Managed Services Cloud Solution Architect (Azure)

Job content

Job Description

Avanade know what gold standard, client focused, business enhancing IT managed services look like - do you?

If so, keep reading!

There is a company-wide focus within Avanade to grow our Managed Services business across all regions globally, from both an Application and Infrastructure Managed Services standpoint. In support of this strategy, Avanade Canada is seeking a Solution Architect with Managed Services solutioning and Federal & Private Canadian deal shaping experience. In this role, you will include end-to-end deal support of managed services engagements including data gathering, analyzing, effort & cost estimating, deal shaping, proposal development, and assisting with contracting. You need a solid understanding of Microsoft’s Azure cloud architecture and products and strong customer-facing skills to clearly articulate proposed solutions to Avanade’s Canadian customers, both Federal and private. You will take a lead in providing sales support and solution configuration on large, complex, Managed Services deals, with a primary focus on Managed Services opportunities with Federal and Private Clients requiring on Canadian soil delivery. When not fully engaged in sales pursuits, you will also help support our offering development activities.

Role Responsibilities

• End-to-end responsibility for shaping large, complex Managed Services deals, both Federal and Private
• Secure the required approval for variances from contracting standards by escalating issues to the proper executive level on a timely basis (i.e., before agreed upon with the customer)
• Work within a new business team to interpret customer defined or implied requirements against Avanade solution templates and delivery capabilities
• Engage with Federal and Private customer stakeholders and other knowledgeable resources to validate service requirements, explore solution options and identify service integration requirements
• Lead the definition of a Managed Services solution that meets the agreed requirements
• Work closely with Avanade delivery teams, including offshore delivery centers and third parties to realize service estimates in accordance with the Avanade Solutioning guidelines
• Identify all service costs and populating cost models accurately to ensure a full visibility of costs related to establishing and delivering the service over the contract term
• Create and document a Solution Plan and engage internal stakeholders as required to populate the Avanade ‘Deal Review System’ and support an internal sign-off (at regional, area and global levels) of costs and risk
• Identify and mitigate solution risks
• Support the development of pricing and commercial strategies and commercial dialogue with customers
• Support sales activity in presenting our solution approach and methods to customer stakeholder groups
• Plan for and support service implementation, transition, and introduction activities
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Avanade Solution Area and Business Development communities
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with other delivery center solution architects and contribute to the Avanade Managed Services Solution Architect community
• Effectively position Avanade’s Managed Services offerings, both internally and externally with our clients and partners, including evangelizing Avanade’s capabilities and value proposition
• Share client outcomes and market conditions with other stakeholders so that the global offering leads, and Managed Services community can evolve strategies and develop innovative solutions for the future
• Work location is Canada, with a focus on Ottawa - travel to customer locations will be required, including occasional travel to our global delivery centers as requested by the business and regional teams
  

Your Technical & Non-Technical Skills Include

• Demonstrated track record in Managed Services selling, solutioning and deal shaping acumen. You bring energy to our clients and the various people you interact with daily
• Demonstrated overall consulting delivery and sales experience
• Detailed knowledge of Managed Services service and delivery models, including global and distributed delivery models
• Proficiency in Application and Cloud/Infrastructure Managed Services
• Solution planning and deal shaping expert - Able to create compelling value proposition and leverage available assets and capabilities to craft the solution
• Selling to senior customer leadership; leading negotiations or developing business terms and conditions
• Leading service introduction and/or service transition and has been responsible for ensuring entire deal delivered value as defined
• Working in an environment with global delivery and in multiple geographies and industries
• Strong point of view on emerging trends in technology, Managed Services, Application Development – DevOps, Cloud Native Application, Microsoft Development platforms and Open-Source Software, Cloud platforms like Azure, Data Analytics, Containers, RPA and Intelligent Automation
• Comfortable working with estimating, costing, and working with Finance and Sales Leads on pricing models
• Demonstrated strong analytical skills, with the ability to analyze customer provided data
• Structured and considered approach to written and oral communication. Able to communicate potentially complex solutions to less technical people
• Proven ability to work within a team and contributing to the success of the team while making a personal contribution
• Provides leadership when appropriate and capable of working effectively within a matrixed organization
• Define solution elements, even when all the required information is not available, and realizes & documents reasonable assumptions
• Knowledge of Microsoft Products, Services, and Platforms
• Extensive interaction with C-level executives
• Bachelor’s degree in Business or technology-related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Applicants must be eligible for Canadian reliability / secret security clearance
  

We Offer

• The Opportunity to join Microsoft Country Partner of the year in Canada 2021 and Microsoft’s Global Alliance Partner of the Year (17 of the last 20 years)
• Attractive benefits package
• Exceptional development and training with paid certifications
• Avanade University – real-time access to technical and skilled resources globally
• Dedicated career adviser to encourage your progression
• Engaged and helpful co-workers
• Reward and recognition program
  

About Avanade

Avanade leads in providing innovative digital services, business solutions and design-led experiences for its clients, delivered through the power of people and the Microsoft ecosystem. Our professionals combine technology, business and industry expertise to build and deploy solutions to realize results for clients and their customers. Avanade has 39,000 digitally connected people across 24 countries, bringing clients the best thinking through a collaborative culture that honors diversity and reflects the communities in which we operate. Majority owned by Accenture, Avanade was founded in 2000 by Accenture LLP and Microsoft Corporation. Learn more at http://www.avanade.com/

Avanade® is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran, military or marital status, genetic information, or any other protected status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

About Avanade

Avanade leads in providing innovative digital services, business solutions and design-led experiences for its clients, delivered through the power of people and the Microsoft ecosystem. Our professionals combine technology, business and industry expertise to build and deploy solutions to realize results for clients and their customers. Avanade has 29,000 digitally connected people across 23 countries, bringing clients the best thinking through a collaborative culture that honors diversity and reflects the communities in which we operate. We welcome all, and seek talented individuals who can bring their whole self to work, build inclusive teams and encourage diversity inside and outside the organization. Majority owned by Accenture, Avanade was founded in 2000 by Accenture LLP and Microsoft Corporation. Learn more at www.avanade.com .