Job Description

At NTT we believe that by using innovative technology we can solve global challenges and create a world that is sustainable and secure. We are looking for curious people, from diverse backgrounds, that are keen to work in a fast-paced and agile environment.

At NTT we trust our employees to do the right thing, even when no one is watching, which is why we offer flexibility in the workplace. The majority of our roles are hybrid, meaning we encourage a balance of working from home and our local office. Ask our recruitment team if this is a hybrid role.

Want to be a part of our team?

The Senior Solution Architect is a consultative solution focused individual that works closely with the sales team. The Solution Architect must be capable of leading solution driven discussions and mapping business requirements to technical solutions. The Senior Solutions Architect works with colleagues and clients with complex information technology environments. They provide multi-technology consulting services to clients to analyze and provide strategies and solutions on all aspects of application software, infrastructure and related technology components. They advise and execute on the best design for information technology architectures. Their primary objective is to ensure the optimal functioning of an entity’s IT application software and infrastructure by outlining solution architecture descriptions across business and service units, domains, functions, and industries, then monitoring and governing the implementation. This employee design and communicate high level structure to enable and guide the design and development of integrated solutions that meet current and future business needs.

Working at NTT

Technology expertise

The Sr. Solution Architect has expert knowledge on multi-technology and infrastructure design best practices in a variety of platforms which enables them to act as trusted advisors to the architecture consulting team on optimal infrastructure designs. They take holistic views of such technology environments including application software, hardware platforms, operating systems and storage. They use client requirements to advise on the design, deployment and operation of application infrastructures.

Infrastructure architecture consulting

They are able to create strategies and solutions that define meta-architectural designs for medium complexity solutions that will address issues such as styles, concepts, mechanisms and principles that combine to formulate the architectural vision for a specific environment.

They apply design methodology principles in a logical and scientific manner to perform a detailed analysis of client requirements to create designs for conceptual architectural designs. These designs provide holistic views, but also contain the details of the components and interconnections between components. The Senior Solutions Architect becomes involved with a project at the time of inception and is involved along with the project manager in the planning and governance of projects, the Functional analysis (FA) of developing the initial requirements. They then remain involved throughout the balance (meaning the implementation) of the project.

Solution design and implementation

Senior Solutions Architects are knowledgeable on how specific infrastructures and application software are deployed in line with the internal methodology frameworks and NTT approved industry best practices. They will be able to apply these frameworks and best practices to their designs and they will also be responsible to contribute advice on improving methodology.

They are able to develop and leverage their knowledge of reference architectures during the whole consulting lifecycle.

This employee ensures understanding of the technical and key business drivers that clients need and can utilise this in conversations and consulting meetings. They understand the commercial construct of a solution and how to incorporate this into a business case for the client in conjunction with the Sales Specialist and other business partners. They understand and can apply the key drivers in a service level agreement (SLA) and can assist clients to negotiate on the requirements of a SLA in relation to the business solution being proposed.

They have good knowledge of project management principles and they ensure that projects with clients are executed accordingly.

Proof of concept

A strong stakeholder and client relationship is required to ensure an understanding of the business need, related products and solutions and technology positioning. The individual is expected to manage the proof of concept (POC) initiatives, which will require the involvement of the appropriate resources (engineers and/or developers), and setup and delivery of the POC. To obtain a working client solution the individual acts as a bridge between the client, Engineers, Client Managers and Project Management teams. On all large sized enterprise engagements the Senior Solutions Architect owns the proposed solution and transitions the build / implementation to the delivery team. This means that they remain engaged with the client all the way through to the transfer to business as usual and return as “thought leaders” for the next opportunity.

Research

The Senior Solutions Architect researches and investigates emerging infrastructure technologies and the best practices associated with them. They are adept at analysing client business needs and they are able translate this knowledge into an understanding of how markets and clients will respond to new trends in technologies.

Business development

They increase business opportunities for NTT by acting as entrepreneurs and generating opportunities within clients. The can qualify opportunities and contribute to the process of selling solutions and services.

Vendor engagement

They interact with vendors as required to obtain full knowledge of vendor roadmaps, new developments and new product offerings. They include vendors in solution design when required, creating win-win scenarios for the different parties.

Practice Management

The Senior Solutions Architect is required to:

• contribute to the development of new services to take to market,
• contribute information on relevant vertical markets
• keep up to date on development in specific technology domains.

Behavioral skills

Senior Solutions Architects act as experts in the NTT organisation and they mentor less experienced consultants. They work and engage with other team members and act as advisor and decision maker in solution design situations. They also continuously contribute to the improvement of internal effectiveness by contributing to improving current methodologies, processes and tools. They are analytical in their approach and display the required interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with a variety of stakeholders. This employee needs an ability to share and communicate ideas clearly, both orally and in writing, to executive staff, business sponsors, and technical resources in clear concise language. The Senior Solutions Architect operates across Architects as he/she needs to be able to understand infrastructure, application and operations pull together a complete solution by engaging the expertise of all of the other architects while following the directive of the Enterprise Architect.

Requirements: Education, Training and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Accounting, Math, Business Administration, Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must achieve and maintain professional or specialist level certifications across NTT Strategic vendors or equivalent level of experience
• Must achieve ITIL certification

Experience

• At least 5-10 years of related industry experience with at least 2-4 years of pre-sales experience
• Experience in complex projects utilizing PMBOK, Lean, ITIL, or Agile methodologies

Personal Attributes and Skills Required

Skills and knowledge

• Developed technical capability across a broad range of products, services, and solutions
• Ability to map business needs to technology solutions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to develop strong client relationships
• Analytical skills and proven ability to work with a client to understand requirements and define appropriate solutions
• Collaborative with team members and other resources within the organization
• Comfortable communicating and leading client discussions and meetings at a business and technical level
• Combination of advanced technical aptitude with a sales and business focus
• Capable of working independently with the ability to properly engage additional resources efficiently, as needed
• Good project and time management skills

Attributes

• Ability to focus on detail with an understanding of how it impacts the business strategically
• Ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders and colleagues at all levels
• Ability to work in high-pressure situations
• Ability to establish and manage processes and practices through collaboration and the understanding of business
• Ability to manage urgent and complex tasks simultaneously

Next career steps

• Principal Solutions Architect

What will make you a good fit for the role?

Join our growing global team and accelerate your career with us. Apply today.

Equal opportunity employer

NTT is proud to be an equal opportunity employer with a global culture that embraces diversity. We are committed to providing an environment free of unfair discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate based on age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, veteran status, or other protected category.