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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pre-sales opportunities and design tailored service solutions for customers.
- Company: Join Cisco, a global leader in technology, shaping a more inclusive digital future.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible vacation policies, health insurance, and 10 days off for community service.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team that values innovation and social impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in tech sales, strong communication skills, and a passion for learning new technologies.
- Other info: Embrace your individuality; we celebrate diversity and support personal expression.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
While reading our job description, please remember - we understand from experience that not ticking every box on the skills sections stops many from applying. You should apply if you feel you are the right person for the job and have the aptitude to learn and deliver results.
Opportunity Overview
This position offers a unique opportunity to join a new team within CX as the customer advocate to represent the services aspect of the overall Cisco solution on large and transformational opportunities. In close partnership with sales, you will utilise your professional services, industry vertical, and technology expertise to lead the shaping of new business opportunities and designing tailored service solutions, creating the best value service mix and outcomes for our customers.
What You'll Do
- Lead pre-sales opportunities from inception to close, translating customer needs into impactful service proposals.
- Drive new business by aligning with Service Sales teams on Cisco's Lifecycle and transformational opportunities.
- Leverage your knowledge of Cisco's technology to create compelling service propositions that meet customer objectives.
- Lead Services RFP/RFIs for targeted accounts and sectors.
- Identify and generate new services business opportunities through understanding enterprise/public sector customer needs, industry, and market trends.
- Evangelize Cisco Services' value to internal and external stakeholders to maximize revenue growth.
Who You'll Work With
You’ll collaborate with Sales, Services CTO functions, Deal Acceleration teams, and directly with Customers to move opportunities from inception to closure.
What You Need
- Proven consultative selling experience with strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
- Background in Professional Services, with experience working with strategic customers and industry-specific expertise.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills to convey the value of complex solutions.
- Ability to adapt to new technologies (e.g., AI) and craft service narratives that align with evolving customer needs.
- A sales-driven mindset, with tenacity and a results-oriented approach.
Minimum Qualifications
- 5+ years of technology-related business development / sales experience with a focus on Professional Services.
- Foundational knowledge around data centre infrastructure including areas such as networking, compute/AI & Security.
- Excellent presentation skills - ability to value-sell and craft compelling service propositions.
- Demonstrable track record of winning major strategic opportunities in public sector and/or large enterprise accounts.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
- Cisco Solution Knowledge (specifically around Datacentre and Security).
- ITIL Foundation / Service Design Experience.
Why Cisco?
We are all unique, but collectively we bring our talents to work as a team, to develop innovative technology and power a more inclusive, digital future for everyone. Nearly every internet connection around the world touches Cisco. We’re the Internet’s optimists. Our technology makes sure the data traveling at light speed across connections does so securely, yet it’s not what we make but what we make happen which marks us out. We’re helping those who work in the health service to connect with patients and each other; schools, colleges, and universities to teach in even the most challenging of times. We’re helping businesses of all shapes and sizes to connect with their employees and customers in new ways, providing people with access to the digital skills they need and connecting the most remote parts of the world – whether through 5G, or otherwise. We tackle whatever challenges come our way. We have each other’s backs, we recognize our accomplishments, and we grow together. We celebrate and support one another – from big and small things in life to big career moments. And giving back is in our DNA (we get 10 days off each year to do just that). We know that powering an inclusive future starts with us. Because without diversity and a dedication to equality, there is no moving forward. Our 30 Inclusive Communities, that bring people together around commonalities or passions, are leading the way. Together we’re committed to learning, listening, caring for our communities, whilst supporting the most vulnerable with a collective effort to make this world a better place either with technology, or through our actions.
So, you have colorful hair? Don’t care. Tattoos? Show off your ink. Like polka dots? That’s cool. Pop culture geek? Many of us are. Passion for technology and world changing? Be you, with us!
Solution Development Architect employer: Cisco Systems, Inc.
Contact Detail:
Cisco Systems, Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Development Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Cisco's technology and services, especially in areas like data centre infrastructure and security. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can leverage these technologies to create tailored service solutions for customers.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees or professionals in the industry to gain insights into the company culture and expectations for the Solution Development Architect role. This can provide you with valuable information that can set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your consultative selling experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led pre-sales opportunities and translated customer needs into impactful service proposals.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your adaptability by discussing any experiences where you've embraced new technologies, particularly AI. Highlight how you've crafted service narratives that align with evolving customer needs to demonstrate your forward-thinking approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Solution Development Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in technology-related business development and professional services. Emphasise your consultative selling experience and any specific industry expertise that aligns with the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for technology and how your skills can contribute to Cisco's mission. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully led pre-sales opportunities or crafted service propositions in the past.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since exceptional communication is key for this role, consider including a section in your application that demonstrates your ability to convey complex solutions clearly. This could be through a brief case study or an example of a successful presentation.
Highlight Adaptability: Given the emphasis on adapting to new technologies, mention any experiences where you have quickly learned and applied new skills or technologies. This will show your potential to thrive in a fast-paced environment like Cisco.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cisco Systems, Inc.
✨Showcase Your Consultative Selling Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in consultative selling. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully identified customer needs and crafted tailored solutions, as this role heavily relies on understanding and addressing client requirements.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Brush up on your knowledge of Cisco's technology, particularly around data centre infrastructure, networking, compute/AI, and security. Be ready to explain how your technical expertise can translate into compelling service propositions for customers.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and adaptability to new technologies. Think of examples where you've had to pivot or innovate in response to changing customer needs or market trends.
✨Communicate Your Passion for Technology
Cisco values a passion for technology and innovation. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for the industry and how you see technology shaping the future. This will resonate well with the company's culture and mission.
