Solutions Architect (Networking)
Solutions Architect (Networking)

Solutions Architect (Networking)

Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Zones, LLC

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our EMEA Services Team as a Solutions Architect, driving sales of cutting-edge IT infrastructure solutions.
  • Company: Zones is a global leader in IT solutions, transforming businesses for over 35 years.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a private pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Travel required approximately 30% of the time; must maintain active technical certifications.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that shapes the future of technology while making a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, with 5+ years in enterprise environments and pre-sales roles.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Company Overview:
Zones is a Global Solution Provider of end-to-end IT solutions with an unmatched supply chain. Positioned to be the IT partner you need, Zones, a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) in business for over 35 years, specializes in Digital Workplace, Cloud & Data Center, Networking, Security, and Managed/Professional/Staffing services. Operating in more than 120 countries, leveraging a robust portfolio, and utilizing the highest certification levels from key partners, including Microsoft, Apple, Cisco, Lenovo, Adobe, and more, Zones has mastered the science of building digital infrastructures that change the way business does business ensuring whatever they need, they can Consider IT Done. Follow Zones, LLC on Twitter @Zones, and LinkedIn and Facebook.
Position Overview:
The Solutions Architect works within the EMEA Services Team and supports Zones sales teams to help grow the profitable sales of infrastructure solutions within a region and/or market. The goal is to help manage the above market growth rate of revenue and gross margins for hardware, software, and services for enterprise product defined as primarily servers, storage, networking, and other advanced technologies. The Solutions Architect role is one of a pre-sales resource to utilize their technology background to lead the consultative discovery of the client/prospect’s business goals, objectives, and challenges and to translate them into effective infrastructure solutions. Your ability to achieve sales and profit goals will transpire through joint account planning, partner teaming (internal & external), on-site client interface/visits, engagement/solution development and implementation support/follow-up. The Solutions Architect plays a leadership role, by analyzing business requirements, presenting related solutions, and driving the business case and financial justifications.
Key Responsibilities
Working within the EMEA Services Team in collaboration with Sales Management and Account Executives and Global Solutioning Teams:
  • Planning and Reporting with the VP of Services EMEA, Sales Management and Advanced Solutions to manage pipeline towards goal achievement
  • Joint Account Planning to help identify opportunities in accounts
  • Sales Calls and Presentations to Identify and Close Solutions Opportunities
  • Solutions Development based on the clients/prospects requirements
  • Joint Bid and Proposal Development with Sales
  • Prepare SOWs and Services Estimates
  • Equipping and Training the Sales Organization on Solutions and How to Find Opportunities
  • Pipeline Management and Forecasting of Product and Services Revenue/GM for Defined market
  • Prospecting and Develop Opportunities Independently as time permits
Working with Manufacturers, OEMs, and Software Publishers (Partners):
  • Build and Maintain Regional and Local Relationships with Partners Channel and Direct Sales Organizations
  • Go to Market Planning with Partners to Identify the Best Opportunity Areas and Accounts to Target
  • Develop and Deliver with marketing and Partners – Demand Generation Campaigns and Events
  • Maintain Certifications as Necessary to Enable Zones to be able to Resell the Products, and Maintain the Highest Level of Vendor Rebates and Lowest Cost
Working with Clients
  • Build and Maintain Relationships, Particularly Technical Relationships in Assigned Accounts as Appropriate to Farm Additional Opportunities
  • Perform Needs Assessments as Appropriate
  • Perform Short Term Billable Engagements to Keep Skill Set Short, Offset Some Cost of Sales. These are generally Assessment, Proof of Concept, or Architectural type of Engagements
  • Strong business acumen and understanding of clients IT related business goals and challenges to ensure proper translation of the client’s needs into technology solutions
  • Ensure Customer Satisfaction Levels with Stated Goal of 100%
Working with Team
  • Support other Solutions Architects sales Activities as appropriate utilizing your Subject Matter Expertise
  • Support other Geographic Areas and Practices as Needed based on Skillset, Demand, and Availability
  • Keep Pipeline, Forecast, Time and Billing, Project and Activity Reporting Current based with Defined Tools and Meeting Submittal Deadlines.
  • Support and Work with Expert Connect in Configuration, Bill of Material and Solution Definitions to ensure Accuracy and Quality of Orders
What you’ll bring to the team:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business or related discipline; equivalent years of experience is acceptable
  • At least 5 years of experience in an enterprise environment and a minimum of 2 years in a pre-sales technical role
  • Excellent written, presentation, and verbal communication skills including demonstrated experience presenting technology recommendations from a business perspective
  • Understanding of the industry, market, customers, competitors, suppliers, partners and capabilities of the business.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and management.
  • Professional, business-focused attitude and courteous manner towards clients, partners, and peers
  • Ability to travel an average of 30% of the time
Technology Focus and Requirements
  • Comfortable interacting with employees at all levels of a large organization, including C-level executives in a technical pre-sales capacity and the ability to design and architect solutions from OEM validated designs from major industry leaders including: Cisco, Dell/EMC, HPE, NetApp, Nutanix, VMware.
  • Extensive experience with enterprise network routing, switching, WAN, wired and wireless solutions.
  • Strong working knowledge of Spine/Leaf and ACI/SDN topologies.
  • Understanding of stand-alone and controller-based architectures.
  • Active technical certifications from technology leaders like Cisco, Dell/EMC, HPE, Microsoft, NetApp, Nutanix, VMware, and other relevant network solutions.
Zones offers a comprehensive Benefits package
At Zones, we\’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and success of our employees. Your health is important to us, we operate a flexible and hybrid working policy. Also included is a private pension scheme and commuting allowance.
Investing in your professional growth and development is a priority for us. Our benefits package includes opportunities for training and development, as we want to support you in reaching your career goals and unlocking your full potential. In addition to the core benefits outlined above, we offer a range of additional perks and benefits to enhance your experience as a valued member of our team.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or on the basis of disability.

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Solutions Architect (Networking) employer: Zones, LLC

Zones is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a comprehensive benefits package including flexible working arrangements, a private pension scheme, and a commuting allowance. With a strong focus on training and development, employees are empowered to reach their career goals while working in a collaborative and innovative environment that values diversity and inclusion.
Zones, LLC

Contact Detail:

Zones, LLC Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect (Networking)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Zones' core services and solutions, especially in Networking and Cloud. Understanding their offerings will help you tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your skills align with their needs during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current employees on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on the latest trends in enterprise networking and cloud solutions. Being knowledgeable about industry advancements will not only boost your confidence but also impress interviewers with your commitment to continuous learning.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented networking solutions in previous roles. Real-world scenarios will showcase your expertise and problem-solving abilities, making you a more attractive candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect (Networking)

Pre-sales Technical Expertise
Enterprise Networking Knowledge
Routing and Switching Proficiency
WAN Solutions Experience
Wired and Wireless Networking Skills
Spine/Leaf and ACI/SDN Topologies Understanding
Controller-based Architectures Knowledge
Technical Certifications (Cisco, Dell/EMC, HPE, Microsoft, NetApp, Nutanix, VMware)
Consultative Selling Skills
Business Acumen
Client Relationship Management
Presentation and Communication Skills
Joint Account Planning
Pipeline Management and Forecasting
Collaboration with Sales Teams
Demand Generation Campaign Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in pre-sales technical roles, particularly in networking and enterprise environments. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the Solutions Architect position.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of Zones' business model and how your skills align with their needs. Mention specific technologies and solutions you have worked with that relate to the role.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to present complex technical information clearly. Use examples from past experiences where you successfully communicated with clients or stakeholders.

Highlight Relevant Certifications: List any active technical certifications you hold from major industry leaders like Cisco, Dell/EMC, or VMware. This will strengthen your application and show your commitment to staying current in the field.

How to prepare for a job interview at Zones, LLC

✨Understand the Company and Its Solutions

Before your interview, take some time to research Zones and its offerings. Familiarise yourself with their key services in Digital Workplace, Cloud & Data Center, Networking, and Security. This knowledge will help you align your answers with the company's goals and demonstrate your genuine interest.

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Solutions Architect, you'll need to highlight your technical skills and experience. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've designed and implemented solutions, particularly in enterprise networking. Use examples that showcase your understanding of technologies from major industry leaders like Cisco and VMware.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about how you would approach a client's needs assessment or develop a solution proposal. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.

✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial in this role. Be ready to explain complex technical concepts in simple terms, especially when discussing how your solutions can meet business objectives. Practise your presentation skills to ensure you can convey your ideas confidently and professionally.

Solutions Architect (Networking)
Zones, LLC
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