Solution Design Manager jobs
Logistics is growing in complexity almost as fast as software can keep up with it, but the revolution in the sector that IT has allowed cannot be denied. That leaves a set of hugely important roles in the field, namely the designers of solutions to keep everything running smoothly and analyse results.
While many off-the-shelf solutions are available, companies with the budget and the need will often design their own logistics solutions. This could be because of specific requirements of their company or simply so that they have ownership of the solution, cutting down on licensing fees. Companies seeking to build and maintain solutions either through which to run the whole operation or to deal with, say, invoicing or analysis will hire solutions design managers to head its development and use.
A good, flexible system that will grow with the company and allow the integration of other departments’ activities will, if it works well, save the company significant amounts of money on administration, lost orders and customer relations, to name but a few advantages. And any implementation will need a good solution design manager to keep it running at full throttle.
The skills required
First-class IT skills will be required for this role, even if the manager is not personally programming or setting up networks. They will have to have an intimate knowledge of the system, its capabilities and its limitations if it is to be successful. Previous experience of setting up or managing software solutions will be essential.
Superb analytical skills will be necessary, as will great people-management, motivational skills and communications; software solutions can require late nights and long hours when they need fixing, so it’s important to have a team that gels.
Successful solution design managers will need an exceptional aptitude for self-motivation. He or she could be one of only a handful or people who understands the inner workings of the solution, so good problem-solving skills will also be required.
Solution Design Manager Jobs in Dundee
Dundee is an industrious city that has changed its roles many times over the centuries. Its North Sea-facing front made it ideal for whaling, and the industries that surround it, such as boatbuilding, whale oil processing and jute manufacture (it was discovered that jute could be lubricated with whale oil). Those industries are gone now, but after World War II the city was to have something of a boom. The company NCR set up in Dundee, initially making shop cash registers, and later moving on to making banks’ cash machines. The company was also a pioneer of the now-ubiquitous magnetic strips, and also made computers.
The electronics company Morphy Richards was formed and based in Dundee after a merger, and Michelin tyre factory was also established. All this time, industry worked along shipbuilding, but by the 1980s this industry was in terminal decline. Along came Timex, who manufactured Sir Clive Sinclair’s ZX Spectrum in the city; this home computer was a huge success, owing to its colour graphics and reasonable price. However the Timex factory closed in the early 1990s.
The city was also a publishing magnet, and many a child grew up reading DC Thompson’s famous output: Beano, Dandy and the gung-ho Commando comic books. And when they grew up, they played Lemmings and Grand Theft Auto, developed by Dundee’s Rockstar Games. There is also a strong biomedical and biotech industry in the city.
Dundee is such a thriving place that no short article can do it justice. And of course, all this moving of materials and products, and the servicing of its 150,000 population means that Solution Design Manager positions are regularly required.
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Cast UK’s logistics opportunities
Cast UK’s founder members are from the logistics, procurement and supply chain sectors, and our consultants are from the same fields, so we know what both employers and candidates are looking for. Our own success depends on our filling management and executive positions with the best people, so we have an interest in making sure we know our candidates and employers as well as possible.
People approach us looking for work for many reasons, chief among them seeking more fulfilment, moving house or looking for a promotion. Cast UK is the consultancy that not only candidates but also many employers come to first, so if you’re looking for a career change in logistics, there’s a good chance we’ll have a great job for you.
The positions we offer cover the whole of the UK, so please check out what’s available in your region and do get in touch if you’ve seen something you’re interested in – your career might be about to take a positive turn!
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Solution Design Manager for your business or find you a job as a Solution Design Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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