Account Architect

The Account Architect, reporting to the Senior Manager, Customer Solutions, is responsible for supporting the Sales process by designing telecommunications solutions or wireline access, quoting the price and articulating the value to help customers to meet their business needs.

This position has input and influence on the Capital Budget and on project profitability and operating budgets through design, development and pricing activities. This position also impacts product services planning and implementation as performed by Marketing.

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. If you are an Indigenous person, a woman, a person with a disability, or a visible minority please indicate so when you are completing the pre-screen questions as you apply to receive hiring preference.

Specific Accountabilities

• Provide technical expertise, engineering, and RFP (Request for Proposal) support to Sales, Marketing, Carrier Services and Affiliate organizations as required to meet customer requirements relating to Wireline and Wireless Access, Fiberoptic and Co-ax Infrastructure, Data / Voice Applications, Terminal Equipment. Customer requirements are obtained by the Account Architect through calls with the customer, face-to-face meetings, site visits, photographs, etc.

• Create and provide quotes on a variety of customer’s requests weighing both the short-term immediate needs of the customer and their longer-term network/telecommunications requirements. This can include performing analysis of alternatives, costing, design, and strategic recommendations. Solutions can include a combination of tariffed and/or special assembly services (non-tariffed services).

• Understand customer requirements, their systems and resource limitations. The position must develop solutions while maintaining Northwestel's standards of quality, timeliness and profitability.

• Consult with the 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).

• Manage the design and implementation of accepted client projects to a stage where the handoff is made to engineering/operations.

• Provide feedback to Product Managers and others on product evolution and new product requirements from the perspective of the customer.

• Engage equipment suppliers (to assess technical compatibility of solution, to determine availability of equipment and to prepare pricing for quotations to customers), systems architects (on network and systems compatibility), telecommunication consultants (who represent the client) and Product Managers (who are responsible for the marketing of that particular service/solution) and contractors.

• Participate in special projects, as assigned, from time to time.

• Each incumbent is expected to become an expert in an area or areas (such as Data / Wireless Networking, Key Systems/PABXs, Transport and Access infrastructure (Fibre, Coax, Copper), Radio/satellite, Site/Space/Power) to support the Sales function, i.e. become an internal or external 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 or equivalent with a minimum of three to five (3-5) years’ experience in IP networking, wireline access, or voice applications.

• Alternate combinations of education and work experience will be reviewed on an individual basis.

• Strong interpersonal communication (oral, written and presentation), negotiation, analytical (e.g., cost/benefit analysis), organizational and project management skills

• Expertise in IP networking and a proven track record in IP network design / implementation or pre-sales success in IP centric solutions.

• Networking certifications (e.g. CCNA, CCDA and/or CCDP) will be considered valuable assets.

• Experience with IP Networking, radio/satellite 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 the customer interface functions such as Account Executives, Account Managers, Assistant Vice Presidents, Directors, and Northwestel Affiliates, to provide technical support to the sales function. This position provides the technical solutions to meet the needs of the customers and the some of the Account Architect’s time is spent on unique solution design, which may be outside of the standard offerings of the Company.

Typical Contacts

This position communicates most directly with Sales – Account Executives, Account Managers, Associate Vice-Presidents, Directors of Operations, Marketing, Implementation and Sales Support, Product Managers, and Affiliate representatives for the purpose of supporting the Sales process, for information exchange and for providing input into product development.

External contacts include other telecommunication companies for researching ideas technical solutions or equipment; suppliers for information on new products, solutions, pricing and availability, and customers for needs analysis and presentation of solution details and quotes for technical solutions.

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

• Health & Wellness Benefits, Pension Plan, Discounts

• Team Incentive Bonus

• Paid Vacation with a Vacation Travel Allowance

• Work-Life Balance

• Community Involvement

Closing

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

As a safety conscious COR™ Certified organization, we have an established and comprehensive safety program. We expect all employees to participate in our organizational health and safety programs, adhering to all safe work procedures focused on continuous improvement.