Senior Solutions Architect

Ocado Group; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocado Group is seeking a Sr. Solutions Architect to design and size Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) solutions for North American clients in warehouse automation. You will translate complex automation concepts into value-driven designs, conduct capacity planning, and collaborate with sales and product teams.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in warehouse automation, strong modeling and communication skills, and will travel up to 30% across North America to support client engagements.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years designing and implementing warehouse automation systems.
• Proven experience as a Solutions Architect or similar role.
• Experience guiding clients' needs and requirements in a consultancy or tech company.
• Strong system modeling, capacity planning and layout optimization expertise.
• Familiar with simulation tools for industrial engineering and design.

Responsibilities

• Design and configure Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) solutions for clients.
• Size and model systems using industrial engineering techniques.
• Use simulation tools to predict capacity and throughput.
• Perform capacity planning, layout optimization and workflow analysis.
• Engage with clients on site visits and discuss business requirements.
• Provide software integration consulting and participate in product discussions.
• Develop design documents, schematics, and reference architectures with teams.
• Collaborate with sales, product, engineering, and project management.

Skills

Warehouse automation

System modeling

Capacity planning

Layout optimization

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Data analysis

Problem solving

Collaboration

Client management

Tools

Sketchup

AutoCAD

WMS integrations

WCS integrations

Job description

We are Ocado Group, and we're bringing world-class automation to online grocery. Our Ocado Smart Platform (OSP) combines cutting-edge robotics, AI, and IoT within our advanced CFCs (Customer Fulfilment Centres). We've mastered the single pick, transforming online delivery for our global partners. Join us and be part of a team pushing the boundaries of retail technology.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Sr. Solutions Architects to join our team and support our sales efforts by designing comprehensive Autonomous Mobile Robotic (AMR) solutions. This role requires deep technical knowledge, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to translate complex automation concepts into value-driven solutions for our clients. A strong background in industrial engineering, system modeling, and sizing is crucial for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Expertise: Leverage extensive experience in warehouse automation systems and industrial engineering principles to design and configure tailored Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) solutions that meet the unique operational needs of our clients.
• Apply industrial engineering techniques to accurately size and model systems, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
• Utilize advanced simulation tools and methodologies to predict system behavior, capacity, and throughput under various scenarios.
• Conduct capacity planning, layout optimization, and workflow analysis to deliver cost-effective and scalable solutions.
• Client Engagement:
• Accompany the sales team on client site visits to understand business processes and requirements.
• Discuss and analyze business requirements with clients, including current practices, augmentations, and workarounds.
• Provide software integration consulting services, advising clients on integrating new features or products into existing systems.
• Represent the client in product and feature software discussions, ensuring their needs are communicated and understood.
• Solution Design: Utilize advanced tools such as Sketchup and AutoCAD to create detailed schematics, layouts, and design documents that accurately represent the proposed solutions. Develop Software Design Documents (SDD) and joint reference architecture designs in collaboration with the sales and product teams.
• Pre-Sales Consulting: Collaborate closely with the sales team to develop solution proposals, conduct blueprinting sessions pre-contract, and present technical concepts in a clear and compelling manner to stakeholders at all levels, including C-level executives.
• Work with the product team to develop full software product descriptions, software interfaces, functionality, and infrastructure requirements (Network, Hosting).
• Evaluate and discuss new feature requests with clients, representing their needs within the product team.
• Ensure that Sales and Clients are fully aware of what will be delivered and when it will be available.
• Research & Analysis:
• Conduct research and analysis with clients to identify and quantify needs that new or improved products could deliver.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to identify market needs and develop a suite of materials to support the Sales Playbook and create compelling market propositions.
• Client Education: Act as a trusted advisor to prospects, educating them on the capabilities of our AMR systems and how they can be configured and optimized to address specific business challenges.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with internal teams, including engineering, product management, and project management, to ensure that proposed solutions are feasible, scalable, and aligned with the company’s overall strategy.
• Presentation Skills: Develop and deliver high-impact presentations and demonstrations that effectively communicate the value of our solutions, addressing both technical and business aspects.
• Data Analysis: Perform data analysis for clients, developing insights into their usage, workflow, and opportunities for optimization with our products.
• Project Support: Provide technical support during the implementation phase to ensure that the delivered solution meets the design specifications and client expectations.

Qualifications:

• Experience:
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in designing and implementing warehouse automation systems, with a strong focus on mobile robotics.
• Demonstrated experience as a Solutions Architect or similar role.
• Experience working as a consultant or directly for technology companies, guiding and managing clients' needs and requirements.
• Proficiency in system modeling, capacity planning, and layout optimization.
• Strong understanding of material flow, process optimization, and time-motion studies.
• Experience with simulation tools and methodologies used in industrial engineering for system design and analysis.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in Sketchup, AutoCAD, and other relevant design software.
• Familiarity with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehouse Control Systems (WCS), and Supply Chain Planning systems and their integrations.
• Communication & Presentation Skills:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to present to and influence senior management and C-level executives.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of developing innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment, balancing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Client Relationship Management: Good client relationship and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to adapt style and approach to different stakeholders and situations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Commercial Awareness: Strong commercial awareness with a focus on driving value for clients and the company.
• Software Development Background: Experience or background in software development is a plus.
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel both domestically and internationally as needed to achieve success in this role.

Why Join Us:

• Be part of a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of warehouse automation.
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and make a significant impact on our clients' operations.
• Competitive compensation package, including benefits and professional development opportunities.

Note: This role may require travel throughout North America up to 30% of the time.