At a Glance
- Tasks: Support sales by identifying customer needs and proposing tech solutions.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing tech services company valued at $1bn.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, OTE up to £55,000, and remote work flexibility.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth with support from senior consultants.
- Why this job: Kickstart your presales career in a dynamic environment with AI innovation.
- Qualifications: Early IT experience and familiarity with Microsoft 365 required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
£40,000 base OTE £50,000–55,000
Location: Home based, with occasional travel to customer sites and our Shoreham office.
Focus Group is a £300m-revenue, 1,400-person technology services company backed by Hg Capital. Following our $1bn valuation in 2024, we're scaling rapidly and investing in AI to transform how we operate and how we serve our 30,000 SME customers.
Our Presales team provides technical solutions to new and existing customers across networking, cloud and server infrastructure, and cyber resilience — mainly built around Microsoft 365 and Azure.
As an IT and Cyber Presales Engineer, you'll support the sales team throughout the sales cycle, helping to understand customer needs, shape technical solutions, and produce clear, accurate proposals. This is a great role for building a long-term presales career as we grow our Presales function into a centre of excellence.
What you'll do:
- Support the sales cycle by identifying customer needs and proposing suitable solutions.
- Join discovery calls and workshops to understand customer requirements, challenges and objectives.
- Gather and validate the information needed to build effective solutions.
- Design solutions that are technically sound and commercially viable.
- Present solutions clearly, covering business value and operational benefits.
- Produce technical documentation, including designs, network diagrams and statements of work.
- Work closely with technical specialists and delivery teams for a smooth handover from sales to delivery.
What we’re looking for:
- Early career experience in IT — service desk, technical support, or a junior infrastructure role — rather than presales experience itself.
- Working familiarity with Microsoft 365 and Modern Workplace, and some exposure to endpoint management tools like Intune or Autopilot.
- A basic grounding in Microsoft Identity, networking (LAN, WAN, SDWAN, WiFi), servers and storage, and firewall technologies, even without hands-on design experience.
- Strong instincts for explaining technical things simply — you can already break down an issue for a non-technical colleague or customer.
- Genuine curiosity about the customer's problem, not just the technical fix.
- A time within an MSP or managed security services environment would help you settle in fast, but isn’t essential.
- Comfortable being coached and building product knowledge quickly, with senior presales consultants supporting you along the way.
Nice to have: Cloudflare One, SOC solutions, Cyber Essentials/CE+, or relevant Microsoft accreditations.
IT and Cyber Presales Engineer in Shoreham-by-Sea employer: Focus Group
Focus Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within the dynamic field of cyber security. With a remote-first work culture, employees enjoy flexibility while being part of a supportive team that values innovation and collaboration. The company offers competitive salaries and a commitment to investing in its workforce, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT and Cyber Presales Engineer in Shoreham-by-Sea
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Focus Group, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Focus Group
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Focus Group. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace IT and Cyber Presales Engineer in Shoreham-by-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Focus Group insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Focus Group that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Focus Group
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Focus Group to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Focus Group.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.