Solutions Design Manager – Automated Warehouse (Contract)
If your skills, experience, and qualifications match those in this job overview, do not delay your application.
Location: Chester (3 days onsite, travel expenses covered)
Start Date: Late May (Design Phase Kick-Off)
Duration: Initial 4 months with strong likelihood of extension (9–12 months total)
Contract Type: Inside IR35 (Umbrella)
The Opportunity
* We are looking for an experienced Solutions Design Manager to lead the end-to-end physical design of a large-scale, future-ready warehouse operation.
* This is a high-impact role within a major logistics transformation programme, focused on developing a warehouse facility that is optimised for today and scalable for tomorrow's automation technologies.
* You will play a critical role in shaping a complex distribution environment, ensuring the design supports operational efficiency while enabling future integration of advanced automation.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the physical layout design of a large-scale warehouse facility
* Develop comprehensive warehouse solution designs, including:
o Goods-in, storage, picking, packing, and dispatch flows
o Space planning and racking configurations
o Material Handling Equipment (MHE) selection and integration
* Design solutions with automation scalability in mind, including:
o ASRS (Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems)
o Conveyor systems
o AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots)
o Robotics and emerging technologies
* Support or lead proof of concept (PoC) development for automated solutions
* Translate operational requirements into practical, buildable warehouse layouts
* Facilitate and contribute to design workshops, scenario modelling, and solution validation
* Collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders across operations, engineering, and programme delivery
Essential Experience
* Proven background as a Solutions Design Manager / Warehouse Solution Designer / Logistics Design Consultant
* Strong track record in physical warehouse design (layout, flow, and infrastructure)
* Experience in automated or semi-automated warehouse environments
* Involvement in:
o Warehouse builds or large-scale reconfigurations
o Automation feasibility studies or PoCs
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* Familiarity with design and modelling tools (e.g. CAD, simulation, flow modelling)
* Ability to operate effectively in complex stakeholder environments
Desirable
* Experience in highly regulated industries (e.g. aerospace, manufacturing)
* Exposure to high-throughput distribution centres
* Background in consulting, systems integration, or large logistics programmes
Why Apply?
* Opportunity to design a next-generation warehouse facility from the ground up
* Work at the forefront of automation-enabled logistics transformation
* High-profile programme with long-term extension potential
* Collaborative, fast-paced environment with strong stakeholder engagement