Lead Architect

Company Overview

When it comes to IT solution providers, there are a lot of choices. But when it comes to providers with innovative and differentiating end-to-end service offerings, there’s really only one:
Zones – First Choice for IT. Zones is a Global Solution Provider of end-to-end IT solutions with an unmatched supply chain. Positioned to be the IT partner you need, Zones, a Minority Business Enterprise in business for over 35 years, specializes in Digital Workplace, Cloud & Data Center, Networking, Security, and Managed/Professional/Staffing services. Operating in more than 120 countries, leveraging a robust portfolio, and utilizing the highest certification levels from key partners, including Microsoft, Apple, Cisco, Lenovo, Adobe, and more, Zones has mastered the science of building digital infrastructures that change the way business does business ensuring whatever they need, they can Consider IT Done.

Win Center team supports global sales professionals in driving growth across all Zones offerings. The Lead Architect will lead RFx efforts for all professional and managed services offerings (Workplace, Network, Cloud & Data Center, Security, end to end Device Lifecycle Management). You will lead large and complex RFx’s that may cut across offerings and will be the overall storyteller. This means that you will be responsible for developing the solution strategy, win themes & value propositions/differentiators that will help position Zones to win.

You will be engaged from opportunity qualification through closure, and be on point for crafting high-quality, concise, compelling, and competitive solutions that align to customers business outcomes. You must have the experience of working with large global technology systems integrators and know how to navigate your way around offerings, capabilities, accounts, and partners to craft a compelling solution.

• Overall accountability for technical solution in an RFx response – strategy, solution, estimation, assumptions, risks, cost, price.
• Provide qualification inputs based on Zones’ strategic direction.
• Translate customer requirements to technical components, and identify the right SMEs / partners, and conceptualize the overall response storyline.
• Drive collective focus with multiple teams on larger multi offering deals.
• Craft feasible & competitive solutions – work with delivery & sales stakeholders to arrive at the right combination.
• Understand competition, and tweak strategy / approach accordingly.
• Work with globally distributed teams, and build solutions based on global delivery models.
• Perform effort estimation, cost and price analysis / benchmarking (Deal economics).
• Work with the overall RFx team to obtain stakeholder alignment.
• Contribute to technical response in terms of content & graphics as required.
• Plan and conduct Due Diligence. Use findings to refine the solution.
• Participate in SOW development and negotiations post down select.
• Perform transition to delivery upon contract award.
• Identify and participate in continuous improvement initiatives for the team and corporate.
• Help augment standard technical content as required.
• Participate in lessons learnt sessions and provide / accept feedback for improvements.
• Strong Pre-Sales orientation. Should have breadth of technology understanding with Delivery background.
• Expertise in infrastructure sizing, design and solution architecture and preparation of BOQ.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business or related discipline; equivalent years of experience is acceptable.
• At least 10 years of experience in infrastructure services solutioning
• Broad understanding of the industry, market, competition, suppliers, and partners.
• Ability to think & work at both strategic and tactical levels.
• Ability to multi-task, and work in a high-pressure environment with short timelines
• Ability to work and lead in a team environment.
• Very proficient in MS tools – Excel, PowerPoint, Word
• Excellent communication skills, and ability to communicate with C-level.
• Business acumen, positive attitude, with a passion to win.
• Ability to use own judgment and…