Company (NYSE: Company) is a global communications and IT services company focused on connecting its customers to the power of the digital world. Company offers network and data systems management, big data analytics, managed security services, hosting, cloud, and IT consulting services. The company provides broadband, voice, video, advanced data and managed network services over a robust 265,000-route-mile U.S. fiber network and a 360,000-route-mile international transport network. Visit Company for more information.

Job Summary

As a member of the Advanced Solutions Engineering team The Managed Networking Solution Architect is accountable for technical sales supporting of a select group of Company products and services. This Solutions Architect Team “SAT” is a Centralized resource available to sales teams nationwide. Typical solutions include Network Managed Services including Managed Enterprise Services “Advanced”, nonstandard Managed Network Services “Custom” (NOC), SD-WAN, SIP / SBC solutions, Staff Augmentation, and custom Professional Services offerings. Vendor based services (Cisco: Meraki / HCS, Mitel, Avaya and others) may also be included. Responsibilities include presenting our vision to clients, support for optimization of solution strategy and design, and driving additional revenue through collaboration and referrals to peer SAT organizations. Solution Architects are leveraged as a specialist resource on large, complex or high potential opportunities with new and existing customers. These may include Network Management outsourcing opportunities, platform or architecture changes, consulting assessment and complex migrations and Project Management. The Solution Architect must possess the ability to understand the customer’s business challenges and tie the solution design to those challenges. The Solution Architect must have the necessary business acumen to discuss business needs and challenges with customer “C” level executives. The Solution Architect should also have the technical knowledge and background to feel comfortable in a technical discussion with senior customer IT leaders and staff. Experience in requirements gathering, due diligence, solution development, financial costing, SOW and proposal generation activities unique to large, complex opportunities and consulting engagements is key to success in this position. Engagement on RFP responses with very short timelines / deadlines are common.

Job Description

The overall objectives of the position are:

• Provide technical support to help drive revenue through all sales channels for large and complex opportunities.
• Present Company vision and capabilities to customers & prospects.
• Develop & present complex technical designs for customer solutions.
• Work with Product Management to help drive appropriate product enhancements.
• Engage SAT / SME teams to deliver comprehensive customer solutions.

Job Description

The SAT Solutions Architect is typically engaged via a Deal Support Request “DSR” within Sales Force allowing local sales teams and peers to collaborate on large and complex deals. Following minimum deal size requirements the Solutions Architect tends to focus on large deals and RFP responses whether domestic or international. The role requires a strong network of internal connections and an understanding of Company’s overall product line. Since most deals require some level of customization one must be very creative and find ways to say yes when others might say no. Solutions typically are a combination of services provided by internal and external resources, whether dedicated or shared. Statement of Work “SOW” development and financial modeling is required in many of the deals.

The Solutions Architect must be capable of managing multiple concurrent deals of varying size and style and leading conversations and presentations as needed.

Product Management has come to rely on individuals in this role for help in development, process improvement and direction.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience as a Sales Engineer, Solution Architect or consulting role for a Service Provider in the Enterprise Marketplace, or related operational engineering role
• Experience with network design / development, sales, support and consulting
• Thorough understanding of Company’s products and services
• 30% travel is often required

Required Skills:

• Complete understanding of the sales process for large and complex opportunities
• Proficient with common office applications, including MS Outlook, MS Excel, and MS Visio, Salesforce, Big Machines and other.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (oral, written and presentation).
• Knowledgeable on Network Management, Hosted / Managed Services, SIP, SD-WAN, Data Security, networking standards and typical transport architecture
• Experience creating Statements of Work, cost modeling, proposals, working with 3rd party contractors.
• Experience performing needs assessments, and making recommendations based on the discovered needs.
• Familiar with ITIL and PNP practices and procedures, able to describe value to customers.
• Ability to document solution components in a timely manner while ensuring acceptable level of detail, data integrity, and accountability.
• Ability and willingness to share knowledge and expertise among various organizations within the company.
• Ability and willingness to take the initiative to facilitate teamwork within the various organizations of the company to serve the customer.
• Capability to schedule time with flexibility to handle varying workload, and still meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to multi-task and work multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be available to travel for internal and external meetings / presentations.

Desired Skills/Knowledge:

• At least 5 years experience in Managed Networking and staff augmentation or equivalent expertise.
• At least 2 years experience coordinating large to very large and complex solution development engaging multiple resources and design elements.
• At least 2 years experience project management or similar exposure
• Service Management experience is valuable

EEO Statement

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic characteristic or information, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or other legally protected status (collectively, “protected statuses”). We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training.

Disclaimer

The above job definition information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on changing business needs and conditions.