Practice Lead, Microsoft Solutions

at  CDW

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for leading CDW’s Microsoft Solutions team which sits within the Sales organisation. This leadership role will have a team of Solution Architects reporting in that are responsible for leading the technical conversations with our customers.
This role will be responsible for setting and managing the standards, directional plans and continuously driving improvement into the team for future business, team and personal growth.

The core objectives of this role are:

• To create and execute on a Microsoft performance identity which makes it clear on the teams current and future growth contributions aligned to CDW UK and Microsoft strategy. To continuously drive high performance and leadership in line with the performance metrics
• To create, manage and deliver exceptional internal and external customer experiences and outcomes within the Microsoft and associated eco-system portfolio
• To clearly define the Microsoft go to market, which technology areas we focus on, how we go to market and how we continue to grow a positive P&L within this team in collaboration with other business units
• To work in partnership with various internal business units, supporting initiatives that drive improvements to the way we operate through process and platform initiatives, always demonstrating balanced flexibility and a passion to engage
• To create and evolve learning and development programmes with autonomy (in collaboration with other business units) ensuring co-workers are continuing to develop individually and in line with business objectives. Continue to iterate the process aligned with business and market changes

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

• Proven successful experience in the Information Technology market with a demonstrable track record of developing teams and individuals
• Experience with engaging SLT members to support growth, business and change initiatives and investments
• Demonstrable experience in building and executing on successful and profitable business plans
• Experience in forging impactful business generating relationships will all levels of sales and sales leadership to build brand and profitable performance
• Demonstrable experience in delivering change initiatives in line with business strategy
• Proven C-level interaction, engagement and relationship management
• Demonstrable track record of creating and driving measurable revenue and profit growth and managing cost
• Strong understanding and experience of the sales and procurement lifecycle including negotiation, contracting, and the management of third parties
• Experience in building internal departmental brand
• Professional certifications (desirable) such as Sales, Business Administration or Leadership & Management qualifications

ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES

• Highly ambitious, credible, motivated, and accountable individual with an appreciation for building meaningful and lasting relationships, combined with a desire and ability to “win hearts and minds” - Confident yet humble in their approach
• Detail-oriented with strong time management skills combined with the capacity to lead and work on multiple initiatives, as well as dynamically prioritise and pivot based on changing business needs
• Outstanding communications skills, with the ability to clearly and concisely present concepts and recommendations in verbal, written, and presentation formats to customers, senior leaders, and cross-functional audiences
• High levels of industry-related knowledge with an insatiable thirst for new information relevant to the market
• Prepared for occasional travel between CDW UK & International offices as the role requires whilst maintaining a suitable home life balance
• Ability to allocate time to undertake personal development activities such as attending training, achieving certifications, and focusing on soft-skill development – always seeking to personally develop as an individual

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build the UK’s best Microsoft Solutions business by leading and developing this Microsoft technology pillar
• Proactively drive exceptional and consistent customer and seller experiences innovating our delivery model, drive increased opportunity win rates and customer up/cross sell through progressive and credible presales expertise – Always seeking to ‘raise the bar’
• Build clear internal and customer selling preselling motions that closely align to Microsoft programmes, incentives and financial models
• Deliver proactive and deliberate engagement with sales leadership, sellers, and the wider business to assess and support opportunities in various stages of flight (pre-sales through delivery) considering resource requirements and constraints
• Develop market insights and competitive intelligence in collaboration with the Presales leadership team, Office of the CTO, Partner Management, Marketing and Sales teams that aid in the development and success of the Microsoft Practice
• Host, attend and participate in internal, customer or partner events to showcase CDW’s capability
• Continuously assess and develop the Microsoft Solutions team and recruit the best talent into the team to drive towards CDW’s Mission Forward strategic objectives as well as always striving to improve standards
• Drive deliberate and exceptional collaboration across all business units delivering broad business outcomes for our customers
• Delivering and executing on strong coaching and performance management including but not limited to - 121 meetings with the team, monitoring performance, supporting development, and completing the co-worker life cycle process in line with CWS guidance (process TRP, IDP, PMP and other initiatives)

The core objectives of this role are:

• To create and execute on a Microsoft performance identity which makes it clear on the teams current and future growth contributions aligned to CDW UK and Microsoft strategy. To continuously drive high performance and leadership in line with the performance metrics
• To create, manage and deliver exceptional internal and external customer experiences and outcomes within the Microsoft and associated eco-system portfolio
• To clearly define the Microsoft go to market, which technology areas we focus on, how we go to market and how we continue to grow a positive P&L within this team in collaboration with other business units
• To work in partnership with various internal business units, supporting initiatives that drive improvements to the way we operate through process and platform initiatives, always demonstrating balanced flexibility and a passion to engage
• To create and evolve learning and development programmes with autonomy (in collaboration with other business units) ensuring co-workers are continuing to develop individually and in line with business objectives. Continue to iterate the process aligned with business and market change