South Africa: We are seeking a highly analytical, commercially focused Solution Manager with strong business development and project management capability. This role requires someone who can work independently, operate confidently under pressure, and apply technical, financial, and operational insight to design and price logistics and transportation solutions that are profitable, competitive, and operationally feasible.
The Solution Manager plays a strategic role in translating customer requirements into costed, commercially sound logistics models, ensuring alignment between sales, operations, and finance. This individual must be detail-oriented, comfortable interpreting complex data, and able to build accurate costing models that support growth, margin expansion, and long-term client relationships.

ROLE PURPOSE
To lead the preparation, coordination, and submission of tenders and proposals, develop detailed cost and revenue models, and design end-to-end logistics solutions that support business growth. The role ensures proposals meet client expectations while protecting business profitability and operational capability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Tender & Proposal Management

• Lead the full tender cycle: document preparation, compliance, costing inputs, and deadline execution.
• Collaborate with operations, technical teams, finance, and legal to secure accurate information.
• Prepare compelling proposals that highlight commercial value, service differentiators, and operational capability.
• Support the Business Development Manager during presentations, bid clarification sessions, and commercial negotiations.

1. Costing, Pricing & Commercial Modelling

• Build and maintain detailed cost and revenue models for transport, warehousing, and integrated logistics solutions.
• Interpret data sets, costing inputs, and operational requirements to ensure accurate proposals.
• Analyse tender specifications to construct competitive pricing structures aligned with profitability targets.
• Maintain costing templates, rate cards, and commercial assumptions to ensure consistent pricing logic.

1. Solution Design & Project Support

• Translate client requirements into workable, scalable logistics solutions.
• Validate solution feasibility with operational stakeholders while identifying risks and optimisation opportunities.
• Recommend alternative models or value-added services to enhance competitiveness.

1. Market, Data & Competitor Insights

• Conduct pricing and competitor research to inform commercial strategies.
• Provide insights and recommendations based on industry trends, operational data, and client expectations.

1. Process, Governance & Reporting

• Improve tendering, costing, and review processes to increase efficiency and win rates.
• Maintain accurate version control and documentation of proposals, costing models, and contract history.
• Provide management with reports on bid outcomes, pricing performance, and solution profitability.

KEY INTERFACES
Key Interfaces:

• Business Development Manager (Reporting Line)
• Operations & Supply Chain Teams
• Finance & Commercial Teams
• Legal / Compliance
• Marketing & Innovation
• Clients and Prospective Customers (Indirect)
• Technical
• Specialised Service Third Parties

 
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Essential:

• Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, or related field
• Experience in tender management, costing and pricing within logistics, transportation, or supply chain
• Strong data interpretation and cost modelling skills
• Advanced Excel capability and exposure to pricing/solutioning tools
• Proven ability to manage multiple deadlines and projects simultaneously
• Understanding of logistics operations, revenue drivers, and cost structures
• High accuracy and attention to commercial detail

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong commercial acumen and financial awareness
• Excellent analytical, numerical, and problem-solving capability
• Able to work independently and thrive under pressure
• Exceptional stakeholder communication and relationship management
• Detailed, structured, and methodical approach to work
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and articulate solution logic
• Mobile and willing to travel as required