The Opportunity

The purpose of this role is to lead a team of DC Design Managers in the development of best in class solutions in support of development and delivery of strategic initiatives across the Woolworths Group. Additionally to ensure all design activities are conducted in line with business/project timelines, driving consistency, efficiency and team engagement in the delivery of world leading design solutions. 

Key responsibilities of this role include:

• Accountability of DC Design activities to make certain that design outcomes align with customer and team first values and strategic business initiatives
• Approval of all DC Designs outputs considering safety, Opex, Capex and future flexibility, through validation of design modelling, operational process flows and design development 
• Lead the partnership with multiple and varied business units to deliver win win design solutions that provide business flexibility for the future
• Drive consistency in DC Design approach and methodology, leveraging lessons learnt in the development of business specific solutions
• Oversight of DC Design Engineering works and DC Design standards
• Workload allocation of design resources across project portfolios and project life cycle to meet business and project timelines and the development of the DC Design team members
• Provision and commissioning of best in class designs leveraging automation where it makes sense
• Liaise with external design consultants to make sure that any contracted works meet the same level of design rigour and accuracy as internal designs.
• Support DC Design Managers in the resolution of design challenges with internal or external stakeholders
• Work closely with Automation providers to understand future trends in development of best in class and future relevant designs

About you

You will be an Industry recognised leader with over 10 years experience in the leadership of DC Design solutions spanning conceptual development, detailed design, project approval, delivery and commissioning, whilst also possessing:

• Extensive experience operating within highly complex business and project environments in the delivery of transformational design outcomes
• Broad design background not limited to warehousing, distribution, eCom and across multiple industries types
• Proven leadership of a large team consisting of highly competent and engaged team members with the ability to adapt individual development outcomes to support team members
• Exceptional communication skills at all levels of the organisation able to build strong relationships with senior leaders
• Proven focus and implementation in design solutions that improve safety performance
• Demonstrated negotiation and influencing skills 
• Excellent operational understanding in end to end supply chain processes and able to drive lowest total operating cost by balancing investment, process and design
• Exposure to automation systems and suppliers, e.g Vanderlande, Dematic, Schaeffer, Swisslog, Knapp or Witron
• Ability to focus on the details while maintaining an understanding of the big picture