Solutions Manager

Constellation Cold Logistics Group is a leading provider of cold storage and transport solutions in the UK, Ireland, and Europe. In the UK we provide storage, distribution, and consignment stocking services, across multi temperature bands, to the Food Industry. We provide supply chain management solutions ranging from store, pick and pack, to blast freezing and consolidation for both Manufacturers, Wholesalers and End Users across the UK & EU. Constellation specialises in meeting the needs of the food supply chain by delivering bespoke, integrated logistics support to a range of businesses in the sector.

As part of our expansion and growth plans we are now looking to recruit a Solutions Manager based in either the UK or Netherlands. As the Solutions Manager, you will form a part of the European engineering team, and will be responsible for developing solutions that drive value into the Constellation business, including large-scale development projects such as business expansions and new facility development – from leading solution design and business case development to providing engineering support during the implementation.

You will work closely with different stakeholders including customers, local operational management teams, as well as functional leads from Operations, Finance and IT. As part of this role, you will report to the VP Solutions & Engineering.

Job responsibilities

Design of Warehousing Solutions

• Lead solution design for large development projects such as Greenfields, site expansions or ROI projects such as facility remodels, or implementation of new value added services (i.e. packaging lines, blast services, etc.)
• Work with BD team to understand customer pipeline, growth, and other business requirements, including order and stock profiles to determine the optimal handling and storage solutions and overall site layout
• Convert business requirements into warehouse layout via storage and though-put requirements (i.e. pallet storage, SKU slotting, forward pick areas, dock door & office requirements, parking – trailer and employee, etc.)
• Define when conventional racking or automated robotic/ASRS solutions are the right application
• Provide cost-conscious solutions and identify value engineering opportunities to support project viability
• Determine the associated productivities and required headcount and equipment in collaboration with regional general managers
• Calculate operating expenses via corporate cost models, required capital and implementation schedules in collaboration with facility management and suppliers
• Support the project team throughout the implementation of the solution

Development of Investment Memo’s

• Lead a multi-functional team to develop Investment Memos, analyzing not only projected returns, but also relevant market trends, macro-economic flows, individual customer opportunities and competitor landscape
• Work with suppliers to develop capital estimates for large development projects, including construction, automation, racking and refrigeration systems
• Present Investment Memos for approval to senior / executive management team

Customer RFP’s

• Support BD team in preparation of professional customer RFP responses for large tenders. Interpret customer requirements, determine and/or develop the most suitable warehousing solution and associated resources for all operations taking place within the facility(s): Processes, Efficiencies, Equipment, Material Flow, Layouts
• Work closely with Finance team to validate appropriate rates for the business
• Work directly with customers to explain to them the value that these solutions can bring to their supply chain. Provide rationale and benefits of proposed designs, via Powerpoint or similar story-telling, and how modifications improve supply chain service, inventory quality and facility productivity

General

• Support development of analytical & modeling tools to improve the quality of the solution design, including working with the VP Solutions & Engineering to set up guidelines, tools and processes plus working with national teams to ensure adherence and consistency in the group
• Continuous research into latest technologies to identify new innovative and sustainable solutions
• Lead or support other special projects as required

Key competencies

• Hold a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent, preferably with a technical background, in Logistics, Process, Industrial, Manufacturing or equivalent engineering discipline. Alternatively hold a Bachelor or Master’s degree in other subject plus vocational training and qualification in Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or similar fields
• Have a least 7-10 years relevant work experience in a warehouse design or continuous improvement role
• Highly proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience implementing automated warehouse solutions is valued
• Desired experience in AutoCAD, SQL, simulation software, Microsoft Project
• Have proven process improvement experience and skills utilizing common improvement tools – Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, MTM and time studies, VSM, standardized work, etc
• Have proven project management experience managing a cross-functional team
• Good interpersonal, communication and influencing skills, leadership, time and task management, the ability to build strong stakeholder relationships, change and innovation
• Hands-on mentality, pragmatic, pro-active attitude
• Technical acumen combined with strong analytical skills
• Capable of working independently, focused and driven, capable of decision making based on facts and data, whilst under pressure yet deliver on time;
• Excellent communicator, present findings effectively across all levels of the business;
• Flexible in traveling at the last minute for customer meeting changes. During design phase, can be 10%-15%, during implementation can be up to 50%

Constellation Cold Logistics is an equal opportunities employer who encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible applicants regardless of personal circumstances. We make our recruiting decisions solely based on skill set and experience.

Please note we are not taking unsolicited agency/3rd party applications