Solutions Architect

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 customers 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 customers 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