Solutions Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Solutions Design Manager – Customs Solutions & Services

Company: Maersk

Location: Copenhagen, Denmark (Remote within Europe)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Revenue Operations / Sales Operations / GTM Strategy (Customs Solutions Focus)

Date Posted: April 17, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote within Europe, with potential for occasional office presence)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the design and validation of complex customs solutions for strategic global customers, ensuring alignment with Maersk's product and operational capabilities.

• Serve as a critical individual contributor within the Global Customs Product and Innovation team, translating customer needs into viable, scalable, and value-driven solutions.

• Collaborate extensively with Sales, Customers, Product, Operations, and Technical Design teams to shape and validate customs solutions prior to delivery.

• Act as a subject matter expert in customs processes and solutions, embedded in commercial conversations to enhance quality, speed, and overall outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a crucial individual contributor, bridging the gap between commercial opportunities and operational delivery. It requires a deep understanding of customs processes and the ability to architect solutions that are both customer-centric and operationally feasible within Maersk's global network. The "plug-and-play" profile suggests a candidate who can quickly integrate and contribute without extensive onboarding, likely due to prior extensive experience in similar design or consulting roles within the logistics or customs domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate intricate customer customs requirements into clear, actionable solution logic and comprehensive solution blueprints.

• Provide expert support for pre-sales activities, particularly for complex or high-value strategic customs opportunities.

• Conduct thorough validation of proposed solutions, assessing commercial viability, cost-effectiveness, compliance adherence, and operational feasibility.

• Act as a trusted partner to the Sales team, consolidating and critically evaluating solution inputs to ensure accuracy and strategic alignment.

• Lead internal alignment discussions and coordination efforts with Product, Operations, and Technical teams to ensure seamless solution development and delivery.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of standardized solution components, playbooks, and reusable solution packages to enhance efficiency and scalability.

• Ensure a robust alignment between the solutions sold and the actual delivery capabilities of Maersk's operations.

• Gather and integrate post-sale insights to drive continuous improvement in solution design and product offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive, analytical, and collaborative approach. The focus on "solution logic and solution blueprints" points to detailed documentation and design work. The validation aspect highlights a critical gatekeeping function to de-risk complex deals. The mention of "standardised solution components, playbooks, and reusable packages" indicates a strategic imperative to build scalable and repeatable solutions, moving beyond bespoke one-offs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field such as Supply Chain Management, International Business, Logistics, or a related discipline would be beneficial.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in roles involving customs processes, solutions design, or commercial strategy within the logistics or supply chain industry.

Required Skills:

• Deep, end-to-end understanding of global customs processes, regulations, and customs solutions.

• Proven experience in customer-facing or commercially oriented roles, demonstrating an ability to engage effectively with clients.

• Strong analytical and structuring skills, with a demonstrated ability to transform ambiguity and complex requirements into concrete, well-defined solutions.

• A strong commercial mindset, encompassing a keen awareness of cost implications, value proposition, and feasibility constraints.

• Demonstrated stakeholder management skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence across various functions and seniority levels.

• Confidence and capability to operate independently and proactively in a role that requires self-direction and initiative.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with customs brokerage or freight forwarding operations.

• Familiarity with Maersk's service portfolio and global logistics network.

• Exposure to technology solutions for customs compliance and trade management.

• Experience in developing standardized processes or building reusable solution frameworks.

• Project management certification (e.g., PMP) or equivalent experience.

• Fluency in multiple European languages, in addition to English.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is "strong customs expertise," which implies more than just basic knowledge. This suggests a need for candidates who have navigated the complexities of customs regulations, documentation, and operational flows in a practical, commercial setting. The emphasis on "customer-facing or commercially oriented roles" indicates that understanding client needs and translating them into business value is paramount.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of previously designed and validated complex solutions, showcasing the translation of customer requirements into operational blueprints.

• Case studies detailing successful pre-sales support for strategic opportunities, highlighting the candidate's role in validating commercial viability and operational feasibility.

• Examples of developed "solution logic" and "solution blueprints" that clearly articulate complex customs processes.

• Documentation showcasing contributions to standardized solution components, playbooks, or reusable packages.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of process mapping and documentation for intricate customs workflows, highlighting efficiency and compliance considerations.

• Documentation illustrating how feedback loops from post-sale insights were integrated into solution improvement initiatives.

• Samples of communication materials (presentations, solution summaries) used to convey complex customs solutions to diverse stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on designing and validating solutions, a portfolio demonstrating the ability to structure complex information, articulate technical requirements, and showcase commercial acumen is crucial. The emphasis on "solution logic and solution blueprints" suggests that visual and logical representation of processes will be a key evaluation point.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Solutions Design Manager role with 5-10 years of experience in a high-cost-of-living European capital like Copenhagen, and considering the strategic nature of the role within a global organization like Maersk, a competitive annual salary range is estimated between €85,000 - €120,000. This range accounts for the specialized expertise in customs and solution design, as well as the breadth of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Generous paid time off (vacation, public holidays).

• Pension scheme contributions.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.

• Access to Maersk's global employee benefits programs.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Support for continuous learning and skill enhancement in customs and logistics.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are estimated at 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time professional role. While a hybrid model is in place, flexibility may be expected to accommodate critical pre-sales activities, customer meetings, and internal team collaborations across different time zones within Europe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on research from reputable HR consultancies and salary aggregators for similar roles in major European cities, adjusted for the specific seniority and specialized domain expertise. The provided range is a benchmark and actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Logistics & Shipping (Global Integrated Container Logistics). Maersk operates at the forefront of global trade, providing end-to-end logistics solutions that connect and simplify supply chains for customers worldwide. This context means the operations are complex, global, and highly regulated.

Company Size: Maersk is a global enterprise with over 100,000 employees worldwide, indicating a large, structured organization with extensive resources and established processes, but also potential for bureaucracy.

Founded: 1904. With over a century of history, Maersk has a deeply ingrained corporate culture, a strong brand reputation, and a long-term strategic vision.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Global Customs Product and Innovation team, a specialized unit focused on enhancing Maersk's customs offerings.

• Reporting directly to the Head of Customs Solutions & Services, indicating a senior individual contributor role with direct access to leadership.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is likely a core methodology, leveraging insights from sales performance, customer feedback, and operational data to refine solutions.

• Agile principles may be applied to solution development and iteration, focusing on speed and adaptability.

• A strong emphasis on standardization and scalability for repeatable success across diverse customer needs.

• Continuous improvement is a key driver, with post-sale insights feeding back into product and solution refinement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Maersk's position as a global leader in container logistics implies a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a strong focus on efficiency, reliability, and customer service. The "Customs Solutions & Services" team operates at the intersection of trade compliance and customer experience, making this role critical for revenue generation and customer retention.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior to Senior Individual Contributor level. It requires deep functional expertise rather than direct people management. The scope is global, focusing on strategic customers and product innovation within customs services.

Reporting Structure: The Solutions Design Manager reports directly to the Head of Customs Solutions & Services. This provides visibility to senior leadership and allows for direct influence on strategy. Collaboration will be with peers in Sales, Product, and Operations.

Operations Impact: The role has a significant impact on revenue by ensuring that complex customs solutions are designed effectively, increasing the win rate for strategic deals and improving customer satisfaction and retention. It directly influences the quality, scalability, and commercial viability of Maersk's customs offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of customs compliance, trade facilitation, or specific regional trade regulations.

• Leadership Track: Progress into management roles within the Customs Product and Innovation team, or transition into broader GTM leadership positions.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into Product Management, Strategic Account Management, or operational leadership roles within Maersk's wider logistics network.

• Global Exposure: Continue to work on high-impact, global projects with strategic customers, building a strong international network and reputation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "plug-and-play" nature of the role suggests that candidates are expected to hit the ground running, implying a certain level of established competence. Growth will likely come from mastering the intricacies of Maersk's global operations and taking on more complex solution design challenges, rather than a traditional hierarchical promotion path initially.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. While based in Copenhagen, Denmark, the role explicitly states it is open to candidates across Europe, implying a strong remote work component. Occasional travel to Maersk offices for critical meetings or team gatherings may be expected.

Office Location(s): The primary listed location is Copenhagen, Denmark. However, the role is advertised as being open to candidates across Europe, with no relocation support. This suggests a distributed team model.

Workspace Context:

• A remote-first or hybrid work environment that requires self-discipline and effective time management.

• Access to Maersk's digital collaboration tools and platforms for seamless communication and project management.

• Opportunities to collaborate with a diverse, international team, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives.

• A professional environment that values expertise, innovation, and a results-oriented approach to problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 per week) with potential for flexibility to accommodate international team collaboration and critical business needs. The hybrid nature suggests a balance between remote work and potential in-office days, depending on team and project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "remote within Europe" aspect points to a modern, flexible work policy, but also necessitates strong self-management skills. The emphasis on "plug-and-play" implies that the infrastructure and support for remote collaboration are likely robust, but candidates must be proactive in engaging with colleagues and leveraging available tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications and resumes, likely focusing on demonstrated customs expertise and commercial acumen.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion about your experience, understanding of customs processes, and approach to solution design. Expect questions about your ability to handle ambiguity and work independently.

• Case Study/Presentation: A potential exercise where you might be asked to analyze a complex customs scenario, design a solution, and present your findings. This will assess your analytical skills, solutioning capabilities, and presentation proficiency.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Discussions with members of Sales, Product, and Operations teams to assess your collaboration style and ability to gain alignment.

• Final Interview: Potentially with the Head of Customs Solutions & Services or other senior leaders to discuss strategic fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Customs Depth: Clearly present examples of complex customs processes you've analyzed or designed solutions for. Highlight the regulatory challenges and how you addressed them.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the commercial viability, cost savings, or efficiency gains achieved through your solutions.

• Illustrate Solutioning: Provide "solution logic" or "solution blueprint" examples, even if anonymized, to demonstrate your structured thinking and ability to translate requirements into actionable plans.

• Highlight Collaboration: Include examples where you successfully collaborated with diverse teams (Sales, Operations, Technical) to achieve a common goal.

• Focus on "Plug-and-Play": Demonstrate how you quickly assessed and solved problems, or how you onboarded efficiently in previous roles.

Challenge Preparation:

• Customs Process Mastery: Be ready to discuss common customs procedures, documentation requirements, and potential pitfalls for international trade.

• Solution Design Frameworks: Understand how to break down complex problems, identify key variables, and construct logical, scalable solutions.

• Commercial Acumen: Prepare to discuss how solutions create value, manage costs, and contribute to win rates in a sales context.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Think about strategies for managing differing priorities and gaining buy-in from various functional groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "plug-and-play" requirement suggests that the interview process might be streamlined, with a strong emphasis on assessing immediate capability and fit. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate a high degree of self-sufficiency and a proven track record of delivering results with minimal supervision.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM (e.g., Salesforce): Likely used for sales support, opportunity tracking, and customer data management. Proficiency in navigating and extracting data is important.

• Project Management Software (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Asana): Essential for managing solution design timelines, tasks, and cross-functional workflows.

• Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack): Critical for day-to-day communication, virtual meetings, and document sharing within a distributed team.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau): May be used to analyze sales pipeline data, operational performance metrics, and customer solution adoption rates.

• Spreadsheet Software (e.g., Microsoft Excel): Advanced proficiency is expected for data analysis, financial modeling, and creating solution proposal components.

CRM & Automation:

• Customs Management Software: Familiarity with platforms that manage customs declarations, duty calculations, and compliance checks would be highly advantageous.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Understanding of how automation can streamline customs processes and improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role's nature implies a need for strong analytical and documentation skills, along with proficiency in standard business productivity and collaboration software. Familiarity with logistics and customs-specific software would be a significant plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A drive to understand and meet the complex customs needs of global clients, ensuring their supply chains function smoothly.

• Innovation: A commitment to developing and refining cutting-edge customs solutions that provide competitive advantages.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding the highest standards of regulatory adherence in all customs-related activities.

• Efficiency & Scalability: A focus on designing solutions that are not only effective but also cost-efficient and capable of scaling across a global customer base.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of cross-functional teamwork to achieve shared objectives and deliver comprehensive solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Consultative: Engaging early and often with Sales, Product, and Operations to ensure alignment and anticipate challenges.

• Data-Informed: Utilizing data to support recommendations and validate solution designs.

• Results-Oriented: Focused on delivering tangible outcomes that positively impact win rates, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to the development of best practices and reusable assets within the Customs Solutions & Services team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Maersk, as a large global entity, likely fosters a culture that values professionalism, global collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. The specific team's focus on "Product and Innovation" suggests an environment that encourages forward-thinking and continuous improvement within the specialized domain of customs.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Regulatory Complexity: Keeping abreast of constantly evolving customs regulations across multiple jurisdictions and translating them into practical, compliant solutions.

• Balancing Customer Needs with Operational Capabilities: Designing solutions that meet unique customer demands while remaining within the practical and financial constraints of Maersk's operational framework.

• Driving Adoption of Standardized Solutions: Encouraging internal adoption and effective utilization of standardized components and playbooks to maximize efficiency.

• Working in a Distributed, Hybrid Environment: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication across different locations and time zones.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Global Customs: Access to Maersk's resources and expertise to gain unparalleled knowledge of international trade compliance.

• Strategic Solution Design: Development of advanced skills in architecting complex, multi-faceted solutions for global enterprises.

• Product Innovation Influence: Opportunity to shape the future roadmap of Maersk's customs product offerings.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Gaining experience and building relationships across key commercial and operational departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "plug-and-play" profile suggests that candidates are expected to be adept at navigating challenges independently. Growth opportunities will likely stem from mastering the complexity of the role, expanding influence, and taking on increasingly challenging solution design projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a highly complex customer requirement into a clear, actionable solution. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on structured thinking, problem decomposition, and end-to-end solutioning).

• "How do you balance the need to meet a customer's unique requests with the operational realities and cost constraints of delivering a service?" (Assess commercial mindset, feasibility assessment, and negotiation skills).

• "Walk me through your process for validating the commercial viability and operational feasibility of a proposed solution before it goes to delivery." (Demonstrate your risk assessment and due diligence approach).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Maersk's global customs services, and how do you see this role contributing to our strategy?" (Show research and understanding of the business context).

• "How do you approach working independently and proactively in a role that doesn't have a fixed 'rulebook'?" (Emphasize self-starter mentality and problem-solving initiative).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by solution type, customer challenge, or impact area.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the solution developed, the challenges overcome, and the quantifiable results.

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, flowcharts, or simplified blueprints to illustrate your solution logic and process designs.

• Focus on Value: Emphasize how your solutions delivered commercial value, improved efficiency, or mitigated risks for the customer and Maersk.

• Be Ready to Deep Dive: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your technical approach, assumptions made, and alternative considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "plug-and-play" expectation, interview questions will likely probe for immediate competence and a proven ability to deliver results with minimal guidance. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their methodologies and demonstrate a deep understanding of customs processes and solution design principles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience in customs processes, solutions design, commercial support, and cross-functional collaboration, using keywords from the job description.

• Prepare a concise portfolio or select key case studies that best demonstrate your ability to translate complex requirements into viable, scalable customs solutions, focusing on quantifiable achievements.

• Conduct thorough research on Maersk's global logistics network, its customs offerings, and its strategic priorities to articulate your understanding and alignment during interviews.

• Practice presenting your experience and portfolio highlights, focusing on clear communication, structured problem-solving, and the commercial and operational impact of your work.

⚠️ 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.

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