Solutions Design Manager – Automated Warehouse (Contract)
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:
Goods-in, storage, picking, packing, and dispatch flows
Space planning and racking configurations
Material Handling Equipment (MHE) selection and integration
Design solutions with automation scalability in mind, including:
ASRS (Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems)
Conveyor systems
AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots)
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:
Warehouse builds or large-scale reconfigurations
Automation feasibility studies or PoCs
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
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