Solution Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Solution Design Consultant

Company: Kardex

Location: Sydney, Australia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Solution Design / Pre-Sales Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-25

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (with travel)

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and configure integrated intralogistics automation solutions centered around AutoStore technology.

• Support the entire sales lifecycle, from initial customer engagement and concept development through to contract award and handover to implementation teams.

• Analyze customer operational data to identify bottlenecks, trends, and future requirements, translating these into robust system designs.

• Collaborate closely with Sales Managers, customers, suppliers, and internal specialists to create technically and commercially viable solutions.

• Prepare and present detailed solution proposals, technical designs, and rationale to both customers and internal stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Solution Design Engineer within Kardex's AutoStore division, focusing on pre-sales engineering for intralogistics automation. The emphasis on customer-facing activities, data analysis, and system configuration aligns it closely with a pre-sales operations or solution architecture function within the GTM (Go-To-Market) strategy. The "startup environment" mention suggests a dynamic, fast-paced setting where adaptability and a broad range of tasks are expected.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage in customer workshops and site visits to thoroughly understand operational processes, logistics requirements, constraints, and future growth aspirations.

• Conduct in-depth analysis of customer data to evaluate performance metrics, identify trends, and define critical design criteria for automation solutions.

• Design standalone or integrated intralogistics concepts, incorporating AutoStore systems and complementary automation technologies such as robotics, conveyors, packaging machines, and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs).

• Develop comprehensive layouts, process flows, detailed equipment specifications, and compelling solution descriptions for customer proposals.

• Collaborate with the internal software team to define high-level Warehouse Management System (WMS), Warehouse Control System (WCS), and Warehouse Execution System (WES) integration requirements, as well as AutoStore-specific integration needs.

• Prepare and effectively present proposed solutions, technical documentation, and design rationale to customers and internal stakeholders, articulating the value proposition.

• Maintain constant communication with customers, fostering strong client relationships and ensuring alignment throughout the solution design process.

• Coordinate with internal departments, AutoStore technology specialists, equipment suppliers, and external partners to ensure the development of technically sound and commercially competitive solutions.

• Contribute to the development and enhancement of standard solutions, design methodologies, calculation tools, and best practices across the APAC region to maintain a competitive edge.

• Provide support for projects in other locations within the APAC region as required, demonstrating flexibility and regional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a pre-sales engineering function. The emphasis on "customer workshops," "data analysis," "system design," and "proposal presentation" are core to a Solution Design Consultant role. The requirement to "develop standard solutions" and "design methodologies" indicates a strategic contribution beyond individual project work, suggesting involvement in building repeatable processes and intellectual property for the sales team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Logistics Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related technical discipline.

Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in solution design, systems engineering, logistics consulting, or pre-sales engineering specifically within the intralogistics or warehouse automation industry.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in designing automated warehouse or material-handling solutions, with a strong understanding of AutoStore systems.

• Deep understanding of material flow principles, logistics operations, warehouse processes, and the ability to perform throughput and capacity calculations.

• Expertise in data analysis to interpret operational performance, identify trends, and define design parameters.

• Proficiency in developing technical proposals, solution descriptions, and equipment specifications.

• Strong understanding of complementary automation technologies (e.g., robotics, conveyors, AMRs).

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders, including internal teams, customers, and external suppliers, across different disciplines and locations.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a result-oriented approach and a positive outlook towards achieving success.

• Advanced troubleshooting skills for identifying and resolving design challenges.

• A clear focus on delivering high-quality solutions that meet all customer requirements. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with WMS/WCS/WES software and integration concepts.

• Experience in logistics consulting or pre-sales roles within a fast-paced, "startup environment" setting.

• Commercial awareness and understanding of the financial aspects of solution proposals.

• Ability to travel internationally as required for client engagements and project support.

• Experience contributing to the development of design methodologies and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements specify a strong engineering background combined with practical experience in warehouse automation. The emphasis on "entrepreneurial thinking," "result oriented," and "startup environment" suggests a need for candidates who are proactive, adaptable, and comfortable with ambiguity, common in high-growth GTM operations. The "proven portfolio of completed projects" is a key indicator for evaluation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A demonstrated portfolio showcasing completed intralogistics or warehouse automation solution design projects, with a focus on AutoStore systems.

• Case studies detailing the analysis of customer operational data, the development of material flow concepts, and the sizing/configuration of automated systems.

• Documentation highlighting the design of layouts, process flows, and equipment specifications for customer proposals.

• Examples of how complex technical solutions and design rationale were presented to customers and stakeholders.

• Evidence of successful collaboration with internal teams, suppliers, and external partners to deliver integrated solutions. Process Documentation:

• Showcase experience in documenting and optimizing warehouse operational processes to identify areas for automation.

• Provide examples of workflow design for material handling, including the integration of AutoStore with other automation technologies.

• Demonstrate understanding of how to measure and analyze system performance and throughput to inform design decisions and improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Solution Design Consultant role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate the candidate's process: problem identification, data analysis, solution conceptualization, design execution, and presentation. The emphasis is on showing how they solve problems, not just what they solved. This aligns with typical GTM operations expectations for measurable impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the Sydney, Australia location, the experience level (5-10 years), and the specialized nature of intralogistics solution design, a competitive salary range is estimated between AUD $120,000 - $170,000 per annum. This range accounts for the technical expertise, customer-facing responsibilities, and regional market rates for engineering and consulting roles in Sydney.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision).

• Generous paid time off (annual leave, sick leave, public holidays).

• Superannuation contributions as per Australian legislation.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications in automation technologies.

• Travel allowances and per diem for business travel within Australia and APAC.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives tied to contract awards.

• Access to cutting-edge automation technology and innovative projects.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is based in Sydney, flexibility may be required to accommodate customer needs, site visits, and cross-regional collaboration, potentially involving occasional work outside standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry benchmarks for Solution Design Consultants/Engineers with 5-10 years of experience in specialized technical fields like warehouse automation in Sydney. Cost of living and typical compensation packages for similar roles in the Australian market were considered. Benefits are standard for a full-time professional role in Australia, with specific emphasis on those relevant to a technical and travel-oriented position.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Kardex operates within the Material Handling and Logistics industry, specializing in automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and intralogistics solutions. Their flagship product, AutoStore, is a leading automated storage and retrieval system for warehouses.

Company Size: Kardex is a global company with a significant employee base (likely several thousand employees worldwide, though specific numbers for the APAC region would need verification). This size indicates a stable, established organization with structured processes, but the mention of a "startup environment" for this role suggests a dynamic, agile team within the larger corporate structure, possibly focused on regional growth or new technology adoption.

Founded: Kardex was founded in 1920, boasting over a century of experience in material handling. This long history signifies deep industry expertise, a strong reputation, and a commitment to innovation and customer solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Solution Design team likely operates within the broader Sales or Engineering department, focusing on pre-sales technical support.

• This role reports to the Regional Solution Design Manager APAC, indicating a structured hierarchy within the regional operations.

• Close collaboration is expected with Sales Managers, internal engineering specialists, software teams (WMS/WCS/WES), project implementation teams, and external equipment suppliers. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasizes analyzing customer operational data to inform and validate system designs.

• Customer-Centric Solutions: Focuses on understanding client needs and constraints to tailor automation solutions.

• Collaborative Development: Involves close teamwork with internal and external stakeholders to create comprehensive proposals.

• Continuous Improvement: Aims to develop standard solutions, design methodologies, and tools to enhance efficiency and competitiveness across the APAC region.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history in material handling combined with the specific mention of a "startup environment" for this role suggests a blend of established expertise and agile execution. This is common in companies expanding into new markets or adopting advanced technologies like AutoStore. The role is embedded within a sales support function but requires deep engineering and operational understanding.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level Solution Design Consultant/Engineer. It requires a solid foundation in engineering principles and substantial experience (5+ years) in a specialized domain (warehouse automation). The responsibilities involve independent analysis, conceptualization, and customer interaction, indicating a level of autonomy and subject matter expertise.

Reporting Structure: The Solution Design Consultant will report to the Regional Solution Design Manager APAC. This implies a clear reporting line within a specialized team, with opportunities to learn from experienced management and contribute to regional strategy.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on revenue generation by developing compelling and technically sound solutions that enable the sales team to win new business. The quality of the solution design directly influences customer satisfaction, project success, and Kardex's reputation in the market. By developing standard solutions and methodologies, the role also contributes to the long-term efficiency and scalability of the sales and implementation processes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in AutoStore technology and various complementary automation systems, becoming a go-to subject matter expert within the APAC region.

• Solution Architecture: Progress to more complex solution design challenges, potentially leading design initiatives for larger or more integrated projects.

• Team Leadership: With proven performance, opportunities may arise to mentor junior engineers, lead specific design streams, or eventually move into a management role within the Solution Design team.

• Cross-Regional Exposure: Gain broader experience by supporting projects in different APAC markets, understanding diverse operational challenges and business practices.

• Industry Recognition: Contribute to best practices and methodologies that could lead to industry recognition or internal advancement within Kardex's global operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Solution Design Consultant in a company like Kardex typically involves increasing complexity of projects, greater client engagement, and potential leadership opportunities. The emphasis on developing standard solutions also points towards a role that can contribute to building organizational capability, a strong indicator of growth potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Sydney, Australia, and is described as requiring customer-facing activities and site visits. While the specific office environment isn't detailed, it's likely a professional office setting that supports collaborative work, client meetings, and access to necessary design tools and software. The mention of "startup environment" suggests a dynamic, possibly open-plan or flexible workspace designed for agility and collaboration.

Office Location(s): The position is based in Sydney, Australia. However, the company also mentions Melbourne as an alternative location, indicating potential flexibility or regional hub strategy. This role will involve significant travel to customer sites across Australia and potentially other locations in the APAC region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office will likely serve as a base for team meetings, design reviews, and knowledge sharing sessions with other solution designers and sales support staff.

• Technology-Rich: Access to powerful workstations, specialized design software (CAD, simulation tools), and robust communication platforms will be essential for developing and presenting solutions.

• Customer-Focused: The workspace needs to support preparation for client presentations and site visits, including creating proposals and technical documentation.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected. However, the nature of customer-facing roles and international collaboration may necessitate flexibility, with occasional work required outside of typical business hours to meet project deadlines or accommodate different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "startup environment" hint is key here. It implies a less rigid, more adaptable workspace than a traditional corporate office. For a Solution Design Consultant, this means being comfortable with a mix of focused individual work, collaborative sessions, and client-facing interactions, often requiring travel.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the technical requirements and experience level.

• Technical Interview: Likely conducted by the Regional Solution Design Manager and potentially a senior engineer. This will focus on your understanding of intralogistics, AutoStore systems, data analysis, and system design principles. Expect scenario-based questions and technical problem-solving.

• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to present a past project from your portfolio or work through a hypothetical design challenge. This assesses your ability to articulate complex solutions, demonstrate your thought process, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with team members or hiring managers to assess your alignment with Kardex's culture, particularly the "startup environment" aspects like adaptability, proactivity, and collaboration.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader in the sales or engineering organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight AutoStore Expertise: Clearly showcase projects involving AutoStore or similar AS/RS technologies.

• Demonstrate Process: For each project, explain your methodology: problem identification, data collection and analysis, conceptualization, design choices, and the final solution's impact.

• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, use metrics (e.g., throughput improvements, space savings, ROI) to illustrate the success of your designs.

• Visuals are Key: Include diagrams, layouts, and process flowcharts to visually communicate your solutions.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize aspects of your experience that directly relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description (e.g., customer workshops, data analysis, cross-functional coordination).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand AutoStore: Research the core technology, its advantages, and typical applications.

• Logistics Fundamentals: Brush up on material flow, warehouse operations, throughput calculations, and capacity planning.

• Data Analysis: Be prepared to discuss how you would analyze operational data to identify design criteria.

• Solution Presentation: Practice articulating your design decisions and their benefits clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a client.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical for this role. Candidates should prepare to deep-dive into their past projects, demonstrating not just what they did, but their strategic thinking, analytical approach, and ability to translate complex technical requirements into viable customer solutions. The presentation aspect is key, as the role is customer-facing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar 2D/3D design software for creating layouts and system drawings.

• Simulation Software: Experience with logistics simulation tools (e.g., AnyLogic, Arena, or proprietary Kardex tools) to model material flow, test system performance, and optimize designs.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel for data analysis and calculations, PowerPoint for presentations, and Word for documentation.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Jira, or Microsoft Project for managing project tasks and timelines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Experience with tools for data manipulation and analysis, potentially including SQL, Python (Pandas), or advanced Excel functions for extracting insights from customer operational data.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Familiarity with BI platforms like Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for creating dashboards and visualizations to present performance data and solution benefits.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience working with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) to understand sales pipelines and customer interactions, though direct administration might not be required.

• ERP Systems: Basic understanding of how warehouse operations integrate with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

• Integration Technologies: Awareness of common integration methods (APIs, file transfers) for connecting WMS/WCS/WES with AutoStore and other automation systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role's nature implies a need for strong CAD, simulation, and data analysis capabilities. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with relevant software used in the intralogistics and automation design space. The mention of WMS/WCS/WES integration suggests familiarity with the broader warehouse technology ecosystem.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Design: A commitment to delivering technically robust, efficient, and innovative automation solutions that exceed customer expectations.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing the use of operational data and analytical insights to inform design choices and validate solution effectiveness.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where cross-functional teams work together seamlessly to achieve common goals, sharing knowledge and expertise.

• Customer Focus: Placing the customer at the center of all activities, understanding their unique challenges, and striving to provide solutions that drive tangible business value.

• Agility and Adaptability: Embracing change, being open to new approaches, and demonstrating flexibility in a dynamic "startup environment" to respond to evolving market needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires extensive collaboration with sales, engineering, software, and project management teams. Open communication and a willingness to understand different perspectives are key.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly updating stakeholders on design progress, potential challenges, and requiring input to ensure alignment and timely delivery.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in design reviews, sharing best practices, and contributing to the development of standardized methodologies and tools to benefit the wider team.

• Partnership Approach: Building strong working relationships with external suppliers and partners to ensure integrated and effective solution delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "startup environment" implies a culture that values initiative, quick problem-solving, and a collaborative spirit. Candidates who can demonstrate adaptability and a proactive approach to teamwork will likely fit well. The emphasis on data and customer focus are standard but crucial for a solution design role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Depth with Commercial Viability: Ensuring solutions are technically sound while also meeting customer budget constraints and delivering a strong ROI.

• Designing for Incomplete Information: Developing effective concepts from initial customer engagements where full operational data may not yet be available.

• Integrating Diverse Technologies: Seamlessly incorporating AutoStore with various complementary automation systems (robotics, conveyors, AMRs) and software (WMS/WCS/WES).

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively communicating complex technical designs and managing the expectations of diverse customer stakeholders and internal teams.

• Adapting to a Dynamic Environment: Thriving in a "startup environment" that may involve evolving priorities, rapid project cycles, and a broad scope of responsibilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced AutoStore Specialization: Deepening expertise in the latest AutoStore configurations, software updates, and integration capabilities.

• Broader Automation Technologies: Gaining hands-on knowledge and design experience with a wider range of intralogistics automation components (robotics, AMRs, conveyors, AGVs).

• Solution Architecture Skills: Developing skills in designing complex, multi-faceted automation systems that span entire supply chain operations.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Enhancing project management skills for more effective coordination of design phases and handover processes.

• Regional Business Acumen: Understanding the unique logistics challenges and market dynamics across different countries in the APAC region.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a well-rounded individual who can bridge engineering, sales, and operational understanding. The growth opportunities are focused on deepening technical expertise and broadening the scope of influence within the automation and logistics domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex intralogistics problem you solved using AutoStore or a similar automated system. What was your approach, what data did you analyze, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, data, and impact)

• "How would you approach designing an automated warehouse solution for a client with limited operational data? What steps would you take to gather the necessary information and build confidence in your design?" (Focus on problem-solving and information gathering)

• "Imagine a scenario where a Sales Manager proposes a solution that you believe is technically infeasible or not optimal for the client. How would you handle this conversation?" (Focus on stakeholder management and technical integrity) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Kardex and the AutoStore solution? Why are you interested in working for us?" (Demonstrate research and alignment)

• "This role is described as being within a 'startup environment.' What does that mean to you, and how do you thrive in such settings?" (Assess adaptability and proactivity)

• "How do you ensure that your technical solutions align with the commercial objectives and ROI expectations of your clients?" (Connect technical design to business value) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the client's challenge, your investigative process, the solution you designed, and the measurable results achieved.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially in data analysis, conceptualization, and client interaction.

• Use Visual Aids: Prepare clear diagrams, flowcharts, and renderings to illustrate your designs.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your design choices, assumptions made, and alternative solutions considered.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, emphasize the tangible benefits delivered (e.g., increased throughput, reduced errors, improved space utilization, ROI).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should heavily emphasize the candidate's ability to translate technical solutions into business value and present them effectively. Demonstrating a structured problem-solving approach, strong analytical skills, and a customer-centric mindset will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Solution Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Kardex careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your expertise in intralogistics automation, particularly with AutoStore or similar AS/RS technologies. Ensure case studies highlight your data analysis process, solution design methodology, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description such as "solution design," "systems engineering," "intralogistics," "warehouse automation," "data analysis," and "customer-facing." Clearly list your years of experience and relevant technical skills.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare to discuss your understanding of AutoStore technology, material flow principles, and your approach to collaborative problem-solving in a "startup environment."

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Kardex, its products (especially AutoStore), its market position, and recent news. Understand its commitment to innovation and customer solutions to better align your responses with the company's values and objectives.

⚠️ 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.