At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative Managed Services proposals and collaborate with teams to drive client success.
- Company: Dynamic tech firm focused on cutting-edge solutions and client engagement.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team with global reach and exciting career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of IT services while making a real impact on client businesses.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in technical roles with strong pre-sales and solution architecture experience.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Description
Manage opportunities and assist sales teams in the preparation, delivery, presentation and negotiation of Managed Services proposals, contracts and pricing.
- Respond to RFP s, RFQ s and proactive bids while working closely with all teams to develop the win strategy, competitor evaluation and creating differentiated value propositions.
- Develop a deep understanding of Blackbox services capabilities and serve as a Managed Services thought leader and SME across the organization.
- Assist in identifying, developing and rollout of new, innovative and exciting service offerings.
- Achieve sales and profit goals through joint account planning, partner teaming (internal & external), on-site client interface/visits, engagement/solution development and implementation support/follow-up.
- Lead the design and execution strategy for multi-site rollouts, ensuring seamless deployment and standardized configurations across diverse geographic locations
- Architect and oversee network refresh projects, working closely with clients to modernize legacy infrastructure while minimizing downtime and business disruption
- Drive infrastructure refresh initiatives, including server, storage, and network hardware upgrades, aligned with evolving business and technology requirements
- Define support models and resource planning for Smart Hands services, enabling on-site technical assistance across various customer environments
- Design scalable and flexible frameworks for on-demand support, including SLA-based engagements to handle ad-hoc technical requirements across IT infrastructure domains
- Provide solution leadership for structured cabling projects, covering both copper and fiber, ensuring compliance with standards and optimal network performance.
- Coordinate and deliver detailed Wi-Fi site surveys, including predictive and physical surveys, to ensure optimal coverage, capacity, and performance for enterprise wireless networks
- Plan and manage Access Point (AP) replacement and refresh projects, ensuring minimal user impact and improved wireless experience across all business-critical areas
- KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Strong business acumen and understanding of clients IT related business goals and challenges to ensure proper translation of the client’s needs into solutions
- Understanding various pricing models such as per port , resource based, ticket based, onsite, remote or Hybrid
- Experience of solutioning on deals involving multi-site rollouts, network refresh projects, Smart Hands services, on-demand support, structured cabling projects (both copper and fiber), Wi-Fi site surveys and Access Point (AP) replacement and refresh projects, etc.
- Strong understanding of Pre-sales/Solutions process and activities with hands-on experience good bid/project management skills ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously
- Ability to develop and deliver technical presentations with customers and tailor content to audience as appropriate.
Display sustained energy and determination to meet challenging deliverables within stringent timelines
- Ability to work independently with diverse & global teams and interact confidently with customers and internal stakeholders at all levels
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience running support teams and/or operations a plus
- Strong experience with Unified Communications and UC Managed Services a plus
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Degree in a computer Science and Engineering or equivalent role relevant experience
- 10+ years in a customer/client facing technical role (Pre/Post Sales, Sales Engineering, Consulting, Solutions Architecture, Service Delivery, etc.) with a strong knowledge of various network architectures, virtualization, Cloud, Unified Communications and mobility solutions.
- 5+ years of experience in managed services practice.
- 8+ years of pre-sale experience developing managed IT and/or managed UC services solutions.
- ITSM training and certifications (ITIL, COBIT, etc.) a plus
- Extensive consulting experience, providing large, global customers with strategic and tactical planning for technology solutions.
- Demonstrated and verifiable track record of prior successful customer engagements. Examples of solution designs, statements of work and/or technical project plans are required
- Experience in the development and implementation of IT and/or managed Unified Communications solutions with accountability for end-to-end delivery
- Experience with enterprise OEM such as AVAYA, Cisco, etc. a plus
- Experience leading and/or managing teams a plus
CERTIFICATIONS
Current and valid industry certifications on technology partners, processes in one or more of the following preferred:
- UC and/or Contact Center (AVAYA, Cisco, Genesys, etc.)
- Network (Cisco, Juniper, Extreme, etc.)
- ITIL
- KEY TECHNOLOGIES
- Unified Communications
- Network Architecture
- Wireless
- Cyber security
Solutions Architect - Managed Services employer: Black Box
At Black Box, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our Data Center Solutions Engineers benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, competitive compensation, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies in a supportive environment. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a balance of challenging projects and a commitment to employee well-being, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect - Managed Services
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Black Box values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Black Box might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Black Box!
✨Direct Apply to Black Box
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Black Box website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect - Managed Services
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 Black Box.
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 Black Box. 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 Black Box
✨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.
