Solutions Architect

Solution Architects are the primary technical resource for the DirectPointe sales force. Solution Architects are responsible for actively driving and managing the technology evaluation stages throughout the sales process, working in conjunction with the sales and Tier III support teams as a key technical advisor for our solutions. The role also includes secondary responsibilities for Tier III support and research and development duties. The Solutions Architect must be able to articulate technology and product positioning to both business and technical users.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Sales Engineer Role
• Identify all technical issues of assigned accounts to assure proper implementation and complete customer satisfaction through all stages of the sales process.
• Provide Solutions Engineering to DirectPointe’s Sales Consultants.
• Participate in meetings with potential customers as requested by Sales Consultants.
• Ensure that the Business Needs Assessment is completed by Sales Consultant or yourself.
• Participate in Technical discovery pre-proposal as requested by Sales Consultant.
• Interface with software/hardware vendors to ensure that solution minimum specifications are met and preferably exceeded.
• Reviewing all Proposals before they are sent to potential customers with the goal of zero changes to proposed solution during implementation, to include a review of network infrastructure with DirectPointe network resources for design/approval.
• Conduct on-site assessments pre-implementation, post-closing to ensure solution deliverables are complete and document environment for Implementation Technical Leads to utilize during implementation.
• Create the SSA/MSA for closed sales prior to Implementation.
• Seek to improve and mature DirectPointe’s Sales processes and artifacts including:
  • Business Needs Assessment
  • Customer Proposals
  • MSA/SSA
• Participate in Sales Meetings when requested by DirectPointe’s VP of Sales.
• Develop and Foster relationships with key customer IT Personnel as necessary to close business and ensure customer satisfaction.

Tier III Support Role
• Providing an escalation point for DirectPointe’s Tier 2 support personnel for issue resolution
• Provide technical on the job training for other DirectPointe support personnel
• Provide mentoring to DirectPointe Tier II and I resources
• Provide installation assistance to the Implementation Team(s) on complex deals
• Implement projects for existing DirectPointe customers
• Provide Disaster Recovery work for existing DirectPointe customers
• On occasion serve as an Implementation Technical lead when schedule and/or other business needs require
• Assist in Maintaining DirectPointe’s internal infrastructure

Solutions Research and Development Role
• Testing new Microsoft and other key vendor products for possibly inclusion as sales solutions
• Create installation and management protocols and best practices for deployed technologies
• Provide training content to DirectPointe Trainer for course development on newly deployed technologies
• Create standards for Hardware components to be deployed
• Work with Purchasing Personnel to update pricing template to ensure that appropriate equipment and software is available for sales proposals

Qualifications

• Ideal candidate must be self-motivated with a proven track record in software sales and knowledge of technology.
• Comfortable in the dynamic atmosphere of a technical organization with a rapidly expanding customer base.
• Must possess strong presentation skills and be able to communicate professionally in written responses to emails, RFPs, and when submitting reports.
• Organized and analytical, able to eliminate sales obstacles through creative and adaptive approaches.
• Must be prepared for moderate travel throughout sales territory.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must be comfortable presenting to technical and business audience.
• Strong interpersonal and problem solving skills required.
• Ability to overcome obstacles to obtain results under tight deadlines.
• Ability and initiative to undertake individual projects as well as work in a team environment.
• Time management and prioritization skills.
• Must thrive in fast-paced, start-up environment.

Education and/or Experience
Two to four years of systems administration experience preferred.

Computer Skills
Strong knowledge of basic telecommunications and computer network procedures. Strong knowledge of computer LAN systems and telecommunications systems. Strong knowledge of PC's, servers, routers and various software applications.

Language Skills
Excellent communications and interpersonal skills.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
MCSE, A+, Net+, certifications preferred.

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