At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement innovative networking solutions for clients, guiding them through digital transformation.
- Company: Join Natilik, a global tech partner focused on empowering clients with cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, private medical insurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of technology, helping businesses thrive with your expertise in enterprise networking.
- Qualifications: Experience in networking technologies and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Natilik is a Global Technology Solutions Partner. Our mission continues to be two-fold; growing a brand that is seen as the industry’s ‘Confident Guide’ sat between the vendors who make technology, and our clients who want to use it to help deliver the outcomes most important to them. We offer products, services, platforms, applications, and expertise to help. We also want to continue to build a business that we can be proud of, with a focus on five stakeholders: clients, people, partners, communities, and shareholders; putting our people at the heart of everything we do.
From the small and simple, to the large and complex, we want a life‑long partnership, a company our clients and employees can rely on. There has never been a more exciting time to take a step into the world of digital transformation, and we’re looking for individuals to confidently guide our clients on their journey.
Role Purpose
Today we advise and provide guidance to clients who are looking to manage, select, design, migrate, support & optimise traditional & modern network infrastructure in support of their business outcomes and initiatives. We confidently guide our clients across a broad range of enterprise networking technologies (switching, wireless, WAN and SD‑WAN, network management and monitoring), supporting them in understanding and harnessing the latest technology and innovations to develop a digital infrastructure platform that can evolve with the needs of their business.
The Solution Architect works closely with the Sales community to provide pre‑sales support on client opportunities. The primary value of this role is to understand a client’s existing business challenges and build a detailed technical solution which meets these, engaging with clients and prospects to generate positive interest in the solutions we provide, as well as expounding upon the business benefits that can be gained from investment in these solutions.
You’ll be a technologist at heart, but also comfortable in front of clients, with experience capturing complex requirements and designing cutting edge technology solutions to deliver enterprise‑wide business benefits. You’ll be proficient in explaining difficult concepts in simple terms, with proven experience building and maintaining important client relationships.
Main activities, tasks & duties
- Collaborate directly with clients and clearly capture their requirements enabling you to architect and design the correct technology solution to meet their business challenges.
- Clearly articulate solutions and business value through detailed, clear and concise client facing presentation and documentation.
- Conduct workshops and technology showcases to demonstrate business value of proposed solutions.
- Competently use vendor pricing & design tools, working alongside internal stakeholders on commercial elements of proposed solutions.
- Maintain great relationships with clients, partners and internal stakeholders, acting as a trusted technical solutions advisor / advocate for clients.
- Share insight and knowledge where appropriate, helping to grow the overall knowledge of the team and ultimately improve Natilik’s overall technical capabilities.
Non-Technical Skills & Abilities
- Ability to understand strategic business and technical requirements and develop appropriate solutions.
- Excellent communications skills with the ability to articulate technical solutions to different audiences.
- Ability to produce detailed, clear and concise client facing documentation and presentations.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships across client teams and key stakeholders.
- Team player who enjoys working alongside others, contributing and adding informed opinion and insights to discussions.
- Be passionate about the technology you are talking about and confident in front of clients.
- Be able to work to deadlines.
- Be present and available, and able to set clear expectations to key stakeholders.
- Other valued skills and abilities are attention to detail, numeracy, data analysis, reporting and negotiation.
Technical Skills & Abilities
- Enterprise Networking Deep understanding of the Cisco ecosystem across their Switching, Wireless and SD‑WAN and network management and assurance product portfolios (Catalyst, Meraki, Viptela).
- Subject matter expertise within specialty, for example: L2 networking (RSTP, STP, 802.1x, 802.1Q); L3 networking (BGP, EIGRP, OSPF, RIP); Transport (MPLS, IPSEC, VPN), QoS.
- Experience with Provider Customer Edge features such as handoffs, Network Address Translation & CG‑NAT, MP‑BGP, VRF‑lite VRRP/HSRP.
- Architecture and provisioning of solutions within SD‑WAN and MPLS based WAN environments (specifically Cisco/ Meraki based architecture).
- Network assurance, automation and orchestration tools and features and DevOps methodology (e.g. Cisco DNA Centre, ThousandEyes, Terraform, Ansible).
- Wireless Subject matter expert in wireless, e.g. 802.11, CAPWAP, cloud‑native AIOps.
- Wireless infrastructure network design (Cloud‑based & Controller‑based: Meraki, Mist, Cisco).
- Wireless RF surveying and RF design (Ekahau, Hamina).
- Security Experience designing and deploying Zero Trust solutions leveraging capabilities such as SD‑Access, ISE, Umbrella etc.
- Experience in enterprise networking design Highly technical background with proven experience designing and delivering enterprise grade routing and switching solutions.
Desirable Skills & Abilities
- CCNP or equivalent qualifications.
- Knowledge of Data Centre network design.
- Knowledge of AI LLMs and application to network management.
- Experience of Cisco and Palo Alto security technologies.
- Coding skills to support DevOps (Python, REST API, GIT, Ansible, Terraform etc.).
- Experience with enterprise networking integration into cloud‑based architectures in Azure/AWS/GCP.
- Interest and appreciation for wider technology trends such as AI, IoT, hosting.
BENEFITS
Natilik offers a series of benefits and perks designed to support your personal and professional growth, while fostering a thriving and rewarding work environment. We recognise the importance of contributing to our people's well‑being, job satisfaction, and work‑life balance and remain committed to doing so. This is why we offer:
- 25 days annual leave (+ bank holidays) rising with tenure.
- Quarterly Awards and Bonuses.
- Flexible Working Policy.
- Competitive pension scheme.
- Access to Financial Wellness support.
- Industry‑leading home working and mobility technology.
- Private Medical Insurance.
- Company shares (available after One year tenure).
- Medicash (Cashback Scheme).
- Retail discounts via Medicash.
- Access to EAP scheme for you and your household.
- Vehicle lease salary sacrifice scheme (available after One year tenure).
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Annual paid volunteering day.
- Enhanced parental leave.
- Access to funding for additional qualifications and courses.
- Access to paid study leave.
Solutions Architect - Enterprise Networking employer: Natilik
At Natilik, we pride ourselves on being a leading Global Technology Solutions Partner that places our people at the heart of everything we do. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, offering extensive benefits such as flexible working policies, professional development funding, and a commitment to employee well-being. With a focus on personal and professional growth, we provide a supportive environment where you can thrive while guiding clients through their digital transformation journeys.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect - Enterprise Networking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Solutions Architect role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your previous work in enterprise networking. When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, share specific examples of how you've tackled complex challenges and delivered value to clients.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, do some mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating technical solutions clearly and confidently, just like you would when presenting to clients. This will help you feel more at ease when it’s time for the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining Natilik. Tailor your approach to show how your skills align with our mission of being a ‘Confident Guide’ for clients. Let’s make that digital transformation journey together!
We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect - Enterprise Networking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Solutions Architect role. Highlight your experience with enterprise networking technologies and how you've helped clients in the past. We want to see how you can confidently guide our clients!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on your technical expertise! Clearly outline your knowledge of Cisco products, SD-WAN, and any relevant certifications. We love seeing candidates who can articulate complex concepts in simple terms, so make it easy for us to understand your skills.
Be Client-Focused:Remember, this role is all about building relationships with clients. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with clients to meet their business challenges. We’re looking for someone who can be a trusted advisor, so let that shine through in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Natilik!
How to prepare for a job interview at Natilik
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of enterprise networking technologies, especially the Cisco ecosystem. Brush up on key concepts like SD-WAN, MPLS, and network management tools. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a theorist but someone who can apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll need to articulate complex solutions clearly, practice presenting your ideas to friends or family. Use simple language to explain technical concepts, as if you're talking to someone without a tech background. This will help you communicate effectively during the interview and demonstrate your ability to engage with clients.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Take the time to connect with your interviewers. Ask them about their experiences at Natilik and share your enthusiasm for the role. Building a good rapport can make a lasting impression and show that you're a team player who values relationships.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific client challenges or design solutions. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar situations. This will not only showcase your problem-solving skills but also your ability to think on your feet and adapt to client needs.
