Server and Storage Practice Lead

Description
At CDW, we make it happen, together. Trust, connection, and commitment are at the heart of how we work together to deliver for our customers. It's why we're coworkers, not just employees. Coworkers who genuinely believe in supporting our customers and one another. We collectively forge our path forward with a level of commitment that speaks to who we are and where we're headed. We're proud to share our story and Make Amazing Happen at CDW. The Server and Storage Practice Lead is a key technical role in presales, driving strategy for server and storage technologies related to RAG, Gen AI, data centers, and edge compute/storage. This position collaborates with various teams, including Hybrid Infrastructure, Security, R&D, Service Delivery, Product and Partner Management, and Sales Leadership, to create and execute a comprehensive strategy. Responsibilities include presales strategies, onboarding, mentoring Solution Architects (SAs) and Business Development Strategists (BDS), and guiding complex opportunities. The lead also influences manufacturer solutions and defines CDW's technical go-to-market strategy. ​ Key Areas of Responsibility:
* Proactively develop and execute presales strategy for Server and Storage, support all sales segments and provide thought leadership across the Hybrid Infrastructure practice
* Proactively identify and solve issues that impact the strategic direction of CDW
* Build strong relationships and joint go-to-market strategies with cross-functional teams such as Security, R&D, Digital Velocity, Sales and external partners
* Work with internal and external partner executives and other key stakeholders to influence change regarding industry and solution issues
* Explore innovative technology trends and new solutions to ensure presales and post sales are successfully prepared to meet customer demand
* Provide insight into emerging technical trends affecting CDW's portfolio, regularly contributing to major industry publications
* Regularly create forward-thinking, thought leadership deliverables (e.g., external monthly blog posts, internal technical strategy documents)
* Present at technology showcase events, at national industry or technology conferences and/or participates on Partner Technical Advisory Boards. Presentation platforms includes keynotes, breakout sessions, etc.
* Promote a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration by organizing knowledge bases, contributing regularly, and encouraging team members to contribute
* Coach and mentor team members to improve their technical, consulting, and sales skills
* Conduct technical assessment and expert evaluations during candidate selection process
* Assist managers with onboarding new Solution Architects, facilitate mentoring process, and proactively provide assistance and guidance to new hires to accelerate productivity
* Provide technical leadership, enablement, and guidance to Solution Architects, peers, leaders, and other stakeholders within the organization
* Serve as subject matter expert for the creation of new tools and processes for emerging and evolving technologies (e.g., cross-sell opportunities, technical enablement, services calculators, SOW templates, demonstration environments, sales collateral, customer presentations, assessments)
* Maintain and lead peer review process for complex proposals
* Advise leadership, peers, architects, and sales in uniquely challenging customer scenarios
* Facilitate best-practice sharing and communication between presales segments and regions (e.g., solution positioning, closing deals, enhanced profitability)
* 30% Thought Leadership, Develop Go-To-Market Strategies and Execute on them
* 30% Solution Architect enablement, Training, Deliverable Development (internal and customer facing)
* 20% Delivering Presentations at CDW, Vendor, and Industry marketing events
* 10% Sales activities via conference calls, email, and customer visits Education and/or Experience Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or equivalent experience
* Ten-year minimum technical pre-sales or technical Architecture and Design with Server and Storage products
* Demonstrated subject matter expertise with at least two Server and Storage products (Dell, HPE, Cisco, Nutanix, Lenovo, NetApp, Pure Storage, Hitachi etc.) Required Qualifications:
* Strong interpersonal and group presentation skills including consulting skills
* Self-starter with passion for developing and delivering new solution offerings
* Strong passion for learning and teaching others
* Ability to think creatively and come up with proactive ideas that will increase sales
* Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written using a variety of styles and techniques appropriate to the audience
* Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and written and in a constructive manner with management, peers and coworkers
* Motivated and self-starting with an outgoing personality
* Ability to think creatively and come up with proactive ideas that will increase sales
* Excellent analytical skills. Demonstrated ability to understand data finding to draw conclusions and develop actionable recommendations
* Proven ability to proactively collaborate and build relationships, take initiative, and creatively problem solve
* History of successfully coordinating complex projects with multiple facets and stakeholders
* Applicant should demonstrate solid attention to detail with a penchant for accuracy
* Ability and willingness to travel up to 50% or as needed to other CDW locations, meetings and client sites
* Ability to understand, remember, and apply oral and/or written instructions or other information. Ability to organize thoughts and ideas into understandable terminology. Ability to multi-task, organize and prioritize. Ability to apply common sense in performing job. Ability to understand and follow basic instructions and guidelines. Ability to travel as needed. Pay range: $ 143,600- $ 209,000, depending on experience and skill set Annual bonus target of $20,000 subject to terms and conditions of plan Benefits overview: https://cdw.benefit-info.com/ Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials
* We make technology work so people can do great things.
* CDW is a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to business, government, education and healthcare customers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. A Fortune 500 company and member of the S&P 500 Index, CDW helps its customers to navigate an increasingly complex IT market and maximize return on their technology investments. Together, we unite. Together, we win. Together, we thrive. CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.