improvement initiatives to maintain Toll Group's competitive edge in the 3PL market.

• Ensure all solution designs adhere to established project management methodologies, quality standards, and governance frameworks, mitigating risks and ensuring operational excellence.

• Provide expert input during commercial due diligence phases of tender processes, assessing the viability and potential risks associated with proposed automation investments.

• Identify and articulate prospective business offerings and future opportunities within the warehouse and logistics space, contributing to strategic business development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical solution design, commercial strategy, and cross-functional leadership. The emphasis on "tender responses," "commercial due diligence," and "pricing" points to a crucial role in the sales enablement and revenue generation process for Toll Group's R&C division. The requirement for "leadership" and "driving the process forward" suggests significant autonomy and influence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• An undergraduate degree in Engineering, Logistics Management, or a closely related discipline from a recognized tertiary institution.

Experience:

• Comprehensive experience within the warehouse, logistics, or supply chain function, with a specific focus on physical automation technologies.

• Proven track record in leading and delivering complex intralogistics solution designs from concept to implementation support.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and presenting high-quality tender responses and business cases.

Required Skills:

• Intralogistics Solution Design: Ability to design end-to-end automated warehouse operations.

• Warehouse Automation Expertise: Deep understanding of physical automation technologies (e.g., ASRS, AGVs, robotics, sortation systems) and their application in logistics.

• Cost Modelling & Financial Analysis: Proficient in creating detailed cost models, ROI analyses, and pricing structures for automation solutions.

• Process Design & Optimization: Skilled in mapping, analyzing, and re-engineering warehouse processes for efficiency and scalability.

• Data Analysis: Ability to interpret complex datasets to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

• AutoCAD: Essential for creating and interpreting warehouse layouts and automation system designs.

• Tableau: Required for data visualization, dashboard creation, and performance reporting.

• MS Office Suite (including MS Visio): Proficiency in standard office tools for documentation, presentations, and workflow diagramming.

• Tender Management: Experience in responding to RFPs/RFQs, developing proposals, and managing tender processes.

• Commercial Acumen: Understanding of business drivers, profitability, and risk management in logistics solutions.

• Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex problems, identify root causes, and develop innovative solutions.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external clients.

Preferred Skills:

• Supply chain applications knowledge.

• Operational knowledge of diverse warehouse layouts and functions.

• Consulting project experience.

• Advanced scenario development and risk assessment capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Qualifications" section strongly emphasizes technical and analytical skills, particularly in design software (AutoCAD, Visio) and data visualization (Tableau). The "Skills and Experience" section underscores the need for practical, hands-on knowledge in warehouse automation and supply chain operations, coupled with consulting and problem-solving abilities. The explicit mention of AutoCAD, Tableau, and MS Office Suite suggests these are critical tools for the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Automation Solutions: Documented examples of successful warehouse automation solution designs, detailing the problem, proposed solution, implementation approach, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Process Improvement Projects: Evidence of projects where complex logistics or warehouse processes were analyzed, redesigned, and optimized for efficiency, cost reduction, or throughput improvement.

• Financial Modeling Examples: Demonstrations of cost models, ROI calculations, and pricing proposals for logistics or automation projects, showcasing accuracy and commercial viability.

• Tender Response Contributions: Samples of contributions to tender responses, proposals, or presentations, highlighting the clarity of articulation, strategic rationale, and persuasive communication of value propositions.

• System Integration Concepts: Examples of how different warehouse systems (WMS, WCS, automation hardware) were integrated or designed to work cohesively within a solution.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrated ability to create detailed workflow diagrams (e.g., using MS Visio) for current and future-state warehouse operations, identifying bottlenecks and proposing improvements.

• Automation System Specification: Examples of technical specifications or conceptual designs for automation equipment and systems.

• Performance Measurement Frameworks: Documentation of how key performance indicators (KPIs) were defined, tracked, and reported on within previous solution designs to measure success and drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on solution design and tenders, a strong portfolio is critical. Applicants should be prepared to showcase tangible examples of their work, focusing on the impact and measurable results of their automation and process design initiatives. The emphasis on AutoCAD, Tableau, and Visio suggests that visual documentation of designs and data analysis will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Industry-Leading Training: Access to comprehensive development programs to enhance skills in logistics, automation, and solution design.

• Performance-Based Bonuses: Opportunities for additional compensation tied to successful tender wins and project outcomes.

• Superannuation: Standard Australian retirement savings contributions.

• Health & Wellbeing Programs: Access to initiatives supporting employee health and overall well-being.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

• Career Advancement Opportunities: Clear pathways for growth within Toll Group's expanding operations and automation divisions.

• Travel Opportunities: Potential for domestic and international travel related to client engagements and solution development.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, given the project-driven nature of solution design and tender deadlines, flexibility may be required. This could involve occasional extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases, balanced with flexibility where possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on publicly available data for similar senior-level roles in logistics and supply chain solution design in major Australian cities, factoring in the specialized nature of warehouse automation. Benefits are extrapolated from typical offerings by large, established companies in the sector, with specific mention of "Industry-leading Training" from the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Logistics & Supply Chain Services (specifically Third-Party Logistics - 3PL)

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Toll Group has over 16,000 employees globally, with 500 sites in 27 markets). This size indicates a well-established organization with robust processes, significant resources, and opportunities for large-scale impact. For operations professionals, this means exposure to complex systems, diverse client needs, and a structured environment.

Founded: Toll Group has a history spanning over 130 years, demonstrating stability and deep industry expertise. This longevity suggests a culture that values experience, reliability, and long-term strategic thinking.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Head of Warehouse Solution Design, indicating a specialized team focused on developing logistics and warehouse solutions.

• This team likely collaborates closely with Sales, Business Development, Operations Management, Engineering, and IT departments to deliver comprehensive tender responses and operational designs.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on analytical capabilities, data analysis, and modeling to support solution design and commercial proposals.

• Process Optimization Focus: Continuous improvement and adoption of best practices in warehouse operations and automation.

• Customer-Centric Approach: Developing solutions tailored to meet specific client needs and drive their business success.

• Innovation & Technology Adoption: Proactively seeking and integrating emerging technologies and methodologies to enhance service offerings.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Toll Group's extensive history and global presence suggest a culture that balances tradition with innovation. The R&C division's focus on specialized contract warehousing implies a client-centric approach where understanding specific industry needs (Consumer & Beverages, Specialty Retail, FMCG) is paramount. For operations professionals, this means working within a large, established framework while contributing to specialized, customer-focused solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management. This role is a "Senior Solution Design Manager," implying significant responsibility for leading complex projects, influencing strategy, and potentially mentoring junior team members. It sits at a critical junction between technical design, commercial strategy, and client engagement.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Warehouse Solution Design. This indicates a clear line of management within a specialized team, with potential for upward mobility to the Head of Department or other senior leadership roles within Toll's broader operations or strategy functions.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts revenue generation by contributing to the successful winning of tenders and securing new business. The quality of the solution designs developed directly influences the profitability and operational efficiency of new contracts, thereby having a tangible impact on Toll Group's financial performance and market position in the 3PL sector. The role also drives innovation, shaping the future of warehouse operations at Toll.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to Head of Warehouse Solution Design, Director of Operations, or other senior strategic roles within Toll Group's global network.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in specific automation technologies or industry verticals within R&C.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Possibility to transition into roles within broader Supply Chain Strategy, Business Development, or Global Operations Management.

• Continuous Learning: Access to industry-leading training and exposure to cutting-edge automation technologies provide ongoing skill development and career enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and reporting line suggest this is a pivotal role for career progression. The emphasis on innovation and technology means that staying abreast of industry trends is not just a requirement but a growth opportunity. The company's size and global reach offer diverse paths for experienced operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily office-based, with the flexibility to be located in Sydney Olympic Park, Melbourne, or Brisbane. This suggests a professional office environment conducive to design work, analysis, and collaboration. The description implies that while the core work is in an office setting, travel will be required for client engagements.

Office Location(s):

• Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, Australia: A major business and entertainment precinct, offering modern facilities and good transport links.

• Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: A vibrant city with a strong business hub.

• Brisbane, Queensland, Australia: A growing economic center with significant industrial and logistics activity.

These locations are strategically chosen to cover key business centers in Australia.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with diverse internal teams (Sales, Operations, Engineering) and external clients, suggesting a workspace that facilitates teamwork and open communication.

• Technology-Rich: Access to essential design and analysis tools like AutoCAD, Tableau, and MS Visio is a given, indicating a tech-enabled workspace.

• Dynamic Project Focus: As a solution design role, the environment will likely be project-driven, with periods of intense focus leading up to tender deadlines.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected. However, the demanding nature of tender responses and client project timelines may necessitate flexibility, including occasional extended hours or weekend work. This flexibility is often balanced with autonomy in managing one's own schedule for design and analysis tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role (office-based with travel) is common for senior solution design positions. Candidates should anticipate a professional, potentially fast-paced environment that demands both independent work and strong interpersonal collaboration. The specific office locations offer access to major Australian business hubs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application by HR or a Talent Acquisition specialist to assess alignment with core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Head of Warehouse Solution Design to delve into your experience, technical skills (especially in automation and design software), and understanding of logistics operations. This stage will likely assess your strategic thinking and leadership potential.

• Technical/Case Study Assessment: A practical exercise where you may be asked to analyze a hypothetical warehouse scenario, propose an automation solution, or present a cost model. This is where your portfolio will be crucial.

• Cross-Functional Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key individuals from Sales, Operations, or Engineering to assess your collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and ability to integrate solutions across departments.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or executive, focusing on cultural fit, long-term vision, and overall suitability for the role and Toll Group.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your expertise in warehouse automation solution design, tender response development, and quantifiable results.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, your specific role and contributions, the solution design (including technical aspects and rationale), and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, throughput increase, ROI). Use data and visuals effectively.

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Include examples demonstrating your use of AutoCAD for layout design, Tableau for data visualization and reporting, and MS Visio for process mapping.

• Highlight Commercial Acumen: Present examples of cost modeling, pricing strategies, and how your solutions contributed to commercial viability and profitability.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps chronologically or by project type, with clear headings and concise descriptions for each item. Be prepared to walk through your portfolio during the interview.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing a solution for a specific warehouse challenge, considering factors like volume, product type, existing infrastructure, and budget constraints.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Brush up on common warehouse automation technologies (AGVs, ASRS, robotics, sortation systems) and their integration challenges.

• Practice Articulating Value: Develop concise explanations of how your solutions deliver value to clients and Toll Group, focusing on ROI and strategic benefits.

• Understand Toll's Business: Research Toll Group, its R&C division, and its key markets (Consumer & Beverages, Specialty Retail, FMCG) to tailor your responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, focusing on both technical expertise and commercial application. A well-prepared portfolio that showcases practical achievements and relevant tool proficiency is essential for success. The emphasis on "tender responses" and "commercial due diligence" suggests that business acumen will be as important as technical design skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for creating and interpreting detailed warehouse layout plans, facility designs, and the placement of automation equipment. Proficiency is mandatory for visualizing and communicating spatial requirements.

• MS Visio: Crucial for developing clear and professional process flow diagrams, workflow maps, and operational sequence charts, aiding in the communication of complex operational designs.

• MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint): Standard tools for documentation, detailed analysis (especially Excel for financial modeling), and presentation creation. Advanced Excel skills will be particularly valuable for cost modeling and data manipulation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tableau: A key tool for data visualization, creating interactive dashboards to analyze operational performance, model scenarios, and present key findings from data analysis to stakeholders. Essential for demonstrating the impact of proposed solutions.

• Excel (Advanced): For complex data analysis, financial modeling, scenario planning, and quantitative assessment of proposed solutions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools for this role, familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and broader automation platforms (e.g., Warehouse Management Systems - WMS, Warehouse Control Systems - WCS) is beneficial for understanding the ecosystem in which automation operates. The role focuses on the design of automation, implying interaction with teams managing these systems.

• Integration Concepts: Understanding how different systems (WMS, WCS, ERP, automation hardware) integrate is important for holistic solution design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AutoCAD, Tableau, and MS Visio highlights critical technical requirements for this role. Candidates must be proficient in these tools to effectively perform the core duties of solution design, analysis, and presentation. Familiarity with broader logistics software ecosystems will be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong commitment to understanding and delivering solutions that meet and exceed client expectations, particularly within the diverse R&C sectors.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to explore new automation technologies and methodologies to enhance operational efficiency and service offerings.

• Data-Driven Excellence: Reliance on robust data analysis and modeling to inform decisions, justify proposals, and measure success.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief in the power of cross-functional teamwork to bring complex solutions to life and ensure operational feasibility.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high standards in all dealings, from tender responses to client interactions, ensuring trust and reliability.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expected to work seamlessly with Sales, Operations, Engineering, and Finance, acting as a bridge between commercial needs and operational execution.

• Consultative Approach: Engaging with clients and internal stakeholders in a consultative manner to identify needs, challenge assumptions, and co-create optimal solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Fostering an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and innovative ideas are shared to elevate the capabilities of the entire solution design team.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication channels to keep all parties informed of progress, risks, and decisions throughout the solution design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a blend of customer-centricity, technological innovation, and robust analytical processes, which are critical for success in a solution design role within the logistics industry. The collaborative style is essential for navigating the complexities of large-scale projects and diverse stakeholder groups.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Practicality: Designing cutting-edge automation solutions that are also cost-effective, executable, and sustainable within real-world warehouse environments.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Aligning the needs and priorities of various internal departments (Sales, Operations, Finance) and external clients, each with potentially competing interests.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the fast-changing landscape of warehouse automation technologies and integrating them effectively into solutions.

• Complex Tender Processes: Navigating lengthy and competitive tender processes that require meticulous detail, strong commercial justification, and persuasive presentation.

• Data Complexity & Availability: Working with potentially disparate or incomplete data sources to build accurate models and validate assumptions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Leading Automation Technologies: Hands-on involvement with state-of-the-art automation systems and their application in diverse logistics settings.

• Advanced Analytics & Modeling Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in financial modeling, scenario analysis, and data visualization tools like Tableau.

• Strategic Business Development: Gaining deeper insights into the commercial aspects of logistics, tender management, and business growth strategies.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Developing strong leadership and influencing skills through collaboration with senior stakeholders across different business functions.

• Industry Certifications & Training: Access to industry-leading training programs and potential support for relevant professional certifications in logistics, supply chain, or automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to integrating advanced technology with practical business needs and managing complex stakeholder dynamics. However, these challenges are also rich with opportunities for professional growth, particularly in areas of technical expertise, commercial strategy, and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex warehouse automation solution you designed from concept to tender. What were the key challenges, your approach, and the quantifiable outcomes?" (Focus on process, tools used, and impact)

• "How do you balance the desire for cutting-edge technology with the need for cost-effectiveness and operational feasibility in your solution designs?" (Assess practical innovation)

• "Walk me through your process for developing a financial model and pricing proposal for a large-scale automation project. What data inputs are critical?" (Evaluate commercial and analytical skills)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you see as Toll Group's key strengths in the 3PL market, and how would your solution design expertise contribute to them?" (Demonstrate company research and strategic alignment)

• "How do you see your approach to solution design aligning with Toll Group's values of innovation and customer focus?" (Assess cultural fit)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the 'Why': Clearly articulate the business problem or client need that drove each project.

• Detail Your Role & Solution: Explain your specific contributions and the technical/operational aspects of the solution design. Use visuals (AutoCAD layouts, Visio flows, Tableau dashboards) to illustrate your points.

• Quantify the Impact: Present concrete metrics (e.g., % reduction in operational costs, increase in throughput, ROI timeframe) to demonstrate the value delivered.

• Highlight Tool Application: Explain how you used AutoCAD, Tableau, Visio, and Excel to achieve the results.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about design choices, cost assumptions, and potential risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical expertise in warehouse automation and design tools, strong analytical and commercial acumen, and effective cross-functional collaboration and communication skills. The portfolio is a critical component, so practicing its presentation is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Solution Design Manager position:

• Submit your Application: Utilize the provided link on the Workday careers portal to submit your resume and any requested supporting documents.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights experience in warehouse automation, intralogistics solution design, tender response development, and proficiency in AutoCAD, Tableau, and MS Visio. Quantify achievements with specific metrics wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 2-3 key projects that showcase your end-to-end solution design capabilities, focusing on automation, process optimization, and commercial outcomes. Be ready to present these visually and discuss them in detail.

• Research Toll Group: Familiarize yourself with Toll Group's history, its Retail & Consumer division, its services, and its market position. Understand their approach to logistics and automation.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions focusing on your experience in solution design, stakeholder management, problem-solving, and commercial due diligence. Practice articulating your portfolio examples concisely and impactfully.

⚠️ 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.