Head - IT Solution Design

Location: Chennai, India

Solution Design
Job Location: Chennai About the Role – Job Purpose Solution Design is accountable for defining, designing and operationalizing agreed solutions for business requirements across GSC IT Products (End-to-End). The role translates business requirements into highly automated, standardized and scalable solutions by leveraging existing IT applications and ensuring alignment with operational, technical, legal and fiscal requirements. The position plays a critical role in delivering flexible, cost-effective and globally standardized cross-product solutions while maintaining enterprise architecture standards, governance frameworks, security policies and strategic product roadmaps. The role acts as a key bridge between Business Stakeholders, Product Managers, Architects, Development Teams and Operations Teams to ensure solutions are scalable, sustainable and cost-effective. Key Differentiators Align and document changes required to existing IT solutions in collaboration with different Solution Design teams. Manage and guide a small, geographically distributed team of Business Analysts. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of GSC business processes and operational requirements. Understand business-critical requirements and their impact on process execution. Balance IT system capabilities and constraints with business priorities and end-user requirements. Possess knowledge of global core applications. Demonstrate deep expertise in EDI integration. Review enhancement proposals and assess their business and technical impact. Work effectively with multicultural and geographically dispersed teams. Apply project management, analytical and communication skills. Drive change management initiatives and identify opportunities for improvement. Anticipate trends and develop innovative solutions. Design, manage and monitor complex projects. Key Responsibilities 1. Global Solution Design & Delivery Lead end-to-end solution design for business initiatives and transformation programmes. Manage key DGF Operations-related solution design and processes across products. Analyse business requirements and translate them into solution architectures and technical designs. Define application, integration, data and process flow designs. Ensure solution scalability, maintainability, performance and reliability. Prepare High-Level Designs (HLDs) and Solution Design Documents (SDDs). Review and approve solution designs proposed by vendors and development teams. 2. Business Requirements & Solution Design Collaborate with Product Managers and Business Process Owners to understand business objectives. Challenge business requirements and identify optimal technology solutions. Ensure solutions support strategic business outcomes and operational efficiency. Participate in product roadmap planning and prioritization activities. Ensure compliance with: Enterprise Architecture standards. Security and Cybersecurity policies. Data Privacy requirements. Regulatory and Compliance obligations. IT Service Management standards. Present solution designs to Architecture Review Boards (ARB), Change Advisory Boards (CABs) and governance forums. Manage technical risks and design exceptions. 3. Stakeholder Management Act as a trusted advisor to business and IT stakeholders. Influence stakeholders regarding policies, practices and procedures. Coordinate with third-party service providers and external vendors. Facilitate workshops to gather requirements and define future-state solutions. Align cross-functional teams around agreed solution directions. Support executive discussions by clearly articulating architecture decisions and trade-offs. 4. Management Responsibility Provide functional leadership and guidance to team members. Develop comprehensive training and development plans for direct reports. Build commitment, motivation and enthusiasm across the team. Coach, mentor and develop talent. Oversee team assignments and ensure effective delivery of responsibilities. Qualifications & Skills Required Deep or expert knowledge of Freight Forwarding business and GSC business processes. Extensive experience in large-scale programme delivery and project portfolio management. Proven ability to translate complex business requirements into deployable solutions and processes. Experience in solution design and delivery of agile, configurable IT solutions. Strong IT technical skills and knowledge of IT project portfolio systems. Strong IT product innovation and product portfolio management experience. Experience in financial tracking and portfolio management. Strong management consultancy and analytical skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to influence, negotiate and manage internal and external stakeholders. Strong customer and business orientation with logistics market understanding. Strong decision-making, problem-solving and execution capabilities. Ability to work in global, multicultural and cross-functional environments. Adaptability and ability to manage ambiguity and organizational change. Knowledge of Agile delivery and project management methodologies such as DePICT, PRINCE2 or equivalent. Fluent in English, both verbal and written. Education Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Logistics / Freight Forwarding, Business Administration or Information Technology. Experience Required Minimum 10+ years of detailed Freight Forwarding business process knowledge and experience. Minimum 5 years of experience in complex project management or large-scale programme delivery. What We Offer An opportunity to work in a global environment, collaborate with international business and technology stakeholders, lead solution design initiatives and contribute to the digital transformation of DHL Global Forwarding's business operations.