Services Solution Architect

 Position Purpose

There is a company-wide focus within Avanade to grow our Managed Services business across all Regions globally, both from an Application and Infrastructure Managed Services standpoint.  In support of this strategy, Avanade is looking for candidates with Managed Services solutioning and deal shaping experience for a Solution Architect position. The role will include end-to-end deal support of managed services engagements including data gathering, analyzing, effort and cost estimating, deal shaping, proposal development, as well as assisting with contracting. This role requires strong customer facing skills to clearly articulate proposed solutions to Avanade’s customers.

Key Responsibilities:

The Managed Services Solution Architect will be accountable for developing Managed Services solutions, for specified new and existing customers within the region. This will entail discharging a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• End-to-end shaping of Managed Services deals

• Work within a new business team to interpret customer defined or implied requirements against Avanade solution templates and delivery capabilities

• Engage with customer stakeholders and other knowledgeable resources to validate service requirements, explore solution options and identify service integration requirements

• Work with Avanade delivery centers, both in Spain and offshore, to realize service estimates in accordance with the Avanade Solutioning guidelines

• Identify all service costs and populating cost models accurately to ensure a full visibility of costs related to establishing and delivering the service over the contract term

• Create and document a Solution Plan and support an internal sign-off of costs and risks

• Identify and mitigate solution risks.

• Support the development of pricing and commercial strategies and commercial dialogue with customers

• Development of proposals and participate in presenting proposals and solutions to customers

• Requires individuals who have led or participate in service delivery for at least 3 years, and/or have at least 3 years of developing proposals.

• At least 6 years of overall consulting delivery and sales experience.

• Have knowledge of Managed Services service and delivery models, including global and distributed delivery models

• Solution planning and deal shaping experience. Able to create compelling value proposition and leverage available assets and capabilities to craft the solution

• Comfortable working with estimating, costing and working with Finance and Sales Leads on pricing models. Demonstrates strong analytical skills, ability to analyse customer provided data

• Demonstrates a structured and considered approach to written and oral communication. Able to communicate potentially complex solutions to less technical people

• Proven ability to work within a team, contributing to the success of the team while making a personal contribution.

• Knowledge of ITIL.

Core Competencies

• Customer Focus

• Embracing Change

• Teamwork and Collaboration

• Realizing Results the Avanade Way

• Technical Passion

• Interpersonal Awareness

Skill Family Specific Competencies

• Sales/consultative selling acumen

• Strong financial and analytical skills

• Passion about your customers