Pre-Sales Service Architect

Version 1 has celebrated over 28 years in Technology Services and continues to be trusted by global brands to deliver solutions that drive customer success. Our expertise enables our customers to navigate the rapidly changing Digital-First world we live in. We foster strong partnerships with leading technology giants including Microsoft, AWS, Oracle, Red Hat, OutSystems, Snowflake, ensuring that our customers are provided with the highest quality solutions and services.

We’re an award-winning employer reflecting how our employees are at the very heart of Version 1 and what we do:

• UK & Ireland's premier AWS, Microsoft & Oracle partner
• 3300+ strong, €350/£300m revenue business
• 10+ years as a Great Place to Work in Ireland & UK
• Best Workplace for Women in the UK & Ireland by GPTW
• Best Workplace for Wellbeing in the UK by GPTW

We’re a core values driven company, we hire people who share our values, and we reward those who display and foster them, it’s deeply embedded within our DNA. Invest in us and we’ll invest in you!

As a Pre-Sales Service Architect within our IT Managed Services organisation, you will play a crucial role in designing and proposing tailored IT solutions that meet the unique needs of our customers. Your primary responsibility will be to collaborate with the sales team to understand client requirements, develop comprehensive service solutions, build proposals, and present these solutions to potential clients. It will also involve working on managed service transitions, creating service designs. This role requires a deep understanding of IT managed services, excellent communication skills, and the ability to translate technical concepts into business value.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Solution Design

- Develop and design comprehensive IT service solutions that align with client requirements, including infrastructure, cloud services, cybersecurity, network management, service desk, service management and end-user services support.

- Ensure solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with industry best practices and compliance standards.

- Have good commercial awareness and be able to articulate the commercial impacts of technical challenges and opportunities.

2. Customer Engagement

- Work closely with the sales team to understand customer needs and objectives.

- Conduct customer meetings, presentations, and workshops to gather detailed requirements and present proposed solutions.

- Serve as the technical point of contact for customers (from a service perspective) during the pre-sales process.

3. Proposal Development

- Create detailed and high-quality service proposals, including service architectures, service descriptions, input into pricing models, and compelling written responses. Plus input into transition plans.

- Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., Service Delivery, Managed Services offerings, Sales, Business Support) to ensure all aspects of the solution are feasible and well documented.

4. Technical Expertise

- Stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in IT managed services.

- Provide technical guidance and support to the sales team and other stakeholders.

- Conduct competitive analysis to identify key differentiators and advantages of proposed solutions.

- Provide input and leadership into service improvements within the commercial team.

5. Collaboration and Communication

- Work closely with internal teams to ensure a smooth transition from pre-sales to implementation.

- Communicate effectively with customers, sales teams, and technical teams to ensure alignment and understanding of proposed solutions.

- Provide feedback and insights to improve service offerings and pre-sales processes.

Required experience  

• Strong experience in a pre-sales, solutions architecture, or technical consulting role within the IT managed services industry.
• Expertise in bid and proposal writing for one or all of the following: ITTs, RFIs, RFPs and pre-market engagements.
• Good knowledge of IT infrastructure, cloud services (e.g., AWS, Azure), cybersecurity, networking, and end-user support, and how these interrelate as part of a multi-tower offering.
• Proven expertise in designing and presenting complex IT solutions to clients.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to understand and translate customer business needs into technical solutions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., ITIL, AWS, Azure etc.) are a plus, not an essential

Key Competencies:

If you don't meet all of these criteria but feel your experience would lend itself to this role, i.e., if you've worked in a Management role in IT operations/IT Service Delivery, then please apply. Version 1 is looking for people from across the Service spectrum, recognising that individuals bring their own individual subject matter expertise and experience. Your positive customer centric approach and growth potential is equally as important for this role! 

• Customer first mindset with a strong understanding of business drivers and outcomes.
• A no ego approach with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and independently when required.
• Personal commitment and drive to ensure timely delivery of required artefacts
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple bids, pre-market engagements and value add projects simultaneously.
• High level of honesty, integrity and professionalism/excellence.

Why Version 1?

At Version 1, we believe in providing our employees with a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises their wellbeing, professional growth, and financial stability.

• Share in our success with our Quarterly Performance-Related Profit Share Scheme, where employees collectively benefit from a share of our company's profits.
• Strong Career Progression & mentorship coaching through our Strength in Balance & Leadership schemes with a dedicated quarterly Pathways Career Development programme.
• Flexible/remote working, Version 1 is tremendously understanding of life events and people’s individual circumstances and offer flexibility to help achieve a healthy work life balance.
• Financial Wellbeing initiatives including; Pension, Private Healthcare Cover, Life Assurance, Financial advice and an Employee Discount scheme.
• Employee Wellbeing schemes including Gym Discounts, Bike to Work, Fitness classes, Mindfulness Workshops, Employee Assistance Programme and much more. Generous holiday allowance, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, marriage/civil partnership leave and special leave policies.
• Educational assistance, incentivised certifications, and accreditations, including AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat.
• Reward schemes including Version 1’s Annual Excellence Awards & ‘Call-Out’ platform.
• Environment, Social and Community First initiatives allow you to get involved in local fundraising and development opportunities as part of fostering our diversity, inclusion and belonging schemes.

And many more exciting benefits… drop us a note to find out more.

#LI-HC1