Solutions Architect

Solutions Architect

We are looking for a full time Solutions Architect in Durban or Johannesburg. To qualify for the role the ideal candidate will have proven work experience and exceptional knowledge of the Telecoms / ISP Industry.

Objectives of the Role

• This is a critical role within Architecture and serves as the owner of the Customer solution roadmap, Design, support and commercial build of E2E Customer Solutions.
• Drive the growth and servicing of all Customers product and service requirements.
• Own and ensure that all products that has been designed are delivered and managed within the committed timeframes

Pre-Sales, Sales and Customer interface:

• Attend and participate in internal and external meetings relevant to the pre-sales cycle.
• Responsible for Solution feasibility, qualification and articulation.
• Determination of internal and external technology/technical, pricing and vendor requirements for Solutions.
• Production and provision of high-level architectural design and execution of Solutions for Customer requirements.
• Ensure RFPs, Tenders, Proposals and solution amendments are responded to with adequate quality, within prescribed timescales, with input from Technical, Delivery and Commercial.
• Provide technical and Solutions support and advice for Sales team, and assist in evaluating opportunities, based on technical requirements and alignment with business capabilities.
• Ensure collaboration with Vendors, Customers and partners to understand latest offerings.
• Internal engagements with the Sales team.
• External engagements with Customers.

Technical interface:

• Consult with the Technical Teams to assist in the development of Solutions (designs equipment/hardware, configurations, etc.) to meet company requirements and Customer needs.
• Ensuring compliance with our architecture and engineering standards, specifications, policies and protocols in the formulation of the Technical Solution Document (TSD) for all Customer solution requirements.
  • Owning the process and following correct approval protocol from Divisional Technical Heads and Directors.
  • Technical oversight of the development and delivery of the Solution over the project lifecycle.
  • Analysis of key performance metrics and indicators for network infrastructure to ensure service availability
  • Analysis of infrastructure resource utilisation, trending, and capacity planning.
  • As required, create and update documentation for all relevant procedures, Solutions and architectures.
  • Internal engagements with Technical teams.
  • External engagements with technology vendors.

  Operations interface:

  • Production and provision of complete Solutions delivery and support packs in line with Operations (Delivery and Support) requirements.
  • Solutions review post implementation and Customer handover of the Solution to the Customer (Designed versus As Built).
  • Internal engagements with Delivery and Support teams.
  • External engagements with Customers.

  Procurement and Vendor interface:

  • Product Development, ensuring product positioning is achieved, delivering key benefits, targets and deliverables.
  • Definition/Provision of Vendor technology requirements for selected Vendors (preferred/identified).
  • Assessment of Solutions proposals and quotes received from technology Vendors.
  • Final selection, validation and verification of technologies and Vendors required for the Solution based on internal, external and Customer requirements.
  • Internal engagements with Procurement team.
  • External engagements with technology Vendors.

    Necessary Experience and/or Qualification:

    • 5+ years of Pre-Sales and/or Solution Architecture experience within a Service Provider environment or ICT / Telecommunications Industry
    • 5+ years of Technical Engineering experience.
    • Relevant network certifications an advantage.
    • In-depth technical understanding of networking, voice and secure cloud products and services.
    • Knowledge and experience of physical network infrastructure.
    • Experience in communicating technical Solutions directly with Customers.
    • Experience in articulating technical designs and requirements in a structured format.

    Personal Skills/Competencies Required:

    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    • Technical and strong analytical skills required.
    • Creative approach to problem solving.
    • Interpersonal communication and Customer service skills in order to work successfully with prospects, Customers and performance teams to meet performance goals.
    • Self-motivated, project and account management experience.
    • Travel to prospective Customer’s sites as necessary.
    • Ability to follow standard engineering principles and practices.
    Able to create strong relationships with Customers