Position: IT Infrastructure Pre-Sales Solution Architect
Experience: 15+ Years
Location: Any UST Location

Position Overview:

The Infrastructure Services - Pre-Sales Solution Architect plays a crucial role in supporting the sales team with new client acquisition and expanding revenue from existing clients. Reporting to the CIS Global Lead - Pre-Sales & Solutions, the solution architect translates technical requirements into an architectural blueprint, leveraging design patterns, reference architectures, and cost-effective methodologies. The role requires close collaboration with clients, both internal and external, to craft solutions that align with their needs and CIS's strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Solution Development: Create technical solutions that address infrastructure needs, focusing on innovative ideas that align with customers' needs and CIS’s strategic requirements. Ownership of Bids: Take full ownership of all assigned bids across the IT infrastructure space, ensuring they align with technical, commercial, and business strategies. Innovative Solutioning: Provide unique value propositions and innovative strategies that differentiate the company in the market. Comprehensive Understanding: Apply expertise in various delivery models, CapEx vs. OpEx considerations, and P&L management. Collaboration: Work closely with Centers of Excellence (COEs) and delivery teams to develop and refine new service offerings and propositions. Customer Engagement: Develop go-to-market strategies, interface with clients, and lead technical discussions to promote solutions that enhance business value. RFP & Proposal Writing: Expertly write technical proposals, respond to RFPs, RFIs, and create compelling client presentations. Vendor & Partner Coordination: Work with OEMs and partners to ensure competitive pricing and optimal solution development. Hands-on Knowledge: Demonstrate hands-on experience with traditional infrastructure (EUC, Command Centers, NOC, Service Desk, Server Management, Storage, Backup, DB, Telecoms), and advanced technologies (DevOps, Cloud, DevSecOps).

Technical Expertise:

Infrastructure Solutions: Expert in infrastructure landscape, including Windows, Linux, Networking, Databases, Security, and Data Center migration. Cloud & DevOps: Knowledge in cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP) and DevOps methodologies, including mobility and DevSecOps. Technical Proposals: Strong experience in end-to-end solution architecting, and independently compiling solution documents and proposals. ITIL Knowledge: Familiarity with ITIL and other process methodologies for delivering IT services.

Requirements / Day-to-Day Activities:

Proposal Management: Lead the entire proposal lifecycle, including traditional and complex transformational bids, irrespective of geography (India, US, EMEA, APAC). Technology Expertise: Proficient in handling a variety of infrastructure services (Service Desk, End User Computing, NOC, SOC) as well as cloud and DevOps. Pricing & Financials: Manage proposal pricing, BOM creation, and work closely with procurement and finance teams. Defense & Negotiation: Prepare defense decks, participate in proposal defense sessions globally, and negotiate GM% and EBITDA% with internal stakeholders. Collaterals & Marketing: Develop and update collateral, whitepapers, case studies, and marketing materials as needed. Flexibility: Willingness to work across multiple time zones and handle urgent bids during weekends and holidays if necessary.

Qualifications:

Experience: 15+ years in IT Infrastructure, with at least 8+ years in hands-on production engineering and implementation. Technical Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of IT Infrastructure technologies (Windows, Linux, Networking, DB, Cloud, Security, DevOps). Communication Skills: Strong client-facing skills and ability to write high-quality technical proposals. Problem-Solving: Innovative thinker with a deep understanding of commercial models and financial acumen in pricing bids. Travel: Willingness to travel domestically or internationally for client meetings and proposal defense sessions.