> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1163249-solutions-design-manager](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1163249-solutions-design-manager). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Solutions Design Manager - **Company:** Great Bear - **Location:** Exeter, UK - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Excel, Computer-Aided Design, Microsoft Office, Routing, Pivot Tables, Macros, Information Technology, Data Management - **Published:** July 3, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.totaljobs.com/job/solutions-design-manager/great-bear-distribution-limited-job107630559 ## About the Role The successful candidate will have a commercial awareness of the UK third party logistics sector gained through an operations or solution design background. You will possess excellent analytical and IT skills essential to produce detailed operating cost models. You will be comfortable communicating at Board Level and presenting proposals to customers. You will be forward thinking in reviewing any suitable automation opportunities for the projects you work on. * Successful track record working in a logistics solutions design role with commercial accountability. Operational experience advantageous. * Ability to lead a team through the tender process and produce high quality results. Leverage support from other departments e.g. IT, operations, HR, facilities management, to ensure appropriate engagement in solutions design and the tender process. * Technically proficient using advanced Microsoft Office Excel functionality (macros; pivot tables; data links; lookups; etc.) with the ability to deal with complex data management. * Current and in depth understanding of commercial warehouse rates and profit & loss. * Confident communicating with Senior Management, Key Stakeholders and customers up to and including Board Level. * Capable of working under pressure to meet critical deadlines and complete objectives. * Experience of automation technologies currently in the market. * Ability to use industry-recognised simulation and modelling tools is not essential but may be advantageous e.g. CAD, CLASS, CAST, Paragon etc. ## Description Reporting to the Senior Solutions Development Manager, you will work within the Business Development function, responsible for leading the solution design of tender responses, designing and delivering commercially competitive solutions for warehouse opportunities. This role can be based at any of our Great Bear depots within the Midlands or North area however some travel will be a requirement as part of the role. Working hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hour week. Key Duties of a Solutions Development Manager: * Communicate directly with customers during all stages of the tender process. * Analyse customer requirements including tender documents and data. Assess business development opportunities in the context of Great Bear's existing operations and provide executive summaries. Make recommendations regarding the suitability of potential new business. * Plan and coordinate project and tender responses. Make recommendations regarding bid scope. Liaise with Regional Operations Directors, operations teams and specialist functions within the business throughout all phases of the tender process. * Design warehouse and transport solutions taking into account industry best practice, including: Warehouse processes; layouts; equipment; vehicle routing and shift planning, IT systems; management and admin structures. * Develop and execute appropriate models to determine resources (people, equipment, property, IT, transport etc.) to feed into financial models. * Manage quotes for sub-contracting any non-core services which form part of tender scope. * Prepare profit and loss budgets in conjunction with finance teams. * Provide detailed financial and operational comparisons for alternative solutions highlighting risk. * Prepare tender response documentation and presentations. * Assist with the development of company marketing materials. * Maintain an up to date knowledge of developments in the industry through membership of a professional body (e.g. CILT), attending industry events and training courses. * Support the development of other members of the business development team. * Support the implementation of new contracts. ## Related Videos - [The user in the eye of the Cargo1492 storm](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/96-the-user-in-the-eye-of-the-cargo1492-storm) - [Beyond Dashboards: Fixing Text-to-SQL with Semantic RAG](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2036-beyond-dashboards-fixing-text-to-sql-with-semantic-rag) - [Creating a routing app with Google Maps API from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/831-creating-a-routing-app-with-google-maps-api-from-scratch) - [Crafting Custom Frameworks with Rust: A Deep Dive into Procedural Macros](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/849-crafting-custom-frameworks-with-rust-a-deep-dive-into-procedural-macros) - [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies) - [Scaling Talent from Within: How Upskilling Fuels Growth](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1379-scaling-talent-from-within-how-upskilling-fuels-growth) ## Related Articles - [Best Companies to work for in London: Top 25 Companies in 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/187-best-companies-to-work-for-in-london-top-25-companies-in-2023) - [UK Business Culture and Etiquette](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/326-uk-business-culture-and-etiquette) - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Data Analyst Salary in the UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/278-data-analyst-salary-in-the-uk) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs)