[Hiring] Senior Microsoft Solutions Specialist @Connection

Role Description

Working independently, with minimal direct supervision from the Manager of Microsoft Solution Sales, the Sr. Microsoft Solution Specialist (SMSS) acts as a senior team member of the Microsoft Solutions team in the COE to guide peers, develop junior team members and work in conjunction with Leadership to help lead team initiatives. The Sr Microsoft Solutions Specialist acts as a resource dedicated to supporting Account Managers and customers with their Microsoft program, product, and pricing needs.

• Supports multiple volume license agreement types including Open Value, CSP/NCE, MPSA, with a specialization to support Microsoft Enterprise Agreements.
• Works with customers to understand their business needs and to provide up to intermediate level solution guidance, recommendations and purchasing options on Microsoft Modern Workplace, Azure, Professional Services and Managed Services.
• Trains Account Managers to provide efficient customer responses and utilize Connection tools including the Microsoft COE Resource Page, Volume License Portal, and the Microsoft Product Cheat Sheets.
• Participates in Connection and Microsoft trainings to maintain a required knowledge base on new technologies and product offerings.
• Supports MSS peers and contributes to the team in ways that benefit the group as a whole.

Qualifications

• Advanced Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook)
• Proficient and professional in hosting and attending remote meetings using Microsoft Teams
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft's lifecycle and renewals process for Enterprise Agreements, MPSA and Cloud Subscription Agreements
• Negotiation skills with ability to secure best purchasing agreement for customers and company
• Working knowledge of sales strategies including upselling with proven success in a goal driven environment
• Strong business analysis skills with ability to convert customer needs to Microsoft solution
• Excellent written communication skills with ability to compose professional business communications
• Excellent verbal communication skills with ability to create and deliver professional presentations
• Meticulous attention to detail with ability to proofread for accuracy
• Organized state of mind with ability to document activities, anticipate problems, plan schedules and monitor performance according to priorities and deadlines
• Interpersonal skills with ability to work well with all levels of the organization
• Analytical with ability to draw conclusions from data, systematic and rational
• Adaptable with ability to switch tasks based on shifting priorities
• Strategic thinker in future-oriented terms who anticipates and considers external and internal elements

Requirements

• Leads team initiatives as delegated by the manager, director or other members Sr. Leadership
• Functions as a peer leader within their respective team
• Provides peer mentorship and aids in growth of developing team members
• Supports leadership efforts to boost and maintain positive team morale
• Acts as a dedicated consultative resource for Sales, Sales leadership, and customers focused on Microsoft solutions
• Presents on customer calls with all stakeholders providing options that provide clarity and control for customers
• Delivers industry-based insights to our customers focusing on pain points leading to Microsoft modern solutions
• Assesses quote solutions and identifies better program and product suite options
• Utilizes a customer first approach focusing on positioning value added services to the customer
• Supports customer Enterprise Agreements (EA) as an assigned resource
• Manages contract lifecycle for Enterprise Agreements
• Produces cost analysis, product quotes and pricing visibility for Enterprise Agreements in partnership with Sales
• Creates milestone touchpoints to communicate with customers and their Microsoft account team
• Engages in Microsoft opportunity conversations with customers
• Stays current on programs, technical knowledge, market trends and operational models
• Leverages self-paced Microsoft training via Get License Ready and Partner University
• Completes online research to stay abreast of new product developments
• Builds and maintains positive relations with vendor
• Reacts to vendor needs and balances the needs of Connection together in support of the customer
• Identifies gaps in partner’s toolkit and works with partner to create additional/improved resources
• Assists with the Microsoft Landscape Optimization (MLO) assessment consultations
• Seeks opportunities to provide greater account control through site Microsoft team involvement
• Maintains and updates Salesforce Pipeline
• Presents at Sales team meetings and On-Boarding events

Benefits

• Supportive teammates and a rewarding career
• Progressive and competitive compensation, 401k plans, and medical insurance
• Free therapy visits, mental health coaching and tools, and meditation resources
• Generous paid time off package including vacation, sick time, Wellness and Volunteer Time Off days