Solutions Architect: NEC

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this role is to manage a a team of Pre Sales Consultants in assisting the GSS National Sales team with solution definition, crafting and costing. The Solution Architect will personally be involved in crafting and delivering sales support same as his direct reporting team. The role is split in 80/20 relationship – 80% Solution Crafting and Architecting and 20% people management.

FORMAL EDUCATION:

• Grade 12 NQF level 4
• Tertiary qualification in Information Technology (NQF 6) or relevant years in experience and related certifications
• Network Certification – advisable and preferred (Solution Design)
• TOGAF - Preferred
• ITIL 4

EXPERIENCE:

• 3-5 Years ICT or related experience (Focus on Unified Communications)
• Minimum of 3 years in Solution Architecting on NEC Voice Solutions or equivalent position
• Sound experience in design and costing of XaaS offerings
• Sound experience/knowledge in applications, operating systems and databases (Microsoft, SQL, Microsoft Office, Linux)
• Networking design experience – routing switching and security (CCNP or equivalent)
• Experience in managing a team of direct reports (delivery, development and mentoring)
• ITIL Certified

RESPONSIBILITIES: and KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Responsible for identifying and examining customer’s business needs and determining timely and effective solutions to business functions and processes.
• Documenting the underlying business architecture and conducting feasibility studies, business

cases and risk assessments.

• Assists the sales team in compiling and responding to RFQ, RFI, RFP
• Customer solutions and proposals
• Managing Pre-Sales team - Day to Day management of team, Delivery Management, Mentoring and development
• Customer and strategic presentations
• Definition of business and commercial models in conjunction with senior management team and product management
• Definition of value propositions and go to market strategies

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Solution Architect (GSS) will primarily be responsible for (But not limited to)

• Accompanying Account Managers to customer meetings
• Determining business requirements
• Aligning Solution design with customer’s business requirements
• Solution crafting
• Solution costing
• Customer presentations, workshops and information sessions
• Compiling and coordinating responses to RFP, RFI, RFQ and customer proposals
• QC of all documentation
• Managing of Pre Sales
• Mentoring of Pre Sales team
• Development of Pre Sales team
• Document management, quality and improvement
• Initiatives to improve quality of proposals and customer documentation
• Value propositions
• Go to market strategies
• Overall business performance improvements for area of responsibility

Essential Attributes:

• Formal business training – advisable
• An attitude to get things done
• Preparedness to do things yourself
• A strong ambition and commitment to the job
• Ability to search for and define problems
• A strong team player with the ability to train, tutor and lead
• Innovative ideas followed by clear planning and execution
• Strong leadership
• Presentation skills
• Business writing skills
• Ability to thrive under pressure
• Able to produce high quality well written documentation and presentations
• Attention to detail

Learning and Growth Perspective

• Talent database

Ensure CV is updated and remains current on the talent management system

• Execute personal development plan (PDP)

Participate in activities as described in personal development plans

• Knowledge sharing
• Participate in opportunities for knowledge sharing within the team and relevant communities of practice (COP’s)