Manager - Solutions Architecture

At Bazaarvoice, we create smart shopping experiences. Through our expansive global network, product-passionate community & enterprise technology, we connect thousands of brands and retailers with billions of consumers. Our solutions enable brands to connect with consumers and collect valuable user-generated content, at an unprecedented scale. This content achieves global reach by leveraging our extensive and ever-expanding retail, social & search syndication network. And we make it easy for brands & retailers to gain valuable business insights from real-time consumer feedback with intuitive tools and dashboards. The result is smarter shopping: loyal customers, increased sales, and improved products.

The problem we are trying to solve : Brands and retailers struggle to make real connections with consumers. It's a challenge to deliver trustworthy and inspiring content in the moments that matter most during the discovery and purchase cycle. The result? Time and money spent on content that doesn't attract new consumers, convert them, or earn their long-term loyalty.

Our brand promise : closing the gap between brands and consumers.

Founded in 2005, Bazaarvoice is headquartered in Austin, Texas with offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

It’s official: Bazaarvoice is a Great Place to Work in the US , Australia, India, Lithuania, France, Germany and the UK!

We take pride in our energetic team environment and strong culture. We multitask well, communicate directly, and lead by example. To be a successful Manager at Bazaarvoice, you must be motivated to make your peers, and direct reports successful and take time to understand their objectives, goals and what motivates them.

You execute well under pressure and against timelines and bookings targets. Your contact will range from business to technical, from analyst to executive; being comfortable communicating at all levels is critical. Leading, caring for and motivating direct reports is key to success in this role.

Bazaarvoice moves quickly and so will you! Passion about life and work balance is very important to us and our people, and we want to see it from you when we interact with you!

As the Manager, Solutions Architecture, you are part of the Global Services organization, leading a team of Solutions Architects to identify and drive excellence in solutions development, services selling and opportunity closure through engagements with new and existing clients. You will work closely with your Sales leadership, Customer Success and Product to ensure timely delivery of Services selling support to Sellers. Your team will be the trusted SME (Subject Matter Experts) with regard to identifying opportunities, recommending and proscribing Services and Support based solutions in the support of larger sales efforts. You will be responsible for building, leading, and retaining a team of high performing, reliable and trusted Solution Architects (SAs).

*This role requires reporting 2-3 days per week to our centrally located London office

Responsibilities

• Proactively engage with Sales and Client Success while being an advocate for our Clients and Global Services delivery teams.
• Work directly with Account Directors and Account Executives to ensure that the correct Services and Support packages are presented to meet our Clients’ needs. 
• Own and manage assigned regions Services bookings forecast. Participate in weekly Global Services forecast calls.
• Work closely with your assigned Sales leadership team to ensure proper and timely coaching of new service and support packages.
• Act as the escalation point for sales engagement requests and feedback.
• Develop and cultivate relationships with senior management and executives in your region(s).
• Develop relationships with peer organization leadership within Global Services to include Support, Implementation, Engagement Management, Services Product, and Analytics/Moderation teams.
• Manage and properly set expectations with internal Global Services and Sales leadership regarding SA performance, deliverables and outcomes.
• When required, participate in executive briefings and client presentations.
• Conduct weekly, one on one sessions with each SA on your team.
• Immediately address any performance concerns and implement proactive, corrective action as needed.
• Develop and put in place development plans for you assigned SAs and identify growth opportunities for learning and continuous improvement.
• Work with other SA management to develop an ongoing Services and Product knowledge and learning plan
• Review, approve and where necessary provide feedback to SAs regarding Statements of Work (SOW) detailing service activities, resource requirements, deliverables, timing and budgeted scope/hours.

Skills and Experience we are looking for:

• Has a Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience managing client-facing, Professional Services teams.
• Experience in SaaS/e-commerce industries
• Five (or more) years of experience leading a team of Solution Architects.
• Strong financial analysis experience (margin analysis, discounting strategies, P&L, ROI, etc.).
• Track record of meeting and exceeding Services sales forecasts and commitments. 
• Strong coaching and mentoring experience; able to confidently provide constructive, professional development feedback.
• Ability to work closely in a highly collaborative manner with internal stakeholders on client-facing pre-sales opportunities.
• Ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Know what it means to effectively manage up and out.
• Proven ability to ramp up quickly and a proven self-starter.

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Why join Bazaarvoice?

Customer is key

We see our own success through our customers’ outcomes.

We approach every situation with a customer first mindset.

Transparency & Integrity Builds Trust

We believe in the power of authentic feedback because it’s in our DNA. 

We do the right thing when faced with hard choices. Transparency and trust accelerate our collective performance.

Passionate Pursuit of Performance

Our energy is contagious, because we hire for passion, drive & curiosity. 

We love what we do, and because we’re laser focused on our mission.

Innovation over Imitation

We seek to innovate as we are not content with the status quo. 

We embrace agility and experimentation as an advantage.

Stronger Together

We bring our whole selves to the mission and find value in diverse perspectives. 

We champion what’s best for Bazaarvoice before individuals or teams.

As a stronger company we build a stronger community.

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Bazaarvoice provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all team members and applicants according to their experience, talent, and qualifications for the job without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex (including pregnancy, gender stereotyping, and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law in every location in which the company has facilities. Bazaarvoice believes that diversity and an inclusive company culture are key drivers of creativity, innovation and performance. Furthermore, a diverse workforce and the maintenance of an atmosphere that welcomes versatile perspectives will enhance our ability to fulfill our vision of creating the world’s smartest network of consumers, brands, and retailers.

Please note: Candidates who are successful will be required to undergo a Basic level DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) background check.