Pre Sales Engineer – Enterprise Networking Job in Basingstoke, Southern UK

Pre Sales Engineer – Enterprise Networking
Location: Basingstoke

Micro-P is one of the leading B2B and retail distributors in the UK and a wholly owned subsidiary of parent company DCC PLC, Ireland's 6th largest company.

After 31 years of profitability Micro-P continues to outperform the market, doubling its business in the last 4 years and achieving revenues in excess of £850m in FY2011. This includes  Advent Data, a consumables distributor, Sharptext, Ireland's largest distributor and Tekdata, SonicWALL's largest European distributor, which combined make up the Micro-P group of companies.
 
Recent prestigious industry accolades including PC Retail Specialist Distributor 2011, Mobile Accessories Distributor 2011, Storage Award Finalist 2011, CRN Systems Distributor 2010 and Microscope Aces Hardware Distributor 2010 are testament to its on-going commitment to service and excellence and Mobile Hardware Distributor of the year 2012.

Micro-P represents over 150 manufacturers in the UK alone spanning 20,000 products across computing and accessories, print, consumer electronics, networking, servers and solutions, communications and mobile and AV solutions. World class partner brands include Acer, Huawei, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Nokia, Western Digital, SonicWall and Netgear.
 
By promoting and selling into its established base of 8,000 resellers we continue  to champion new markets, drive channel penetration and product innovation and deliver bespoke end-to-end solutions. Micro-P's extensive stock holding, flexible credit terms and value add approach to business gives Micro-P and its customer base a strong platform from which to grow.
 
Micro-P's market-leading approach teamed with a state-of-the-art distribution centre, next day delivery and a host of managed services, including end-user fulfilment, assures the highest levels of customer service and satisfaction at all times.
 
Micro-P's main sites are in Accrington, Basingstoke, Stoke (Tekdata), Elland (Advent Data) and Dublin (Sharptext)

About the Job

Functional Summary of the Role
Pre Sales Engineer – Reporting into the General Manger for Technical Sales, responsible for providing pre-sales support for networking products and services by working with Sales Specialists and Account Executives to architect, design, propose, and close both existing and new opportunities.  Additionally, the Pre-Sales Engineer will provide support and leadership in networking design and architecture as well as provide product updates and advice to Micro-P clients. The Pre-Sales Engineer will also present recommendations to clients regarding networking configuration and will be responsible for the development of the project scope and the development of the proposals where required.

Required Tasks of the Role
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Essential Functions of the Job:
Overall objective:  Pre-sales support, drive incremental sales and meet profitability guidelines
Providing presales support for networking opportunities
Participating in client calls with Sales Specialists and Account Executives.
Ability to understand the client’s business objectives and technical needs.
Translating business requirements into Network solutions.
Developing overall Network solutions including high-level design, statement of work, and bills of materials where required.
Assist Sales Specialists and Account Executives with presenting solutions to client.
Providing presales support for internal teams for networking solutions
Providing advice regarding architectural questions, product prerequisites, product features, etc.
Use configuration tools to provide accurate bill of materials (BOM).
Assisting clients with BOM development for Network solutions.
Project support to ensure that the solution sold is effectively implemented Post-Sales support to assure very high customer satisfaction and business
Present technical white board demonstrations to clients. Create solution/design to fulfill customer requirements.
Perform technical presentations to customer base where required.
Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with key partners.
Attending key partner events and training sessions.
Continued training to maintain expertise.
Provide technical input / responses to RFI’s/RFP’s and general tender proposals
Ascertain key partner accreditations
Ability to meet Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to sales and clients
Regularly exercises discretion and independent judgment.
Maintain professional relationships with teammates, partners and clients.
Travel required within assigned territory.
Additional duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from a four year college or university or related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Network Industry Certification preferred (e.g. Cisco CCNA/CCDA/CCIE).
Minimum 5 years experience with Network technologies in a presales capacity and solution environment
Demonstrated experience in technical presales preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

General
Ability to effectively identify client business requirements.
Experience at the executive and engineer levels in a consultative process regarding the design, delivery, implementation and maintenance of complex enterprise networking solutions  
Ability to understand and explain many different technologies and to communicate technical concepts in non-technical terms.
Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. 
Willingness to rapidly obtain certification in new products.
Ability to make presentations to all levels of an organisation.
Genuine interest in technology and software and a desire to continue to learn.
Consistently demonstrate attention to detail.
Strong customer service skills.
Strong research and analytical ability.
Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
Ability to prioritize and work independently.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team sales effort, and to successfully operate in a flexible, virtual operating environment.
Software skills: PowerPoint, Excel, Word, MS Project, Visio, SharePoint

Specific
Experience with solutions from leading Networking vendors.

For more information and to apply please visit www.hays.co.uk/jobs/microp

 

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