Entry-level field-based technical pre-sales role supporting IBM Z (mainframe) customers: design assessments and solutions, create BOMs and SOWs, configure and order IBM Z systems, perform installations/upgrades, collaborate with sales and delivery, and maintain customer relationships and certifications to drive Hybrid Infrastructure services growth.
Description
At CDW, we make it happen, together. Trust, connection, and commitment are at the heart of how we work together to deliver for our customers. It's why we're coworkers, not just employees. Coworkers who genuinely believe in supporting our customers and one another. We collectively forge our path forward with a level of commitment that speaks to who we are and where we're headed. We're proud to share our story and Make Amazing Happen at CDW.
* Job Summary:
* The Associate Solution Architect- HI is an entry-level, field-based technical pre-sales role that focuses on developing comprehensive data center and networking solutions for CDW customers. This role involves providing consultative guidance, supporting partner product sales, scoping service offerings, and fostering strategic relationships to drive business growth. In this role you will be working with customers, delivery, and internal sales teams to learn the skills needed to become a trusted advisor to grow our Hybrid Infrastructure services business.
* What you will do:
* Develop appropriate assessment and service solutions for CDW IBM Z (mainframe) customers, including architecture, optimizations, technology health checks, deployment services, and advisory services.
* Collaborate with customers, delivery teams, and internal sales to offer consultative guidance, plan sales strategy, create Bill of Materials (BOMs), author statements of work (SOWs), configure and order IBM Z systems.
* Analyze technical and competitive considerations, defining actions to meet customer expectations in the sales cycle.
* Perform physical installation and upgrade of IBM Z systems.
* Develop and maintain strategic relationships with Customers, Internal Sales & Delivery management, acting as a trusted advisor to drive business growth.
* Act as a subject matter expert in multiple families of products and solutions.
* Acquire and maintain relevant technology and industry certifications as required.
* What we expect of you:
* Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
* Experience in technical, pre-sales, or post-sale delivery role is a plus.
* Motivated, self-starting, and able to independently perform high quality work with minimal guidance.
* Industry knowledge and domain expertise: An SA should possess domain expertise. They should understand industry-specific challenges, regulations, and best practices. They should have a deep understanding of the architecture, products, technologies, and solutions offered by the company. This knowledge enables them to provide tailored recommendations and position the company's solutions effectively within the industry landscape.
* Team collaboration and leadership: Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including sales and delivery, is crucial in this role. An SA should be able to work effectively in a team, lead technical discussions, and influence decision-making.
* Customer-focused approach: An SA must have a customer-centric mindset and be able to understand and articulate customer needs effectively. They should possess excellent communication and presentation skills to engage with customers, gather requirements, and explain technical concepts in a clear and concise manner. Building relationships, understanding customer pain points, and providing tailored solutions are key aspects of this role.
* Solution design and problem-solving skills: The candidate should have the ability to design and communicate comprehensive solutions that address customer requirements, business challenges, and build consensus around the final solution. They should be skilled in analyzing complex problems, identifying appropriate solutions, and translating technical concepts into understandable terms for customers. Strong problem-solving skills are crucial for identifying and resolving technical issues or gaps in proposed solutions.
* Willingness to travel up to 30% or as needed. Pay range: $60,000 - $82,400 depending on experience and skill set Annual bonus target of 25% subject to terms and conditions of plan Benefits overview: [https://cdw.benefit-info.com/](https://cdw.benefit-info.com/) Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials
* We make technology work so people can do great things.
* CDW is a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to business, government, education and healthcare customers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. A Fortune 500 company and member of the S&P 500 Index, CDW helps its customers to navigate an increasingly complex IT market and maximize return on their technology investments. Together, we unite. Together, we win. Together, we thrive. CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law. CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, CDW's goal is to get to know you as an applicant and understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. While AI can help you present yourself more clearly and effectively, the essence of your application should be authentically yours. To learn more, please review [CDW's AI Applicant Notice](https://www.cdwjobs.com/pages/ai-applicant-notice).
At CDW, we make it happen, together. Trust, connection, and commitment are at the heart of how we work together to deliver for our customers. It's why we're coworkers, not just employees. Coworkers who genuinely believe in supporting our customers and one another. We collectively forge our path forward with a level of commitment that speaks to who we are and where we're headed. We're proud to share our story and Make Amazing Happen at CDW.
* Job Summary:
* The Associate Solution Architect- HI is an entry-level, field-based technical pre-sales role that focuses on developing comprehensive data center and networking solutions for CDW customers. This role involves providing consultative guidance, supporting partner product sales, scoping service offerings, and fostering strategic relationships to drive business growth. In this role you will be working with customers, delivery, and internal sales teams to learn the skills needed to become a trusted advisor to grow our Hybrid Infrastructure services business.
* What you will do:
* Develop appropriate assessment and service solutions for CDW IBM Z (mainframe) customers, including architecture, optimizations, technology health checks, deployment services, and advisory services.
* Collaborate with customers, delivery teams, and internal sales to offer consultative guidance, plan sales strategy, create Bill of Materials (BOMs), author statements of work (SOWs), configure and order IBM Z systems.
* Analyze technical and competitive considerations, defining actions to meet customer expectations in the sales cycle.
* Perform physical installation and upgrade of IBM Z systems.
* Develop and maintain strategic relationships with Customers, Internal Sales & Delivery management, acting as a trusted advisor to drive business growth.
* Act as a subject matter expert in multiple families of products and solutions.
* Acquire and maintain relevant technology and industry certifications as required.
* What we expect of you:
* Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
* Experience in technical, pre-sales, or post-sale delivery role is a plus.
* Motivated, self-starting, and able to independently perform high quality work with minimal guidance.
* Industry knowledge and domain expertise: An SA should possess domain expertise. They should understand industry-specific challenges, regulations, and best practices. They should have a deep understanding of the architecture, products, technologies, and solutions offered by the company. This knowledge enables them to provide tailored recommendations and position the company's solutions effectively within the industry landscape.
* Team collaboration and leadership: Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including sales and delivery, is crucial in this role. An SA should be able to work effectively in a team, lead technical discussions, and influence decision-making.
* Customer-focused approach: An SA must have a customer-centric mindset and be able to understand and articulate customer needs effectively. They should possess excellent communication and presentation skills to engage with customers, gather requirements, and explain technical concepts in a clear and concise manner. Building relationships, understanding customer pain points, and providing tailored solutions are key aspects of this role.
* Solution design and problem-solving skills: The candidate should have the ability to design and communicate comprehensive solutions that address customer requirements, business challenges, and build consensus around the final solution. They should be skilled in analyzing complex problems, identifying appropriate solutions, and translating technical concepts into understandable terms for customers. Strong problem-solving skills are crucial for identifying and resolving technical issues or gaps in proposed solutions.
* Willingness to travel up to 30% or as needed. Pay range: $60,000 - $82,400 depending on experience and skill set Annual bonus target of 25% subject to terms and conditions of plan Benefits overview: [https://cdw.benefit-info.com/](https://cdw.benefit-info.com/) Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials
* We make technology work so people can do great things.
* CDW is a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to business, government, education and healthcare customers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. A Fortune 500 company and member of the S&P 500 Index, CDW helps its customers to navigate an increasingly complex IT market and maximize return on their technology investments. Together, we unite. Together, we win. Together, we thrive. CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law. CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, CDW's goal is to get to know you as an applicant and understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. While AI can help you present yourself more clearly and effectively, the essence of your application should be authentically yours. To learn more, please review [CDW's AI Applicant Notice](https://www.cdwjobs.com/pages/ai-applicant-notice).
Top Skills
Ibm Z,Z Systems,Mainframe,Hybrid Infrastructure,Data Center,Networking
CDW Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
625 W Adams St., Chicago, IL, United States, 60661
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