Solutions Architect

The Commercial Solutions Manager (CSM), provides negotiated costs to enable A & O IT Group to gain and maintain a competitive advantage.

The CSM works within the Solutions Department which is the main interface between the Sales and Operations, representing the brand, working with prospects, customers and partners managing all the service aspects of solution activities through a successful deployment.

The CSM proactively manages the complexities of large and major bids, drive and develop the formal bid communication process, coordinate the virtual bid team which will assist in the winning of sales opportunities.

They must be proficient with supporting multiple stakeholders and providing quick responses and timely follow up to their needs and inquiries. The CSM is responsible for offering creative and value add solutions for A & O IT Group to ensure the Company obtains the best supplier deals possible to enable margin improvement on SOW.

The BSM must be a quick learner and have the natural ability to think on their feet in high pressure sales situations providing technical product details acting as an industry subject matter expert.

Working closely with other Solution team members, they will provide a one-stop-shop, for a Total Solutions offering.

This role will be fully remote and working UK office hours

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• A relevant degree or MCIPS qualified

• Some experience of influencing and negotiations are a must along with experience of delivering solutions in a matrix-managed team.

• Previous proven experience in the IT Field Service industry with specific reference to hardware remedial services and involving an understanding of the following functions:

• Bid Management, Customer Account Management, Operational Management, Service Management, Supplier Management, Transition Management, Project Management

• Previous working experience in complex, multi-cultural and matrix managed organizations

• Excellent supplier management and relationship building ability - strong supplier-facing skill with the aptitude and awareness to bring a high degree of value from the relationship in terms of cost control, working practices and supplier performance.

• Results driven - demonstrating a sense of urgency; persisting in the face of obstacles; putting top priority on getting results.

• Strategic thinking/Visionary thinking - developing strategies for supplier selection and management to enhance the competitiveness of the company; identify critical success factors in different business and operational situations; see that focused strategies are translated into clear objectives which can in turn be delivered to the benefit of the business.

• Drive Execution - driving continuous improvement in supplier relationships by integrating the efforts of the company and the supplier and through operational synergies develop effective working practices for both parties.

• Influencing and Negotiating - winning support from others; shaping the opinions of key stakeholders within A&O and our suppliers; working through conflict to create a win/win result.

• Sound working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

• Delegating tasks, responsibilities and authorities effectively

• Highly effective written and oral communicator to all levels within an organisation. Ability to tailor approach to audience requirements.

• Transition Solutions

• Experience of: IT outsourcing, Desktop and other hardware Deployment, Service Transition, Global audits

• Logistics/Procurement/Stock Management

• Hands on management of solutions running simultaneously

• International experience in delivering projects across multiple countries through multiple partners.

• Consultative approach

• Personable relationship builder

• Strategic thinker with good analytical ability

• Proven ability to manage external relationships successfully - customer, supplier, partner relationships

• Effective stakeholder management

• External market understanding and implications for product set.

• Ability to demonstrate successful influence over business process without hierarchical authority

• Experience of successfully working in a complex matrix environment

• Understand the technology underpinning the product set

• Broad understanding of technologies and market trends and developments

A&O IT Group

As a successful and growing global IT services provider, A&O IT Group deliver ‘fully managed’ IT solutions and cyber security services. Combining over 50 years expertise, and boasting an extensive global network, whilst remaining privately owned, A&O IT Group is a trusted IT services partner to clients globally.

This role is subject to a post-offer Background Verification in accordance with the local country legislation.

NO AGENCIES

We encourage diversity and seek to attract individuals with unique backgrounds and perspectives. It is important that we build a team with a diverse mix of people and skills, where everyone feels welcome and able to succeed. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity.