Reporting to the Senior Manager, Customer Solutions, this position is responsible for supporting the retail and wholesale sales teams by designing complex telecommunications, network, and/or security solutions to meet customer requirements, analyzing solution economics, and by articulating the value to help customers to meet their business needs. This position has input and influence on the Capital Budget, on the Sales Support operating budget, and on product services planning and implementation as performed by Marketing. This position has no direct reports.

Employment Equity

Northwestel values diversity in the workplace and is committed to the goals of Employment Equity. We strive to achieve a skilled workforce that is representative of the population we serve, and as a Northern company, we are committed to the employment and career development of our Indigenous peoples. Candidates must clearly indicate on their application if they are First Nation, Inuit, or Métis; a woman; a person with a disability; or a visible minority, if they wish to receive hiring preference.

Specific Accountabilities

• Provide quotes on a variety of customer requests addressing both the short-term immediate needs of the customer and their longer-term network/telecommunications requirements. This would include performing analysis of alternatives, costing, design, regulatory compliance, and strategic recommendations. Solutions could include a combination of existing tariffed and/or non-tariffed services, and new service offerings developed for specific customers and/or mass-market offerings.
• Engage with Account Executives, Account Managers, Northwestel affiliates, and clients to prepare the technical and business needs of the client account plans and major proposals (i.e. develop the economic basis for both Northwestel and the client).
• Provide feedback and support to Product Managers and others on new product development, product evolution, and process development. Provide insight related to requirements from the perspective of the customer.
• Manage the design and implementation of accepted solutions to a stage where the handoff is made to Project Management or Engineering/Operations. This may include implementation planning, instructions, or any other support to ensure the success of the solution. The Solutions Architect is considered an expert in the proposed solution.
• Determine hardware and systems used for custom solutions. Participate in test plan create and testing for custom solutions. Liaise with internal systems architects (on network and systems compatibility), telecommunication consultants (who represent the client) and Product Managers to ensure all required parameters are met during solution implementation. Liaise with equipment suppliers to assess technical compatibility of solution, to determine availability of equipment, and to prepare pricing for quotations to customers.
• Provide technical expertise, design and Request for Proposal (RFP) support to Sales, Marketing, Carrier Services and affiliate organizations as required to meet customer requirements, relating to complex service integration of multiple products and services.
• Develop economic models with associated risks and probabilities to evaluate options and contingencies to quantify and analyze data with respect to new or existing business services or special projects.
• Participate in special projects related to product development, solution design and implementation, and other initiatives as assigned.
• Each incumbent is expected to be an expert in an area or areas (such as data/IP, security, transport and access, radio/satellite) to support the Sales function, i.e. be an internal resource and share this knowledge accordingly.
• Mentor and provide training for less experienced team members.
• Participate fully in our organizational health and safety programs, adhering to all safe work practices and procedures and staying focused on continuous improvement. In addition, ensuring all Accident Prevention Program (APP’s) training, all Code of Business Conduct (CoBC) training, and all other Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training are completed on time.
• Timely completion of all administrative tasks including, but not limited to time reporting, expense reporting and submission of corporate card statements, as applicable.

Knowledge And Skills Required

• Post-secondary degree in Information Technology, Networking or related with a minimum of five to seven (5-7) years’ experience in data/IP, security, transport and access, radio/satellite. Alternate combinations of education and work experience may be considered.
• Above average interpersonal communication, negotiation, analytical (e.g. cost/benefit analysis), organizational and project management skills.
• Customer-focused attitude, with a high level of professionalism and discretion and the ability to provide feedback, influence, create and present presentations, assist in process development and help solve problems.
• Networking certifications will be considered as assets.
• Relevant experience with Workplace Health & Safety Committees, or knowledge of the elements of a health and safety program or health and safety regulations in Canada will be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of the elements of a health & safety program will be considered an asset.

Nature And Scope

This position works with the customer, as well as internal stakeholders including Account Executives, Account Managers, Associate Vice-Presidents, Executives and Northwestel affiliates. This position provides technical solutions to meet the needs of the customers, including all aspects of solution design, technology, testing, regulatory compliance, and assisting with process and product development. Solutions Architect is considered a subject matter expert and will advise internal and external stakeholders on all aspects of technical solutions from the design phase to the implementation phase.

Typical Contacts

This position communicates most directly with Sales (including Account Executives, Account Managers, the Assistant Vice-President of Sales), Engineering, Operations, Regulatory, Product Management and other Sales Support personnel for the purpose of supporting the Sales process, for information exchange and for providing input into product development. This position also involves communication with company executives, including leading presentations and internal governance requirements.

External contacts include other telecommunications companies for researching ideas, technical solutions or equipment, suppliers for information on new products, solutions, pricing and interacting with new/current customers (via telephone calls, face-to-face meetings, site visits, photographs and the like) for needs analysis and providing quotes for the proposed relevant technical solutions.

Typical Problem Solving

This position must build an understanding of customer requirements and their systems and develop solutions while maintaining Northwestel’s standards of quality, timeliness and profitability.

Working Conditions

This position is occasionally required to assist with or oversee installations on customer premises but for the most part the position works in a typical office environment. Limited travel is required, typically no more than four (4) times per year for up to one (1) week at a time in duration.

What We Offer You

• Work in a collaborative and inclusive environment

• Gain exposure to all core HR functional areas

• Contribute to impactful programs and initiatives

• Enjoy opportunities for professional development and growth

• Health & Wellness Benefits, Pension Plan, Discounts

• Team Incentive Bonus

• Paid Vacation with a Vacation Travel Allowance

• Work-Life Balance

Closing

Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. Posting will remain active until the position is filled.