Solutions Architect: Collaboration & Enterprise Networks
Purpose
Provide technical expertise in gathering and analyzing customer requirements, recommending fit-for-purpose solutions, and assisting Sales, Service Delivery, OEM and Partnerships, and other Presales consultants with the development of customer proposals writeups for RFPs and RFIs, quotations and presentations.
Key Objective
Accountable for technical validation of solutions proposed to current and proposed customers, including liaising with Sales, Service Delivery, and OEMs and Partnership teams.
Within the solution development lifecycle, this role will be responsible for Solution evaluation and selection, buy vs. build decisions, all cost-elements of the solution, early-phase project estimates which contribute to the business case, and high-level designs (HLD).
Assist the internal teams by performing HLD and Statement of Work (SoW) activities, including best practice recommendations on technologies and vendors.
Work with the wider team to assist on opportunities which fall outside primary responsibilities where required.
Technical responsibilities include product selection and sizing, complex solution design and multi-vendor integration, and to facilitate product demonstrations and customer proof on concept engagements.
Responsible for the collection of all pricing elements to build the solution proposal and the inclusion and leading teams during Solution Review process.
Date
- POSITIONS SPECIFICATIONS
Minimum of 8 years of experience in IT (preferably 10+), preferably customer facing, including architecture design/implementation experience
Tertiary
Grade 12 or equivalent NQF level 4 qualification
Professional
Management Qualifications Or Equivalent
- MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to work closely with customers and deal with them in a professional manner;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to produce clear and detailed pre-sales and technical documentation;
- Strong presentation skills, able to articulate both the technical and business value propositions of proposed solutions;
- Advanced problem solving, decision making, analytical and forward planning skills;
- Advanced skills in customer relations management;
- Advanced ability to manage service delivery contracts holistically;
- Able to work under continuous strenuous challenging conditions;
- Strong People management skills and team development skills;
- Knowledge and understanding of the corporate identity of the organization and the governance mechanisms utilized to govern the corporate identity;
- Knowledge and understanding of the company policies and procedures applicable to the specific work environment to ensure that work outcomes are compliant to the policies and procedures;
- Sound knowledge of ISO 9001; 14000; 18000; 27000; 45000 industry standards
- High levels proficiency in Computer literacy (ideally MS Office suite);
- Ability to understand IT Systems (technical proficiency)
- An inherent job required is no criminal record;
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines whilst ensuring that high quality is maintained at all times;
- Ability to multi-task and work independently as well as leading a team;
- Sound listening skills;
- Valid drivers license with own transport.
- KEY TASKS
- Perform ad hoc site visits to ensure that team members are fulls operational and ensure quality;
- Manage design and implementation specialists, project managers and technicians in the ICT department to ensure that deadlines are met; and
- Manage operational budget in line with strategic objectives.
- Ensure that short, medium and long term operational strategies are implemented in line with the growth objectives and profitability of the business;
- Pro-actively manage all risks in the environment and ensure appropriate and timeous escalation of risks and issues take place;
- Utilize technology and innovation methodologies to deliver more effectively and efficiently;
- Internal management reporting on all current activities and future planned activities;
- Maintain and manage all operational efficiencies to provide and ensure a high degree of organizational effectiveness;
- Ensuring the refinement, measurement, execution and effectiveness of internal processes with a focus on quality assurance;
- Performing quality checks on projects and task delivery and implementing necessary changes if needed;
- Foster a positive, open, success-orientated and accountable environment;
- Ensure that a constant update on operation deliverables is given at timely intervals;
- Coordination of technical resources and improvement initiatives;
- Responsible for the resource planning needed to satisfy the capacity and performance requirements of the team;
- Internal coordination of central support functions (installations, professional services, consulting, support).
- Responsible for self-development by keeping abreast of new developments within the industry related to area of responsibility and product knowledge;
- Propose and manage operational budgets in accordance with requirements;
- Review and interpret financial and operating information, as appropriate, coordinates and develops periodic financial and/or operating analysis, and prepares financial/business reports;
- Constant evaluation of customer business processes in order to propose, re-engineer and provide value added services;
- Ensure high standard of service delivery through internal and external customer relationships;
- Communication and liaison with customers with regard to progress and goals;
- Manage expectations and high-level relationships with clients during implementations;
- Manage sub-contractors;
- Prepare monthly operational reports;
- Ensure customer are satisfied with services rendered by pro-active management of customer expectations;
- Any ad hoc function required to perform from management from time to time.
