Solutions Development Manager

Part of the Culina Group, Great Bear is the flexible, agile ambient 3PL alternative. Great Bear is a key player in ambient 3PL with an extensive depot network and some brand new, state of the art facilities. 

Great Bear is a successful business with ambitious growth aspirations and an opportunity has arisen for a confident and enthusiastic Solutions Development Manager, specialising in transport design to join our entrepreneurial and successful team. 

Working as part of the Business Development function, the Solutions Development Manager will principally be responsible for leading tender responses, analysing customer data / requirements and designing appropriate, commercially competitive solutions, with an emphasis on Transport operations.

This role can be based at any of our Great Bear depots within the Midlands area however travel will be a requirement as part of the role.

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hour week.

Key Duties of a Solutions Development Manager:

• Communicate directly with customers during all stages of the tender process.
• Make recommendations regarding the suitability of potential new business.
• Plan and coordinate project and tender responses.
• Liaise with Regional Operations Directors, operations teams and specialist functions within the business throughout all phases of the tender process.
• Design transport solutions taking into account industry best practice
• Develop and execute appropriate models to determine resources through Paragon routing and spreadsheet operating models to feed into financial models.
• Manage quotes for sub-contracting any non-core services which form part of tender scope.
• Prepare profit and loss budgets in conjunction with finance teams.
• Provide detailed financial and operational comparisons for alternative solutions highlighting risk.
• Prepare tender response documentation and presentations.
• Assist with the development of company marketing materials.
• Maintain an up to date knowledge of developments in the industry 
• Support the development of other members of the business development team.
• Support the implementation of new contracts.

• Great commercial awareness of the 3PL sector (ideally gained through an operational background). 
• Successful track record working in a logistics solutions design role with commercial accountability.
• Personable, professional and flexible with the ability to adapt approach to suit individual customer requirements.
• Ability to lead a team through the tender process and produce high quality results.
• Leverage support from other department to ensure appropriate engagement in solutions design and the tender process.
• Excellent analytical and IT skills and be able to produce detailed operating cost models. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (macros, pivot tables, data links, lookups etc.) with the ability to deal with complex data management.
• Experience of using industry-recognised simulation and modelling tools such as Paragon, DPS Logix etc.
• Current and in depth understanding of commercial transport rates and profit & loss.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time, at different stages of the process.
• A great communicator, and be comfortable with exposure at Board level and presenting to key customers.

As part of our drive to make Great Bear a great place to work. We are proud to be an inclusive and diverse organisation where we are committed to employee development and recognising success for hard working performers.

Our dedicated learning and development programmes are open to every employee to give you the opportunity to shape your own future within logistics and continue to work in an environment where team culture thrives.

Our People are the driving force behind our success, which is why we offer a wide range of benefits which include:

• Annual Leave – Competitive holiday entitlement of 25 days plus the bank holidays.
• Company Bonus – We do our best work to succeed together. When we achieve our goals you'll be rewarded through our bonus scheme.
• Private Medical Cover – This gives you peace of mind, you have choice, flexibility and speed of access to the most clinically appropriate care via Bupa.
• Pension scheme – we want colleagues to enjoy a comfortable retirement so we offer a great contribution of 5% employee and 8% employer.
• Life Assurance -  4x your annual salary.
• Company car or car allowance - business need
• Wellness – Via our Employee Assistance Programme, we offer immediate access to a confidential telephone counselling and legal information service that operates 24 hours a days, 365 days a year.
• Eye Care Vouchers – We can provide you with substantial savings with free eye tests and discounts on prescription glasses.
• Reward & Recognition – We recognise that employees have gone the extra mile via Employee of the month and year, special recognition and long service awards.
• Everyday discounts - via our benefit platform you will have access to over 50 retailer discounts for everyday savings!

If you meet the requirements for the above role and are looking for your next career opportunity please apply now and become a part of our #WinningTeam!