Solutions Design, Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Solutions Design, Manager

Company: DSV

Location: Austin, Texas, United States (Remote OK)

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Solutions Design / Supply Chain Operations

Date Posted: June 12, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic design and development of complex supply chain solutions for potential and existing customers, leveraging engineering and analytical expertise.

• Drive the Request for Proposal (RFP) response process, ensuring timely and comprehensive delivery of innovative logistics solutions that differentiate DSV in the market.

• Manage cross-functional internal teams and serve as a primary interface with clients throughout the solution design and implementation planning phases.

• Develop and refine internal solutions team tools and processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in solution design and execution capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Manager within the Solutions Design division, indicating a significant level of responsibility for project leadership, client interaction, and team development. The emphasis on "innovative supply chain solutions" and "differentiating DSV's capabilities" suggests a strategic, forward-thinking approach is expected, aligning with senior operations and GTM strategy roles. The remote option for Texas-based candidates is a key differentiator for talent acquisition.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead multiple large-scale operational solutions design projects concurrently, ensuring on-time delivery and adherence to DSV's Solution Design and Rules of Engagement process.

• Conduct in-depth analysis of customer RFPs, identifying critical gaps, developing robust assumptions, and translating complex data into actionable operational designs.

• Directly interface with external customers through all phases of solution design and, as required, implementation planning, building strong rapport and credibility.

• Oversee the operational design for new business initiatives, including data assessment, facility layout, process mapping, staffing plans, equipment specification, budgeting, costing, pricing, assumption documentation, and proposal generation.

• Accountable for the accuracy, integrity, and completeness of the Solution Design response and all associated documentation.

• Facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among internal functional groups (e.g., operations, sales, IT) throughout the proposal development lifecycle.

• Develop and deliver compelling internal and external customer presentations that effectively articulate DSV's solution approach and capabilities.

• Provide project management and/or engineering support for new business implementations and continuous improvement initiatives for existing operations.

• Continuously research and stay abreast of industry trends, innovations in handling/storage equipment, supply chain technology, and operational best practices to foster innovation.

• Maintain awareness of DSV's current customer base and operational solutions to inform the development of new, competitive offerings.

• Support the professional development and mentorship of Senior Solutions Engineers and Solutions Engineers within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking, technical design, project management, and client-facing skills. The expectation to "lead multiple large-scale projects simultaneously" and "support the development of Senior Solutions Engineer and Solutions Engineer positions" clearly defines the managerial scope and leadership expectations of this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required, with a strong preference for a degree in Engineering. Experience:

• Minimum of 4+ years of experience in contract logistics warehousing and/or manufacturing support solutions design within the third-party logistics (3PL) industry.

• Equivalent experience in operational design and implementation outside of the 3PL sector will be considered.

• Demonstrated experience in solutions design and/or operations management within key verticals such as Hi-Tech, Automotive, Industrial, Healthcare, Retail, and/or FMCG.

• Proven experience in developing diverse pricing structures (fixed/variable, fully variable, cost-plus) and a strong understanding of market-competitive pricing. Required Skills:

• Solutions Design: Expertise in conceptualizing, designing, and documenting end-to-end supply chain and logistics solutions.

• Data Analysis & Mining: Proficient in analyzing complex datasets to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for operational improvement.

• Project Management: Ability to lead multiple projects, manage timelines, and ensure on-time delivery of complex initiatives.

• RFP Response Management: Experience in thoroughly analyzing RFPs, developing proposals, and managing the entire bid process.

• Customer Presentations: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex solutions clearly and persuasively to internal and external stakeholders.

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced proficiency for data analysis, modeling, and financial calculations.

• Microsoft Visio: Strong capability for process mapping, workflow design, and facility layout creation.

Preferred Skills:

• P&L Analysis: Understanding of profit and loss statements and financial modeling for logistics operations.

• Return Calculations: Ability to forecast and analyze the financial returns of proposed solutions.

• AutoCAD: Familiarity with Computer-Aided Design software for detailed facility layouts.

• Simulation Software: Experience with simulation tools for modeling and optimizing operational flows.

• Network Modeling Software: Proficiency in software used for designing and optimizing logistics networks.

• Power Query/Power Pivot: Skills to enhance data extraction, transformation, and loading processes for analysis.

• Contract Logistics/3PL Operations: Deep understanding of warehouse operations, including inbound/outbound processes, inventory management, and value-added services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section has been expanded to include specific operations-focused competencies like RFP Response Management and Customer Presentations, which are critical for a Solutions Design role. Preferred skills like simulation and network modeling software highlight the technical depth expected for advanced solution design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Solutions Design: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies of complex supply chain solutions you have designed, clearly outlining the client's challenge, your proposed solution, the key design elements (e.g., layout, process flow, technology integration), and the quantifiable benefits achieved.

• RFP Analysis & Response Examples: Include anonymized examples of your contributions to RFP responses, demonstrating your ability to analyze requirements, develop assumptions, and present compelling solutions. Highlight your role in costing, pricing, and proposal development.

• Process Flow Diagrams & Facility Layouts: Provide visual examples of process maps, workflow diagrams (using Visio or similar tools), and facility layout designs that illustrate your design methodology and attention to detail.

• Financial Modeling & Pricing Structures: Demonstrate your capability in developing financial models, calculating ROI, and structuring pricing proposals, showcasing your understanding of P&L impact and commercial acumen.

Process Documentation:

• Solution Design Methodology: Clearly articulate your systematic approach to solution design, from initial client engagement and data collection to final proposal and handover.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Protocols: Detail how you manage communication and collaboration with various internal departments (e.g., operations, IT, finance, sales) during the design and proposal phases.

• Data Analysis & Assumption Framework: Explain your methods for data validation, gap analysis, and the development of sound assumptions when data is incomplete or ambiguous.

• Presentation & Proposal Development Standards: Outline your approach to creating persuasive presentations and comprehensive proposals that clearly communicate value and technical feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the need for a tangible portfolio that demonstrates practical application of skills in solutions design, RFP management, and financial modeling, crucial for a managerial role in this function. It moves beyond theoretical knowledge to practical proof of capability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Base Pay: $130,000 - $150,000 Annually.

• Methodology: This range is derived from industry benchmarks for Solutions Design Managers in the US logistics sector, considering the specified experience level (5-10 years), the managerial scope, and the stated remote work flexibility within Texas. Factors like specific technical expertise, client-facing success, and advanced certifications could influence placement within this range. The stated range in the job description ($130,000 - $150,000) is directly incorporated.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Vacation days, sick leave, and company holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and conferences related to supply chain and logistics.

• Remote Work Stipend/Support: Potential for home office setup assistance.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Standard employer-provided coverage.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): For personal and work-related support.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet project deadlines and client demands is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly provided in the job description. The benefits are inferred based on typical offerings for full-time managerial roles in large, global logistics companies, with a specific mention of potential remote work support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Global Transport and Logistics. DSV is a major player, ranking as the world's 3rd largest supplier of global solutions within transport and logistics.

Company Size: DSV is a large, global enterprise, with nearly 150,000 colleagues in over 90 countries. This indicates a structured environment with significant resources and international reach.

Founded: 1976 in Denmark. The company has a long history of growth and evolution.

Team Structure:

• Solutions Design Team: This role is part of the Solutions division, specifically within the North America Region Solution Design Team. The team likely comprises engineers and analysts focused on developing tailored logistics solutions.

• Reporting Structure: The Manager will likely report to a Director or VP of Solutions Design. They are also responsible for supporting and developing Senior Solutions Engineers and Solutions Engineers, indicating a direct management or mentorship responsibility.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates extensive collaboration with sales, operations, IT, finance, and potentially other functional areas to develop comprehensive proposals and support implementations.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The emphasis on data analysis, scoping, and costing points to a strong reliance on data to inform and validate solutions.

• Customer-Centric Approach: The role is heavily client-facing, requiring a deep understanding of customer needs and the ability to translate them into effective, compelling solutions.

• Process Standardization & Innovation: DSV emphasizes adhering to its "Solution Design and Rules of Engagement process" while also driving innovation and staying abreast of industry advancements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights DSV's global scale and established presence, suggesting a professional, process-oriented environment. The Solutions Design team's role is critical for business development and customer retention, making this a strategic position.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Managerial role within Solutions Design, positioned above individual contributor roles like Solutions Engineer. It requires leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex projects and teams. It's a mid-to-senior level position within the operations support and GTM enablement functions.

Reporting Structure: The Solutions Design Manager will likely report to a Director or VP of Solutions Design within the North America region. They will also have direct reports or mentorship responsibilities for Solutions Engineers and Senior Solutions Engineers.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts revenue growth by developing compelling solutions that win new business and enhance existing customer contracts. Effective solutions design is crucial for DSV's competitive positioning and profitability in the logistics market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to Director-level roles within Solutions Design or transition into senior operational leadership roles within specific business units or regions.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific industry verticals (e.g., Hi-Tech, Healthcare) or logistics disciplines (e.g., network optimization, automation).

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into broader roles in operations management, business development, or strategy within DSV.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Developing leadership skills through managing and mentoring junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, global organization, with opportunities for both vertical advancement and specialization. The emphasis on mentorship also points to leadership development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a remote-eligible role for candidates located in Texas, USA. While DSV has a global physical presence, this specific position offers flexibility. The company culture generally promotes a professional and collaborative environment.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote-friendly for Texas residents, DSV operates globally with numerous offices. The primary focus for this role will be on the North America region's solutions design efforts.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Work: Candidates will likely work from a home office, requiring self-discipline and effective remote communication tools.

• Collaborative Technology: Expect to utilize video conferencing, project management software, and collaboration platforms for team meetings and client interactions.

• Data & Systems Access: Access to DSV's internal systems, databases, and analytical tools will be provided to support solution design work.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, but flexibility is required.

• The role demands availability for evenings and weekends to meet critical project deadlines, especially during RFP cycles and implementation phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote work aspect for Texas is a significant draw. The expectation of working evenings and weekends underscores the demanding nature of the role, common in client-facing project management and solution design positions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening (Recruiter): A review of your resume and a brief call to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and salary expectations.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion about your experience in solutions design, RFP management, operational understanding, and leadership capabilities. Expect behavioral questions and scenario-based questions.

• Technical/Case Study Interview: This is likely to involve a specific problem or scenario where you'll need to demonstrate your analytical, design, and problem-solving skills. You might be asked to outline your approach to a hypothetical RFP or a complex operational challenge. A portfolio review may occur here.

• Cross-Functional/Team Interview: You may meet with key stakeholders from sales, operations, or other relevant departments to assess your collaboration style and ability to influence.

• Final Interview (Senior Leadership): A discussion with senior management to confirm cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the managerial role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your end-to-end solutions design capabilities, from initial analysis to final proposal and impact.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state the business problem, your solution's key features, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, revenue increase, improved KPIs). Use specific numbers and percentages.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically. For each case study, use a consistent structure: Challenge -> Analysis -> Solution Design -> Implementation Considerations -> Results.

• Visualize: Include visual aids like process maps, facility layouts, or data charts where appropriate to make your work more understandable and impactful.

• Highlight Leadership: For this managerial role, emphasize instances where you led teams, managed stakeholders, or drove process improvements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business: Familiarize yourself with DSV's services, target industries, and competitive landscape. Understand typical challenges in contract logistics and supply chain management.

• Practice RFP Scenarios: Mentally walk through how you would approach a typical RFP for a logistics provider – what data you'd need, what questions you'd ask, how you'd structure your response.

• Financial Acumen: Be prepared to discuss costing, pricing, and P&L analysis. Review common pricing models in logistics.

• Process Mapping & Layouts: Brush up on Visio or similar tools for creating clear process flows and warehouse layouts. Be ready to explain your design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice on preparing a portfolio and excelling in the interview process, specifically tailored to a Solutions Design Manager role, emphasizing the need to demonstrate both technical skills and leadership.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • Excel: Advanced proficiency is critical for data analysis, financial modeling, P&L calculations, and return analysis. Expect complex spreadsheet work.
  • PowerPoint: Essential for developing and delivering client presentations and internal proposals.
  • Visio: Required for creating process maps, workflow diagrams, and facility layouts.

• AutoCAD: Preferred for detailed facility layouts, indicating a need for spatial design understanding.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Mining & Analysis Tools: While specific tools aren't listed, proficiency in extracting, cleaning, and analyzing data from various sources is paramount. This could involve SQL, business intelligence tools, or advanced Excel functions.

• Simulation Software (Preferred): Tools like AnyLogic, Arena, or specialized logistics simulators are beneficial for modeling and validating operational designs.

• Network Modeling Software (Preferred): Tools used for optimizing logistics networks (e.g., Llamasoft, JDA/Blue Yonder Network Design).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) for understanding sales pipelines and customer data may be beneficial, though not explicitly listed as a primary tool.

• Project Management Software: Tools for managing complex projects, tracking tasks, and facilitating team collaboration (e.g., Asana, Jira, Microsoft Project).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Visio, is clear. Preferred tools like simulation and network modeling software indicate the advanced analytical and design capabilities expected for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Results-Oriented: A strong focus on achieving and exceeding customer needs and business targets, as indicated by "Strives for results."

• Customer Focus: Deep commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of both external clients and internal stakeholders.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouragement to stay updated on industry advancements and drive innovation in solutions design.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for project delivery, accuracy, and driving solutions forward.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Adherence to DSV's established processes and ethical standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Works closely with diverse teams across the organization, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills to build consensus and drive projects forward.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Expected to lead by example, guide junior team members, and foster a collaborative learning environment.

• External Focus: Regularly interacts with senior client stakeholders, requiring a professional, credible, and solution-oriented approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values highlight a proactive, results-driven, and customer-centric approach, common in high-performing logistics and operations teams. The emphasis on "Start here. Go anywhere." suggests a culture that supports employee growth and ambition.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Ambiguity: Effectively dealing with incomplete or unclear customer data and requirements to develop robust solutions.

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Juggling numerous complex, large-scale projects simultaneously while ensuring quality and timely delivery.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Gaining buy-in and alignment from various internal departments with potentially competing priorities.

• Staying Ahead of Industry Trends: Continuously learning and integrating new technologies, methodologies, and best practices into solution designs.

• Remote Team Management/Collaboration: Effectively leading and collaborating with team members and stakeholders in a remote or hybrid environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Solutions Design Training: Access to DSV's internal training programs and potentially external certifications in supply chain design, logistics engineering, or project management.

• Industry Exposure: Working on diverse client projects across multiple verticals provides broad industry experience.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone management and mentorship skills by leading the Solutions Design team and developing junior engineers.

• Exposure to Global Operations: Understanding and contributing to solutions for a global logistics leader.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges helps candidates prepare for the realities of the role, while highlighting growth opportunities showcases the long-term career potential within DSV.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex supply chain solution you designed for a client. What were the key challenges, your approach, and the quantifiable results?" (Focus on process, data, and impact).

• "How do you approach analyzing an RFP response? What are the critical steps you take to ensure a comprehensive and compelling proposal?" (Highlight your methodology).

• "Walk me through a time you had to manage conflicting priorities or gain buy-in from multiple stakeholders on a design project. How did you handle it?" (Demonstrate leadership and collaboration).

• "How do you stay current with supply chain innovations and incorporate them into your solutions?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about DSV's position in the global logistics market, and how do you see your role contributing to our success?" (Research DSV's recent performance, strategy, and values).

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you foster collaboration, especially in a remote-first setting." (Align with DSV's collaborative culture).

• "How do you measure the success of a supply chain solution design, both from a technical and business perspective?" (Focus on KPIs and ROI). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each case study, create a brief narrative that clearly outlines the problem, your solution, and the impact. Aim for 5-7 minutes per case study.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially any leadership or strategic decision-making.

• Prepare for Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design choices, the data used, the financial models, and any challenges encountered.

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Show how you adapt your approach based on client needs and available data.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, actionable interview questions and preparation strategies tailored to the Solutions Design Manager role, emphasizing the need to showcase both technical expertise and leadership qualities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official DSV careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight experience in solutions design, RFP management, supply chain optimization, and leadership within the logistics or contract manufacturing sectors. Ensure your resume quantions specific achievements and quantifiable results.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies showcasing your most impactful solutions design projects. Focus on clear problem statements, your detailed solution(s), and measurable outcomes. Be ready to present these visually and discuss them in detail.

• Research DSV: Understand DSV's global operations, key service offerings, target industries, and recent company news. Familiarize yourself with their values and culture.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers for common behavioral, technical, and situational questions relevant to solution design management, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) where applicable.

⚠️ 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.