Principal Presales Consultant (Networking)

About Node4

We are a united force driven by a single ambition; to deliver faster transformation, lower cost, and truly differentiated outcomes - we do this by bringing together our AI Augmented MSP platform, hybrid sovereign cloud solutions, deep Microsoft expertise and the Node4 People

We are:

Nimble – We focus on what matters most, adapt fast and embrace change

Original – We think differently, stay curious and innovate

Driven – We are bold, bring energy and own the outcome

Engaged – We operate as one, building strong relationships

4 More – We always go further for our people, customers and partners

About the role
As a Principal Consultant, you are one of the most respected experts in your specialist subject area. You have a broad understanding of technology and of the whole Node4 portfolio of offerings, plus a good awareness of the commercial drivers that make the business successful.

As Principal Presales Consultant your primary responsibility is to develop relationships with clients and cultivate a pipeline of work for the delivery teams. You are a good listener and a persuasive communicator; able to build empathy with a client and help guide them towards a solution that meets their needs. You are also strengthening the team for the future – collaborating across the business to develop, improve and create propositions that meet the changing needs of our client base.

You have credibility in delivering an outcome for a client, providing exceptional service while delivering solutions that are effective, maintainable and commercially sustainable. You may be called upon to provide specific expertise to a client. This may be as part of a billable engagement.

Principal Presales Consultants report into the Head of Presales for their area, to provide high-quality services to Node4 clients and internal business functions. You will be required to work across multiple business units including Sales, Marketing, Architecture and Delivery.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Provide strong technical leadership and advocate the effective use of technology to solve complex and varied business problems.

• Be able to take customer requirements (business and technical) and formulate detailed technical solutions for proposals.

• Guide clients in the evaluation of service choices; provide information and demonstrations to assess business fit and value.

• Actively listen to a client to understand their needs and sensitively challenge their assumptions to explore for root causes.

• Shape a solution within constraints (e.g. budget, timescales, regulatory requirements…).

• Talk persuasively and credibly to clients and stakeholders about proposed solutions and then negotiate to reach an agreed plan.

• Understand the commercial levers that affect profitability. Adapt a proposal to fit a desired commercial model (e.g. balance of CAPEX and OPEX).

• Understand risk management and governance, and shape proposals in a way that aims to protect the company.

• Use Node4 technology strategy to inform client-specific technical strategies; contribute to Account Development Plans for priority clients.

• Consult with other subject matter experts (e.g. delivery engineers and management, architects and PMO) to create well-informed proposals.

• Delegate tasks and responsibilities within a pitch team to balance demands and provide opportunities for others to learn.

• Have exceptional time management skills to balance the demands of multiple clients and opportunities.

• Interface with internal teams to help unblock technical or business challenges.

• Contribute to the future success of the team and the business through winning new work, developing new propositions and through coaching and mentoring more junior consultants.

• Help to develop the Go-To-Market strategy for the network portfolio

What will you bring?

• Clear credibility in the infrastructure domain.

• Very strong technical knowledge of networking and connectivity, including LAN, WiFi, WAN (including SD-WAN), and network security.

• Good understanding of Fortinet, Cisco/ Cisco Meraki and Juniper product sets and offerings.

• Good commercial acumen, numerical ability and desire to grow revenues, while considering the impact of making decisions across the department.

• Excellent communications skills at all levels from C-Suite to engineering. Must be able to translate complex problems succinctly, accurately, and coherently to all types of stakeholders.

• Influence others through verbal communication and be able to articulate and present technical information in a structured and authoritative manner, while gaining credibility for your own technical expertise.

• Strong problem-solving nature, with the ability to examine a problem and involve the appropriate people at the appropriate time.

• Proven leadership skills and the ability to influence cross-functional teams without formal authority.

• You will be highly motivated and able to lead by example and participate in group activities and knowledge sharing with other team members, guiding others, and expanding their knowledge base.

• Excellent time management skills to effectively balance urgent demands and important strategic initiatives.

What can we offer you?

• Hybrid Working

• Private Medical Insurance or Company Paid Health Cash Plan

• Employee Assistance Program

• 25 days holidays plus your birthday off

• Option to purchase additional holiday (up to 5 days)

Why join Node4?

Founded in 2004, Node4 has experienced exceptional growth and success over the years. From an office in Derby to locations nationwide and beyond. From three people to a workforce of over 900. We believe that our people are the driving force behind our success. We are a vibrant, passionate, and diverse team committed to providing exceptional service as standard.

Node4 is the place to be if you are passionate about technology and providing exceptional service while developing your career within a welcoming and evolving company.

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