Solution Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Solution Design Manager

Company: Maersk

Location: Derby, United Kingdom (with flexibility for Doncaster and Tamworth)

Job Type: Full time

Category: Operations Management / Supply Chain & Logistics Operations

Date Posted: August 05, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the design and development of innovative, end-to-end contract logistics solutions across the UK and Ireland to support Maersk's Contract Logistics business growth.

• Leverage advanced analytical capabilities and operational expertise to create robust business cases, capacity plans, and resource models that ensure operational viability, commercial competitiveness, and scalability for new and existing clients.

• Act as a crucial technical advisor and trusted partner to sales and operations teams, ensuring operational integrity and the successful integration of best-practice operational, organizational, and automation solutions throughout the solution development lifecycle.

• Champion process optimization and workflow design, utilizing tools and methodologies to enhance efficiency, productivity, and service performance within warehousing and distribution environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Solution Design Manager" title, coupled with responsibilities like designing warehouse layouts, operational processes, resource requirements, and cost models, strongly indicates a role within Revenue Operations or Sales Operations, specifically focused on pre-sales solution architecture for logistics services. The emphasis on contract logistics and 3PL experience further solidifies this. The mention of AutoCAD, SketchUp, and IT requirements points to a technical and analytical focus within the operations domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design comprehensive, end-to-end contract logistics solutions, encompassing warehouse layouts, detailed operational processes, precise resource requirements, strategic equipment selection, essential IT system specifications, and accurate cost models.

• Develop cutting-edge logistics concepts and compelling value propositions by integrating best-practice operational strategies, organizational structures, and advanced automation technologies.

• Analyze and interpret extensive volumes of operational and customer data to inform solution development, identify key performance indicators (KPIs), and support data-driven decision-making processes.

• Conduct rigorous capacity planning, detailed resource modeling, productivity analysis, and sophisticated financial modeling to proactively identify potential risks, uncover opportunities for improvement, and forecast future growth requirements.

• Formulate robust business cases and accurate demand forecasts, ensuring that all proposed solutions are not only operationally sound and commercially competitive but also designed for scalability and future expansion.

• Design and meticulously optimize process flows and operational methodologies to drive significant improvements in efficiency, enhance overall productivity, and elevate service performance metrics.

• Create detailed facility layouts using specialized design tools such as AutoCAD or SketchUp to visually support and articulate solution proposals effectively.

• Engage proactively and strategically within the sales process, providing essential technical expertise, deep operational insights, and ensuring unwavering operational integrity from initial concept to final proposal.

• Lead and manage all aspects of solution design deliverables, ensuring diligent control over identified risks, critical dependencies, potential issues, and complex critical-path activities.

• Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with both external customers and internal stakeholders, effectively influencing decision-making processes and securing crucial alignment throughout the entire proposal and solution development lifecycle.

• Maintain an up-to-date and comprehensive understanding of market trends, competitive landscapes, and emerging product innovations within the logistics sector, actively sharing insights and best practices across the wider Maersk business unit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are highly indicative of a pre-sales engineering or solution architect role within a B2B service organization, specifically focused on logistics. These duties are crucial for Sales Operations and Revenue Operations, as they directly impact the ability to accurately scope, price, and commit to complex customer contracts, thereby driving revenue and ensuring profitable service delivery. The emphasis on data analysis, process design, and business case development aligns perfectly with the strategic operational planning required in these functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role. A Master's degree or relevant professional certifications may be advantageous.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in Contract Logistics (3PL) environments is essential.

• Demonstrated experience in solution design, operations management, industrial engineering, or a dedicated continuous improvement function within the logistics sector.

• Proven track record of working within international supply chains, with a deep understanding of the core drivers that deliver tangible value to customers.

• Extensive knowledge of warehouse and distribution operations, including familiarity with various automation technologies, warehouse modeling techniques, and fundamental operational design principles.

• Solid understanding of end-to-end logistics processes, established solution design methodologies, and the principles of effective business case development.

• Familiarity with trade regulations, statutory requirements, security protocols, and compliance standards pertinent to logistics operations.

• Prior experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and associated supporting technologies. Required Skills:

• Exceptional contract logistics (3PL) domain expertise.

• Advanced capabilities in solution design, encompassing process mapping and operational workflow creation.

• Deep understanding of warehouse and distribution operations, including layout design and operational flow.

• Proficiency in supply chain management principles and international logistics.

• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills, with the ability to translate complex datasets into actionable insights.

• Proficient in financial modeling and cost analysis for logistics solutions.

• Expertise in capacity planning and resource modeling.

• Skilled in process optimization and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Proficiency in design tools such as AutoCAD or SketchUp for facility layout creation.

• Experience in developing comprehensive business cases and demand forecasts.

• Thorough understanding of warehouse management systems (WMS) and logistics technology.

• Excellent stakeholder management and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong project management and organizational abilities. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Power BI for data visualization and reporting.

• Familiarity with automation technologies in warehousing (e.g., robotics, AS/RS).

• Knowledge of trade, regulatory, statutory, security, and compliance requirements specific to logistics.

• Experience in a consulting or advisory role within logistics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements strongly suggest a mid-to-senior level professional, likely with 5-10 years of relevant experience, aligning with the "Mid-Senior Level" estimation. The emphasis on both technical design skills (AutoCAD, SketchUp) and analytical/financial skills (Excel, Power BI, financial modeling) indicates a hybrid role requiring both creative problem-solving and rigorous data-driven validation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Solution Design Case Studies: Demonstrate successful development of end-to-end logistics solutions for past clients, detailing the problem statement, proposed solution, operational design, and key outcomes.

• Process Optimization Examples: Showcase instances where you have analyzed, redesigned, and implemented improved operational processes within a warehouse or distribution center environment, highlighting efficiency gains and productivity improvements.

• Financial & Capacity Modeling Outputs: Provide examples of financial models, capacity plans, resource requirements, and cost models developed for logistics solutions, illustrating your ability to quantify operational needs and commercial viability.

• Layout Designs: Include visual examples of warehouse or facility layouts created using tools like AutoCAD or SketchUp, demonstrating your spatial planning and design capabilities.

• Business Case Documentation: Present a sample business case or demand forecast developed for a logistics project, showcasing your ability to justify investments and predict operational performance.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed documentation of logistics process flows, from inbound receiving to outbound shipping, highlighting optimization points and implemented improvements.

• Clear outlines of solution design methodologies used, including steps for data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and risk assessment.

• Records of how operational and customer data were leveraged to inform solution design decisions, including metrics and analytical approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Solution Design Manager role, a portfolio is critical. It needs to showcase not just theoretical knowledge but practical application of design principles, analytical rigor, and the ability to communicate complex solutions clearly. The emphasis should be on quantifiable results and the strategic thinking behind the proposed solutions, directly relevant to revenue generation and operational efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Solution Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the UK logistics sector, particularly within a large multinational like Maersk, the estimated salary range is likely between £55,000 and £75,000 per annum. This range can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and the exact location within the UK.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package.

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.

• Structured career progression pathways within Maersk's global network.

• Exposure to international working environments and diverse teams.

• Pension scheme and life assurance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Employee assistance programs.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While an on-site position, there may be flexibility in start and end times, with potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines or client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical market rates for similar roles in the UK logistics industry, considering the experience level and the company's profile. Benefits are inferred from standard offerings by large, global corporations like Maersk, focusing on aspects attractive to operations professionals seeking stability and growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Integrated Logistics and Shipping. Maersk operates at the forefront of global trade, providing end-to-end logistics solutions that connect and simplify supply chains for businesses worldwide. This industry demands efficiency, reliability, and innovation to navigate complex global trade dynamics.

Company Size: Maersk is a large enterprise, employing over 100,000 people globally across 130 countries. This size implies extensive resources, established processes, and significant opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and career advancement.

Founded: 1904. With over a century of history, Maersk has a deep-rooted heritage in maritime transport and has evolved into a comprehensive logistics provider, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to innovation and transformation.

Team Structure:

• The Solution Design team likely operates within the Contract Logistics or Commercial division, working closely with Sales, Operations, Engineering, and IT departments.

• This role reports into a senior management position, such as a Head of Solutions Design or Commercial