At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead customer engagement and shape cloud solutions in a dynamic pre-sales role.
- Company: Join ANS, a top UK cloud transformation partner with an inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private health insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career progression in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by guiding customers through their cloud journey.
- Qualifications: Technical knowledge in cloud and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Join ANS. Shape the future of cloud. We’re looking for a Solution Architect specialising in Cloud to join our Pre-Sales team. This is a great opportunity for someone ready to step up from a hands-on technical position into a more commercial, customer-facing role. If you’ve hit the top of your game technically and are now looking for that next move into pre-sales; where you can influence, shape and win business, this is a brilliant opportunity.
At ANS, we’re delivering some of the UK’s most ambitious cloud transformations. As Microsoft UK Services Partner of the Year, we sit right at the forefront of Azure, data and modern cloud platforms. This isn’t just a technical role it’s a sales role. You’ll be part of the sales motion working closely with our sales team, mirroring their approach, building strong relationships and helping uncover opportunities.
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Commercially driven – motivated by success, outcomes and reward
- Confident identifying and shaping opportunities
- Comfortable going into real detail to build compelling solutions
- Able to balance consultative thinking with sales drive (that “blue with a red drive” mindset)
What you’ll be doing
- You’ll sit at the centre of customer engagement - leading the technical story and guiding customers through their cloud journey.
- Pre-sales & solution shaping: Create proposals, presentations, demos, business cases and PoCs
- Lead customer workshops, including ANS’ Navigator sessions – breaking down existing environments, understanding how they’re used, and designing what comes next
- Clearly articulate cost, value and solution design to customers
- Customer engagement: Work alongside sales teams to identify and qualify opportunities
- Run consultative discovery sessions to understand business and technical needs
- Confidently present solutions and recommendations face-to-face with clients
- Solution design: Design Azure-led cloud architectures (with AWS/Private Cloud exposure beneficial)
- Build migration strategies and transition plans
- Define target operating models and future-state architectures
This is a shaping role, you won’t be hands-on delivering, but you’ll define what gets built and how teams deliver it.
What you’ll bring
- Experience: A good technical knowledge in cloud (consultant, architect, engineer etc)
- Knowledge of cloud platform design (essential)
- Exposure to cloud migrations (planning or delivery)
- Understanding of managed services and modern cloud environments
Mindset & approach:
- Ready to transition from “on the tools” into pre-sales and customer leadership
- A consultative approach - comfortable guiding workshops and asking the right questions
- Strong communication skills - able to explain complex solutions simply and confidently
- Ability to keep up with technology through continuous learning (training, podcasts, articles etc.)
What makes you a great fit
- You’re driven by success, progression and reward
- You enjoy working closely with sales and being part of a commercial team
- You can spot opportunities and turn them into solutions
- You’re confident leading conversations and presenting to clients
- You’re ready to step out of delivery and into solution shaping
Why ANS?
- Work on cutting-edge cloud projects across Azure & beyond
- Be part of a high-performing, collaborative pre-sales team
- Clear opportunity to progress and grow your career into senior pre-sales roles
- Help customers transform with the latest cloud technologies
A few things to consider
This role might not be right if:
- You want to stay fully hands-on technically
- You’re not interested in the sales/commercial side of technology
- You’re not motivated by progression, impact or reward
Why work for ANS?
At ANS, we’ve created a place where everyone can be themselves, and we empower our people to get the job done. Openness, ambition, honesty, and passion are what drive us every day. We are bold, courageous, and innovative – and we do it like no other. We invest in our people. In training, development, health and more – we give you the benefits and flexibility to maintain a happy work-life balance.
We’re proud of the inclusive, fun, dynamic environment we’ve created. It’s a safe space that works for all. You don’t have to be a techie to work in tech. Bring your authentic self and find your dream role here.
What’s in it for you?
With fantastic benefits, an inclusive culture, and a cool office space, we’re your kind of workplace.
Company benefits
- 25 days’ holiday, plus you can buy up to 5 more days
- Birthday off, and an extra celebration day for whatever you want!
- 5 days’ additional holiday in the year you get married
- 5 volunteer days
- Private health insurance
- Pension contribution match and 4 x life assurance
- Flexible working and work from anywhere for up to 30 days per year (some exceptions)
- Maternity: 16 weeks’ full pay, Paternity: 3 weeks’ full pay, Adoption: 16 weeks’ full pay
- Company social events
- Electric car scheme
- 12 days of personal growth development time
ANS are an equal opportunities employer. We encourage diversity and anyone applying for a role at our organisation can be assured that their application will be treated fairly, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, gender expression, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sex or sexual orientation.
Pre-Sales Solution Architect - Cloud in Manchester employer: ANS Group Limited
At ANS, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where innovation thrives. As a Pre-Sales Solution Architect, you'll engage with cutting-edge cloud technologies while enjoying exceptional benefits like flexible working, generous holiday allowances, and dedicated personal development time. Join us to not only shape the future of cloud but also to grow your career in a supportive environment that values your authentic self.
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We think this is how you could land Pre-Sales Solution Architect - Cloud in Manchester
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We think you need these skills to ace Pre-Sales Solution Architect - Cloud in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at ANS Group Limited.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at ANS Group Limited. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at ANS Group Limited
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.