Director Systems Engineering, EMEA Strategic Accounts (Telco)

Join to apply for the Director Systems Engineering, EMEA Strategic Accounts (Telco) role at Pure Storage. We’re in an unbelievably exciting area of tech and are fundamentally reshaping the data storage industry. Here, you lead with innovative thinking, grow along with us, and join the smartest team in the industry. This type of work—work that changes the world—is what the tech industry was founded on. So, if you’re ready to seize the endless opportunities and leave your mark, come join us.

The Pure Systems Engineering Director (SED) is the inspirational leader of a team of highly motivated, experienced and professional technical sales team, spanning multiple countries throughout Europe, who support and intimately manage our most strategic Tier‑1 Telecommunications customers across EMEA. The SED should understand the telco business model, network transformation programmes, data‑intensive workloads, and how Pure’s portfolio can remove complexity, reduce cost, drive automation, and accelerate time‑to‑market. They must be an authority on Pure’s platform and on industry‑standard telco architectures and the relevant partner ecosystem (Network Equipment Providers, NFV, 5G/6G, RAN, Core Network, CNF, private cloud, data protection, AI/ML pipelines, and edge requirements).

The SED is responsible for overseeing that their team is effectively and efficiently driving the technical pre‑sales activities, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals, and driving customer success through technical expertise and leadership. Importantly, the SED is responsible for driving the professional development of their Systems Engineering (SE) team, including mentorship, training, and performance and sales methodology coaching. The position requires the ability to multi‑task between team members in their support of different clients, sales opportunities, and other initiatives with a key requirement to deliver strong, clear and motivational leadership – to lead by example!

What You Will Be Doing

• Team Leadership and Management: Lead, mentor and develop a team of SEs supporting PURE’s Tier‑1 Telco and Network Equipment provider partners across EMEA. Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback. Ensure the Systems Engineering team remains fluent in the telco operating model (network, IT, procurement, security, cloud, engineering, operations). Foster a collaborative and high‑performance team culture.
• Technical Pre‑Sales Support: Oversee the technical pre‑sales process, ensuring that SEs provide high‑quality support to the sales team. Collaborate with sales leaders to develop and execute account strategies. Ensure SEs are equipped with the necessary tools, training, and resources to effectively support sales opportunities.
• Customer Engagement: Engage with senior stakeholders (CTO org, Network Cloud, Core Network, CISO, Procurement) to understand strategic programmes and technical requirements. Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, acting as a trusted advisor. Support SEs in delivering technical presentations, demonstrations, and proof‑of‑concept engagements.
• Strategic Planning And Execution: Contribute to the development and execution of the regional Telco sales strategy. Align SE activities with the company’s strategic goals and objectives. Monitor and report on key performance metrics, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Participate in cross‑functional initiatives to drive innovation and improve customer outcomes. Work closely with other internal teams, including Product Management, Engineering, and Customer Support, to ensure alignment and address customer needs.

What You Bring To The Team

• A background, network, and track record within the EMEA Telco sector ideally across Tier‑1 operators (e.g., Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, BT, Telefónica, Orange), Network Equipment Providers (Nokia, Ericsson, Samsung, Mavenir).
• Proven experience in a technical pre‑sales or SE leadership role.
• Strong technical background with expertise in storage solutions and related technologies.
• Be able to see the bigger picture – what can Pure bring as benefits to the customer – building long‑term relationships.
• Excellent leadership and team coaching and management skills.
• Be clear what’s needed and when.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Be open to new ways of thinking. Listen, and act on new and exciting opportunities for improvements.
• Ability to think strategically and execute effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Understanding of Telco customer needs – drivers, visions, pain points and being able to explain these to your team and emphasise them with your customers.

We are primarily an in‑office environment and therefore, you will be expected to work from the Staines‑Upon‑Thames, or London, UK office in compliance with Pure’s policies, unless you are on PTO, or work travel, or other approved leave.

What You Can Expect From Us

• Pure Innovation: We celebrate those who think critically, like a challenge and aspire to be trailblazers.
• Pure Growth: We give you the space and support to grow along with us and to contribute to something meaningful. We have been Named Fortune’s Best Large Workplaces in the Bay Area™, Fortune’s Best Workplaces for Millennials™ and certified as a Great Place to Work®!
• Pure Team: We build each other up and set aside ego for the greater good.

Accommodations And Accessibility: Candidates with disabilities may request accommodations for all aspects of our hiring process. For more on this, contact us at TA‑Ops@purestorage.com if you’re invited to an interview.

Our Commitment To a Strong And Inclusive Team: We’re forging a future where everyone finds their rightful place and where every voice matters. Where uniqueness isn’t just accepted but embraced. That’s why we are committed to fostering the growth and development of every person, cultivating a sense of community through our Employee Resource Groups and advocating for inclusive leadership. Pure is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other characteristic legally protected by the laws of the jurisdiction in which you are being considered for hire.