Solutions Architect

Objectives of the Role

This is a critical role within Architecture and serves as the owner of the Customer solution roadmap, Design, support and commercial build of E2E Customer Solutions.
Drive the growth and servicing of all Customers product and service requirements.
Own and ensure that all products that has been designed are delivered and managed within the committed timeframes

**Pre-Sales, Sales and Customer interface**:
Attend and participate in internal and external meetings relevant to the pre-sales cycle.
Responsible for Solution feasibility, qualification and articulation.
Determination of internal and external technology/technical, pricing and vendor requirements for Solutions.
Production and provision of high-level architectural design and execution of Solutions for Customer requirements.
Ensure RFPs, Tenders, Proposals and solution amendments are responded to with adequate quality, within prescribed timescales, with input from Technical, Delivery and Commercial.
Provide technical and Solutions support and advice for Sales team, and assist in evaluating opportunities, based on technical requirements and alignment with business capabilities.
Ensure collaboration with Vendors, Customers and partners to understand latest offerings.
Internal engagements with the Sales team.
External engagements with Customers.

**Technical interface**:
Consult with the Technical Teams to assist in the development of Solutions (designs equipment/hardware, configurations, etc.) to meet company requirements and Customer needs.
Ensuring compliance with Borwood architecture and engineering standards, specifications, policies and protocols in the formulation of the Technical Solution Document (TSD) for all Customer solution requirements.
Owning the process and following correct approval protocol from Divisional Technical Heads and Directors.
Technical oversight of the development and delivery of the Solution over the project lifecycle.
Analysis of key performance metrics and indicators for network infrastructure to ensure service availability
Analysis of infrastructure resource utilisation, trending, and capacity planning.
As required, create and update documentation for all relevant procedures, Solutions and architectures.
Internal engagements with Technical teams.
External engagements with technology vendors.

**Operations interface**:
Production and provision of complete Solutions delivery and support packs in line with Operations (Delivery and Support) requirements.
Solutions review post implementation and Customer handover of the Solution to the Customer (Designed versus As Built).
Internal engagements with Delivery and Support teams.
External engagements with Customers.

**Procurement and Vendor interface**:
Product Development, ensuring product positioning is achieved, delivering key benefits, targets and deliverables.
Definition/Provision of Vendor technology requirements for selected Vendors (preferred/identified).
Assessment of Solutions proposals and quotes received from technology Vendors.
Final selection, validation and verification of technologies and Vendors required for the Solution based on internal, external and Customer requirements.
Internal engagements with Procurement team.
External engagements with technology Vendors.

**Necessary Experience and/or Qualification**:
8+ years of Pre-Sales and/or Solution Architecture experience within a Service Provider environment or ICT / Telecommunications Industry
5+ years of Technical Engineering experience.
Relevant network certifications an advantage.

**Deep technical understanding of the following product sets**: Networking, MPLS, Internet and SDWAN, Voice, Security, Secure Cloud
Knowledge and experience of physical network infrastructure.
Experience in communicating technical Solutions directly with Customers.
Experience in articulating technical designs and requirements in a structured format.

**Personal Skills/Competencies Required**:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Technical and strong analytical skills required.
Creative approach to problem solving.
Interpersonal communication and Customer service skills in order to work successfully with prospects, Customers and performance teams to meet performance goals.
Self-motivated, project and account management experience.
Travel to prospective Customer’s sites as necessary.
Ability to follow standard engineering principles and practices.
Able to create strong relationships with Customers.

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