Principal Cloud Solution Architect

Telefónica Tech (part of the Telefónica Group) is a leading NextGen Tech solutions provider with a highly diversified team of over 6,000 exceptionally skilled employees and +60 nationalities.

We serve more than 5.5m customers everyday in over 175 countries, with a global ecosystem of market-leading partners. Global strategic hubs: Spain, Brazil, the UK, Germany.

The Telefónica Tech UK&I hub has an end- to-end portfolio of market leading services and develops integrated technology solutions to accelerate digital transformation through: Cloud, Data & AI, Enterprise Applications, Workplace Services and Cyber Security & Networking.

Values: Open, Trusted and Bold

Trusted Partners:

• Microsoft: Top 3 Service Providers, Azure Expert Status, Fastrack & Inner Circle Partner
• HPE: Platinum Partner – FY23 UK&I Solution Provider of the Year
• Fortinet: Elite VIP Program – one of only 2 in the UK
• Palo Alto & Crowdstrike: part of our NextDefense Cyber Security Portfolio

Reporting to the Head of Cloud Presales the Principal Cloud Solutions Architect will focus on Public Cloud solutioning and delivering winning propositions to customer with a focus on Microsoft Azure. 

The role is focused on  crafting compelling proposals to clients, and supporting the sales team in closing deals. This strategic role requires extensive industry knowledge, strong communication skills, and expertise in solution design. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Team Management: Senior Architect for the Public Cloud team. Mentoring and managing Architects in the team and providing oversight on proposals.
• Solution Design: Drive the application architecture solution design, building a rich model for application services, usage and technology alignment to agreed architecture principles.
• Client Engagement: Engage with clients to understand their needs, present solutions, and build confidence in our solution proposal including commercial negotiations and BAFO.
• Proposal Development: Craft compelling proposals and responses to requests for information (RFIs) and requests for proposals (RFPs). Ensure proposals are well-structured, clear, and persuasive and standards are maintained across the team.
• Support bids and proposals by shaping solution design, effort estimates and transition plans, ensuring compliance with public sector procurement standards.
• Collaboration: Work closely with sales, marketing, and delivery teams to ensure seamless handover from presales to delivery. Collaborate with offering management to provide feedback on market trends and client needs.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies. Drive innovation in solution design and presales processes to maintain a competitive edge.
• Contribute to the evaluation and adoption of new application technologies such as AI, automation and cloud-native platforms.
• Performance Metrics: Track and report on presales activities and outcomes. Use data to identify areas for improvement and drive continuous enhancement of presales performance.
• Engage with stakeholders and partner organisations to translate complex business needs into secure, scalable, and supportable application designs.

• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in cloud presales, with a strong background in public cloud and Microsoft Azure solutions.
• Technical Certifications: Microsoft Azure architecture certifications desirable, AWS, GCP accepted as alternatives
• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of Application Modernisation and cloud technologies, 
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to present complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Leadership: Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams. Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to think critically and solve complex problems. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

At Telefónica Tech, we believe inclusion is the bridge that empowers everyone to be their authentic selves. We celebrate and respect our differences because diversity drives innovation and makes us stronger.
 
Be yourself with us, and feel that you belong. 

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and identities regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. 
 
We are also committed to equity, accessible hiring practices, and creating an inclusive culture through many means including TogetHer (Women's network) and our Employee Resource Groups which include Diversity and Inclusion, Telefónica Tech Pride, Neurodiversity, ELEVATE (African and Caribbean heritage network), and Sustainability.

 We don’t believe hiring is a tick box exercise, so if you feel that you don’t match the job description 100%, but would still be a great fit for role, please get in touch.