Solution Architect Team Lead - Cisco Data Center

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. This position is part of CDW's Hybrid Infrastructure Practice, a single-source provider to our clients for all things IoT, Networking, Wireless, & Data Center. The Solution Architect Team Lead is responsible for working closely with Solution Architects and Sales across CDW to assist with technical design and solution selling. The incumbent in this role also assists with complex solutions and/or deals that are identified as critical to the success of the CDW Cisco Data Center practice. The Cisco Data Center Team Lead is a senior technical leader responsible for driving the strategy, innovation, and execution of Cisco Data Center technologies- including UCS, Nexus, MDS, HyperFabric, AI/GenAI, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures. This role defines and influences CDW's Cisco-centric go-to-market strategy, providing technical leadership across the sales lifecycle, supporting presales engagements, mentoring Solution Architects and Business Development Strategists, and collaborating across practices to deliver cutting-edge solutions for modern data centers. This position works closely with key CDW stakeholders including Hybrid Infrastructure, Security, Digital Velocity, R&D, Service Delivery, Product and Partner Management, and Sales Leadership to identify and deliver impactful solutions that align to emerging customer needs around AI-driven workloads and modern hybrid infrastructures.
* What you will do:
* Drive the top 20-30 Deals each quarter for Cisco to close.
* Drive Cisco Data Center and AI solutions into CDW's largest accounts
* Develop key Go-To-Market materials and strategies around the products and solutions the Field and Inside networking team supports. These would include Statement of Work templates, Services Calculators, Technical training curriculum, Battle Cards, Sell Sheets, and Needs Gathering Documents.
* Lead technical Peer Review sessions.
* Develop Peer Review thresholds.
* Bring senior level experience to strategic customer visits.
* Develop and conduct technical team training on our strategic solutions.
* Assist with new hire mentoring.
* Review and validate vendor trainings and materials.
* Review and propose new products and solutions that the team should focus on.
* Review existing products and solutions to ensure we're focusing on the best products for our customers.
* Assist with the development of a RFP/RFI process and response development.
* Work with our delivery team and focus partners to refine and develop best practices.
* Act as a point of contact to communicate best practices to and from the team.
* Be a subject matter expert about products, applications, technical service, market conditions, competitive activities, advertising and promotional trends through the reading of pertinent literature and consulting with marketing and technical services. Maintain credible knowledge of competing technologies and solutions.
* Work with other CDW Practices including AI, Enterprise Networking, Managed Services, Digital Velocity and Business Development to develop customer solutions.
* Understand client business drivers and needs. Provide input on strategies to drive revenue for solutions and the overall CDW Hybrid Infrastructure practice.
* Conduct presentations online and in-person to existing and potential customers. Facilitate and perform demos for clients.
* Be responsible for maintaining vendor partner relationship, attend trainings and seminars, and keep sales organization updated on market trends and best practices as they relate to network solutions.
* Attend CDW led marketing efforts including manufacturer trade/partner shows, regional technology seminars, and sales events. Provide support with speaking engagements when appropriate.
* 30% Team development, Training, Deliverable Development (Statement of Work, etc.).
* 30% Develop Go-To-Market Strategies and Execute on them.
* 20% Delivering Presentations at CDW, Vendor, and Industry marketing events.
* 10% Sales activities via conference calls, email, and customer visits.
* What we expect of you:
* Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or the equivalent in experience
* 4 year minimum advanced IoT/Networking/Data Center/Wireless solution experience
* Technical consulting or Pre-Sales experience
* Thorough knowledge of Cisco Data Center products and understanding of infrastructure
* Strong interpersonal and group presentation skills including consulting skills
* Self-starter with passion for developing and delivering new solution offerings
* Strong passion for learning and teaching other
* Ability to think creatively and come up with proactive ideas that will increase sales
* Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written using a variety of styles and techniques appropriate to the audience
* Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and written and in a constructive manner with management, peers and coworkers
* Motivated and self-starting with an outgoing personality
* Ability to think creatively and come up with proactive ideas that will increase sales
* Excellent analytical skills. Demonstrated ability to understand data finding to draw conclusions and develop actionable recommendations
* Proven ability to proactively collaborate and build relationships, take initiative, and creatively problem solve
* History of successfully coordinating complex projects with multiple facets and stakeholders
* Applicant should demonstrate solid attention to detail with a penchant for accuracy
* Ability and willingness to travel up to 50% or as needed to other CDW locations, meetings and client sites
* Ability to understand, remember, and apply oral and/or written instructions or other information. Ability to organize thoughts and ideas into understandable terminology. Ability to multi-task, organize and prioritize. Ability to apply common sense in performing job. Ability to understand and follow basic instructions and guidelines. Ability to travel as needed.
* Experience in technology sales
* Cisco Data Center Certifications
* Experience working in a fast-paced work environment Pay range: $ 110,000- $ 162,000, depending on experience and skill set. Annual bonus target of $30,000 subject to terms and conditions of plan Benefits overview: 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.