Solutions Architect: Managed Services

ROLE PURPOSE

The Managed Services Solutions Architect is responsible for the design and on-boarding of Services’ solutions across the Nexio services portfolio. that support the Customer requirements and business objectives. The solution components must support the overall business objective, be sustainably executable, be cost effective, and deliver the appropriate levels of profitability to meet the Nexio objectives. This role requires the provision of service solutions, in support of technology offerings from Nexio business units to existing and prospective customers. It also includes aligning multiple stakeholders to determine and formulate plans, templatise the business development and pricing process for Services, and implement and co-ordinate the processes and activities to on-board Services that are sold.

The Solutions Architect must be able to handle multiple projects, be innovative, and be able to communicate effectively across multiple departments in different degrees of services, business, and technical detail. Solution Architects provide guidance, support, and discipline as needed, in a team setting to resolve complicated requirements.

ROLE REQUIREMENT

• Primarily involved in the development, evolution, and approval of the long-term vision across a function.
• Solutions Architect
• Direct impact on business performance
• Provides technical leadership to managers and/or professional staff
• Provides technical guidance to employees

Business Unit Collaboration

• Overall responsibility for all Managed Services proposals and pricing.
• Responsible to provide quality solutions and pricing for Services deliverables.
• Participate in the development and execution of a Managed Services strategy to deliver growth of the Services BU, generation of long-term annuity income opportunities for Nexio and, operational relevance and efficiency.
• Participate in the development, management, and continual update of the Nexio service catalogue.
• Collaborate with sales in an appropriate manner to help Nexio to win new business and retain existing clients at appropriate levels of profitability.
• Ensure collaboration and alignment with all business units so that they understand the services and solutions being positioned and can provide input accordingly.
• Implement and continuously develop Services pricing models and calculators.

Solution Development

• Overall responsibility for the Managed Services components in proposals, RFIs, RFPs and RFQs.

• Understanding the client solution requirement and creating a framework for the Managed Services response, aligned to client requirements and overall solution.

• Unpack and co-ordinate the service requirements, incorporating internal Nexio BUs, sub-contractors and any other third parties.

• Obtaining and collate service solution information and pricing aligned to the requirements, inclusive of:

• Service definitions and descriptions

• Cost drivers

• Resourcing requirements

• Integration requirements

• References

• Transition and/or implementation approach, deliverables, and timelines

• Documenting the service solution in line with the requirements, ensuring:

• All requirements are answered.

• Providing solutions for review that is structured and relevant to the client requirements and solution design, avoiding copy and paste data-dump.

• Provide solutions for review that has been formatted to the Managed Services standard.

• Ensure solution delivery timelines are met, and fully aligned to quality standards.

• Facilitate solution review gates, inclusive of solution sign-off and commercial approval.Solution Pricing

  • Ensure the services proposed are appropriately priced and aligned to the required scope of services, including:
  • Due Diligence
  • Service Implementation / Service Transition
  • Service Transformation
  • Service Integration
  • Cost Drivers
  • Assumptions and Exclusions
  • Obtain financial approval form RFP stakeholders prior to solution submission.
  • Comprehensive financial model for the contracted service duration, reflecting service-related revenue, margin, and cost distribution.

Solution and Client On-boarding/ Transition

• Overall responsibility for creating and maturing a transition/ on-boarding framework for new clients and services; and
• Overseeing the execution of transition/ on-boarding projects to ensure that new services and clients are set up for success and are delivered at the appropriate level of quality.

Contract and Risk Management

• Participate in all elements of contract negotiation, contract on-boarding, for Nexio contracts with clients, 3rd parties and suppliers.
• Ensure that all contracts are aligned to the solutions developed to mitigate risk and protect Nexio’s financial, reputation and other interests; and
• Ensure development and agreement of SLAs and Underpinning Contracts aligned to the Solution Scope, prior to handing over to the Transition and Operations teams.

Additional Information:

• Individuals at this level have fully developed knowledge of the business, marketplace and clients. Is recognized as an expert in own area within the organization
• Interprets internal or external business issues and recommends best practices. Provides technical guidance to more junior levels of staff
• Able to build strong interpersonal relationships with peers, brand leaders, and other senior management throughout the company
• Able to be a “big picture” thinker
• Encouraging to team and staff; able to mentor and lead
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to align multiple strategies and ideas
• Confident in producing and presenting work
• In-depth understanding of the IT and Telecommunications industry

TECHNICAL / PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Proven comprehension of cross-functional domains and the ability to design and present integrated solutions within our customer environments.
• Ability to interface with C-level customers, partners and peers at a strategic and technical level.
• Demonstrate creative problem-solving and decision-making to solve complicated business problems.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, presentation and customer service skills.
• Able to align and articulate capabilities as they relate to business priorities and goals.
• Solid skill in preparing written communications and materials.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills: active listening and customer-care; knowledge and compliance with email correspondence.
• Ability to multi-task and adapt to changes quickly.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work in a fast moving and changing environment.
• Willing to work overtime as and when required
• Willing to travel regularly to customer locations and industry events.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Matric
• Bachelor's degree in information technology or equivalent qualifications
• ITIL Foundation certification
• 10+ years of IT experience across all disciplines in infrastructure technology solutions.
• 7+ years of experience developing IT Service solutions and strategies across multiple domains across all disciplines.
• 5+ years Managed Services and / or Outsourcing experience.
• Understanding of service delivery models and the commercialisation thereof.
• Proven ability to drive collaboration and lead multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience with project management disciplines preferred.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

• A strong grasp of best practice
• Strong understanding of IT technologies and appropriate industry knowledge
• Proposal generation and writing skills
• Contract Management experience and skills
• Commercial mind-set
• Process driven
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
• Attention to detail and a passion for quality
• Conflict resolution skills
• Good communication skills required – written, presentation and verbal
• Decision making and negotiation skills
• Highly