About us:

Softchoice is a leading North American provider of IT solutions and services and one of Canada’s Best Workplaces™. With a network of more than 40 local sales offices supported by five regional call centers, we work with partners like Microsoft, HP and IBM to manage the technology needs of more than 19,000 small, mid-market, enterprise and public sector organizations. Our commitment to service and to delivering strategic advice in person has resulted in consistent, above-market growth. Whether providing efficient, low-cost technology fulfillment, or advanced solution design and implementation, we’re helping organizations everywhere harness the power of innovation.

Microsoft Solutions Architect Summary:

Softchoice Business Solutions provides services in Unified Communications and Collaboration, Workload Optimization and Storage, Backup and Recovery. across Canada. A Microsoft Solutions Architect will be responsible for working with the sales account teams and Softchoice customers to develop the customer’s strategy and vision around their Microsoft Solutions . Work with the sales team to manage the pipeline and achieve a revenue targets on Microsoft product and services.

Responsibilities of Microsoft Solutions Architect Includes:

• Responsible for working with account executives to drive new Microsoft solutions opportunities in their Regions.
• This person will participate in customer facing meetings to determine business and technical requirements that will be used in developing storage solutions or solution alternatives that map within Softchoice’s capabilities
• Understanding of the MS Solutions, Roadmaps and Solutions Framework.
• Subject matter expertise in Microsoft Solutions Framework, Windows Server 2000-2008, Exchange and Office Communications server technologies.
• Strategically collaborating with Vendor partners to drive the business.
• This person is responsible for assisting Sales Managers and Sales Reps in defining, positioning, designing and presenting a range of Microsoft solutions.
• Interact on a regular basis with senior management and stakeholders, applying exceptional
• leadership skills in managing expectations, mitigating risk and removal of any roadblocks.
• Develop Solutions Proposals that define customer expectation and product and services requirements necessary to achieve customer objectives.
• Working with the Sales team to manage through the pipeline and closing the opportunities
• Working with the Project Management to ensure the services are implemented and delivered as scoped.

• Experience in assessing new opportunities and performing necessary due-diligence around technical, operational and financial impacts
• Broad knowledge on the IT Solutions and Professional Services
• Highly developed interpersonal and leadership skills
• Highly self-directed with ability to take initiative
• Effectively liaises with all levels of management
• Excellent negotiation, communication skills and political acumen
• Excellent analytical and decision making skills
• Strong process management skills including creation and change management
• Ability to formulate stakeholder assessment, engagement and obtain buy-in strategies and execution
• Experience working as a Microsoft Business Partner

• Expert knowledge of financial analysis and business case preparation
• Understanding of Marketing strategy, planning, and execution practices
• Experience working for a Solutions Provider as an asset
• Building strong interpersonal relationships, promoting a team-focused culture with strong shared goals & accountabilities, and influencing outcomes through leadership and persuasion
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (verbal and written), and presentation skills
• Required Professional Designation/Certification:
• Post-secondary education in Business, Marketing, Information technology or Engineering.
• Microsoft Technical Certifications in appropriate disciplines.
• Project Management skills would be considered an asset

• Extensive experience in identifying, evaluating and implementing new solutions opportunities
• 2 to 5 years of experience, ideally with 3+ years of experience in a professional servitor production IT environment
• Experience in the development of business cases, cost / benefit analysis, pricing models, and forecasts
• Formal experience in Services, marketing, business planning and project management functions related to Microsoft Solutions
• An intimate understanding of Microsoft server and desktop virtualization strategies

• Must be highly customer service oriented.
• Proven record of successfully recommending suitable technical products for business customers.
• Must be highly organized and able to multi-task in a fast-paced sales environment.
• Must be detail oriented and well versed with internet research.
• Strong passion for technology and interest in building on product knowledge continuously.
• Independent worker with a track record of taking initiative.
• Works well in a collaborate environment and possesses a positive attitude