Senior Solutions Engineer
Job Introduction
The Senior Solutions Engineer role is responsible for advisory services to existing and prospective customers across all 5 Regions, 15 Routes, Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and external customers (TFL, HS1, HS2 etc.) producing solutions based on DDaT’s product portfolio, with an input into pricing model and quote/order processing.
The role is technical in nature and customer focused, but it is expected that the individual is able to demonstrate a clear understanding of Solution Design and the Delivery cycle.
Solutions Engineers work closely with Demand and Forecast, Heads of Business Partnering, Customer Service Managers, Lead Delivery Managers, Service Owners, as well as Technology & Engineering groups to ensure the solutions are aligned with customers’ requirements, which are viable and suitable focussing on whole life costs to operate.
Experience in managing virtual teams, logical thinking/problem solving and the ability to follow multiple complex standards is also essential.
Main Responsibility
The Senior Solutions Engineer role is responsible for the pre-sales and post-sales technical consultancy to existing and prospect customers, producing solutions based on DDaT’s product portfolio, with an input into pricing model and quote/order processing. The role is technical in nature and customer focused, but it is expected that the individual is able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the bid cycle. Solutions Engineers works closely with Demand and Forecast Heads of Business Partnering, Customer Service Managers, Lead Delivery Managers, Service Owners, as well as Technology & Engineering groups to ensure the solutions are aligned with customers’ requirements, which are viable and suitable focussing on whole life costs to operate.
- Engaging with DDaT customers/clients to understand the business requirements / problem statements and translate to standard products & services.
- To design solutions directly for DDaT customers and check that the solutions proposed align with the as-is and to-be network architecture & strategy, liaising with NRT Net Architecture if the solution is non-standard.
- Manage stakeholder understanding and expectation regarding the solution; confirming functionality meets business needs in line with the business plan and whole life cost model.
- Provide technical solutions consultancy to Telecoms related projects as required, preparing tenders, proposals and quotations.
- Identify opportunities for the implementation of technical improvements that add value to the business through achievement of 'better, faster, cheaper' services.
- Working with Product Management, Technology & Innovation to enhance the product portfolio based on industry understanding and the needs of the customer base.
- Work in conjunction with approved suppliers to understand product road mapping and impact of end-of-life products to provide seamless integration into the environment.
- Support the quote and order processing by providing clarity on the customer requirements in line with the “right first time” Service Delivery approach. Includes technical coaching and mentoring where required.
The Ideal Candidate
Essential
- Telecommunications services experience, pre/post-sales and network/service design within a service provider/integrator environment in a customer facing role.
- Excellent technical skills to effectively liaise with new and existing customers to understand their requirements and suggest solutions based on the products and service portfolios, as well as network capabilities.
- A demonstrable and practical understanding of both wholesale & enterprise telecoms services, in particular DWDM, Ethernet, MPLS VPNs, Security, VoIP, SDH, LAN/WAN environment, hosting, CCTV.
- Strong negotiation skills derived from working within a corporate and /or utilities governance environment.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain, both in presentation form and verbally, complex technical solutions, to all levels within internal & external organisations.
- Sufficient seniority and credibility to advise senior management in relation to the solutions.
- Self-starter, able to drive initiatives with minimal direction.
- Resilient and able to work under pressure of tight timescales if required.
- Flexible and open-minded to different approaches to solution design and deployment.
- Clear understanding of the bid cycle.
- Educated to degree level or equivalent.
Desirable
- Cisco certs, CCNA, CCDA, CCNP, CCIE
- Knowledge of telecoms within the rail or transport industry sector
- Understanding of a number of the following: Excellent Business Acumen with strong commercial focus (P&L) and financially astute
- Recognition of the dynamics and characteristics of the telecom market products, services and suppliers.
We are committed to a diverse workplace enriched with representation from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and skills. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where difference is embraced, and individuals can thrive. We recognise that the success of the team is dependent on a multi-cultural, multi-disciplined group of individuals, aligned to deliver successful solutions.
At Network Rail, we have several employee networks to reflect our diverse population and help to raise issues to the wider workforce and support their membership and support our Everybody Matters strategy, led by our central Diversity & Inclusion team. In IT Services, we have a group of Diversity & Inclusion Champions who take part and lead on many activities, to drive through more initiatives to support an inclusive environment for all its people and promote a professional and positive working environment. For more information on D&I at Network Rail, please follow this link
Do you consider yourself to have a protected characteristic? If so and you require any additional support with your application, please do not hesitate to contact the Resourcer who will happily assist.
Package Description
Vacancy type: We have 3 Permanent, 35 hours per week, Hybrid working of 2/3 days in the office. We welcome applications from those seeking flexible or part time hours.
Location: Flexible, Milton Keynes, Manchester, York, Glasgow or London
Closing date: 26th April 2024
Interviews will take place W/C 13th May 2024, these will be held Virtually / Face to Face
Band & Salary: Band 3C
The railway has seen nearly 200 years of technology and innovation that has transformed how we provide services to passengers and freight customers.
Technology is continuing to transform the railway industry. Imagine an exciting environment where Digital, Data, and Technology (DDaT) are not just buzzwords but the driving force behind every operation, every decision, and every solution.
As part of the DDaT directorate, you have a unique opportunity to enable our customers and industry partner with modern and transformative technology. From the day-to-day IT operations that keeps a national railway running, to the extensive delivery programmes that our helping to reshape the railway – we are at the forefront of all of it. We operate with a talented and passionate workforce, fostering empowered individuals and teams who understand that technology is not just a tool – it's the catalyst for progress, especially in an ever-demanding industry where change is a constant.
Get ready to embark on a journey where your skills will not just be utilised; they'll be honed and expanded. You're not just joining a team; you're becoming part of a collective force helping to build and operate a railway fit for the next 200 years!
About the Company
We’re an organisation where people matter. We matter to millions.
We offer excellent benefits, including:
Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
✨ Defined benefit pension scheme.
75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
Up to 75% off leisure travel.
️ Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
❤ Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.
We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments
Plus, more….
Our role is to run a safe, reliable and efficient railway, serving customers and communities. We exist to get people and goods where they need to be and to support our country’s economic prosperity. Safety is our number one priority.
We're undertaking an ambitious change. Our vision is Putting Passengers First - becoming a company that is on the side of passengers and freight users. As one of the UK’s leading equal opportunities employers, our values and the way we behave is important to us and we have created an environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution. We have seven employee networks that provide fantastic support, opportunities and development for applicants from all backgrounds. Click here for more information
Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd