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 Newcastle-under-Lyme
The Staffordshire town of Newcastle-under-Lyme (not to be confused with Newcastle-upon-Tyne) adjoins the city of Stoke-on-Trent along all of its eastern edge; without looking at a boundary map it would be difficult to discern where one ends and the other begins. The town did have a similar industrial history to Stoke, namely pottery and porcelain manufacture, until the mid-1700s when it all but stopped, giving way to brick making, clothing, cotton milling, coal mining and engineering. Engineering and clothing manufacturing still dominate the town’s industries; many military and police uniforms are made here.
In the early 1900s, the Stoke area was an amalgamation of a number of moderately sized towns, chief among them Stoke, Hanley, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Burslem, Fenton, Tunstall, Longton, Smallthorne, Kidsgrove, and Audley. A motion was put to parliament to amalgamate them all into one city in what was known as the Federation of Stoke-on-Trent. Newcastle-under-Lyme was the only one to reject the plan, partly because the others were heavily involved in the pottery industry and Newcastle no longer was. Newcastle’s opposition was recognised and so it came to be that the town now exists almost engulfed by Stoke-on-Trent.
With a population of about 75,000 and a huge regeneration effort recently being completed, Newcastle-under-Lyme has undergone something of a rebirth of late, after a few decades of gradual decline. We do see more Solution Design Manager jobs appearing in the town, which is often indicative of renewed economic activity.
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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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