Solutions Architect-Configuration Services
 CDW | |
 United States, Illinois, Vernon Hills | |
| 200 North Milwaukee Avenue (Show on map) | |
 Oct 31, 2025 | |
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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. Job Summary The Configuration Services Solution Architect is a technical Pre-Sales role that focuses on developing comprehensive configuration solutions for CDW customers. This role involves providing consultative guidance, supporting partner product sales, scoping service offerings, and fostering strategic relationships to drive business growth. In this role you will be working with customers, delivery, and internal sales teams as a trusted advisor to grow our Configuration Services business. What you will do: * Technology Leadership o Architect appropriate solutions for CDW customers by leveraging Configuration Services portfolio of services to meet customer needs and drive efficiency and quality in the delivery of the solution in the Config Center. o Collaborate with customers, delivery teams, internal sales and other opportunity stakeholders to offer consultative guidance, provide education on processes or policies, plan sales strategy, and author statements of work (SOWs) or other service-related contracts. o Lead high-level configuration discussions around core technology areas and with partners. * Quoting and Documentation o Generate quotes and validate scope for Configuration Services opportunities. o Analyze technical and competitive considerations, defining actions to meet customer expectations in the sales cycle. * Customer Engagement o Develop and maintain strategic relationships with Customers, Internal Sales & Delivery management, and other opportunity stakeholders acting as a trusted advisor to drive business growth. * Certifications and Training o Acquire and maintain relevant technology and industry certifications or as required by manager. o Minimum of 2 domain-specific technical certifications kept up to date or as required by manager. May include partner certifications such as Microsoft, Google, Apple, etc. * Sales Support: o Support business opportunities in collaboration with sales, partners, and customers. o Follow up and respond to questions regarding open and closed cases, tickets, or contracts. * Events and Collaboration: o Participate in CDW events focused on business technology solutions. o Attend in-person events when travel is necessary. What we expect of you: * Education: o Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience. * Experience: o Minimum of three years' experience in technical, Pre-Sales, or post-sale delivery role. o Knowledge or history of using Salesforce is preferred. o Knowledge or experience with Statements of Work preferred. * Certifications o CompTIA+ certification required, or equivalent certification required along with at least two additional domain-specific certification. * Skills and Abilities o Proficient in Microsoft Office applications. o Demonstrated success in engaging and working with sales teams. o Adaptability to changing business needs within the practice and team coverage model. o Strong interpersonal and presentation skills, including effective consulting techniques. o Excellent oral and written communication skills tailored to various audiences. o Self-motivated with a passion for learning and teaching others. o Creative thinking to generate proactive ideas that enhance sales. o Proven ability to collaborate, take initiative, and solve problems creatively. o Effective time management to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines. o Constructive communication with management, peers, and coworkers. o Ability to understand, apply, and recall oral or written instructions. o Organizational skills to express thoughts and ideas clearly. o Multitasking capability for efficient prioritization. o Motivated, self-starting, and able to independently perform high quality work with minimal guidance. o Willingness to travel up to 25% or as needed. * Industry knowledge and domain expertise: o A Configurations Solutions Architect should possess domain expertise. o Should understand industry-specific challenges, regulations, and best practices. o Must have a deep understanding of the architecture, products, technologies, and solutions offered by the company. This knowledge enables them to provide tailored recommendations and position the company's solutions effectively within the industry landscape. * Areas of Expertise specific to this role includes: o Network and Security Devices: Practiced with solutioning common network and security configuration services and engaging with customers to resolve any challenges when deploying these services. Includes but is not limited to device level configuration, cloud or IP configuration services, OS or firmware updates, physical module or hardware installation, kitting, palletization, or customized labeling options. o Enterprise Services and Racks: Expertise architecting solutions for scratch rack build configurations, cabling and labeling, and device configuration with an emphasis on understanding the total BOM included as part of the rack or server. Must possess a deep understanding of value-add configuration services applicable pre-shipment or post-shipment. o Chrome: Possess knowledge of Google Chrome based provisioning and deployment methods and has familiarity with Education based solutions around deploying Chrome devices to the field and other services commonly attached with Chrome devices or related hardware. o Apple Client Devices: Knowledge of Apple provisioning best practices and enrollment methods at the device level. Ability to educate clients on different MDM deployment methods for generic deployments or end user personalized specific deployments as needed. o Windows Client Devices: Deep understanding of standard Windows client provisioning and imaging methods at the device level. Capable of educating clients on customization solutions for generic deployments or end user specific deployments as well as solutions such as Microsoft Autopilot. o Core Configuration Services: Experienced with typical hardware configuration services such as asset tagging, hardware installation, printer configurations, and similar services. This can include but is not limited to kitting, palletization, and asset tagging. o Mobile Devices: Ability to educate clients and architect solutions for services related to mobile device configuration such as case install services, MDM configuration, software and app configuration, and end user personalization services. o Staging Services: Deep understanding of internal CDW supply chain management solutions and processes such as Buy and Hold and Customer Owned Inventory. Must have knowledge around drafting of SOWs, contracts, best practices, and policies/regulations. This includes but is not limited to inventory management ISO certifications, palletization, invoicing, WMS, inventory management best practices, etc. o Spec Ops: Familiarity and ability to architect creative solutions to manage customer inventory with packaging solutions including but not limited to kitting, palletization, custom labeling, and custom material services. o IT Asset Disposition: Understanding and ability to articulate customer IT asset disposition requirements to select and deliver an appropriate ITAD solution. Must possess knowledge of with each of current CDW partner's offerings to align customer requirements with the most appropriate partner to deliver ITAD solutions. Ability to draft SOWs in line with company's policies/regulations and best practices for each customer and partner. * Team collaboration and leadership: o Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including sales and delivery, is crucial in this role. o A Configurations Solutions Architect should be able to work effectively in a team, lead technical discussions, and influence decision-making. * Customer-focused approach: o Customer-centric mindset and be able to understand and articulate customer needs effectively. o Possess excellent communication and presentation skills to engage with customers, gather requirements, and explain technical concepts in a clear and concise manner. o Building relationships, understanding customer pain points, and providing tailored solutions are key aspects of this role. * Solution design and problem-solving skills: o Ability to design and communicate comprehensive solutions that address customer requirements, business challenges, and build consensus around the final solution. o Skilled in analyzing complex problems, identifying appropriate solutions, and translating technical concepts into understandable terms for customers. o Strong problem-solving skills are crucial for identifying and resolving technical issues or gaps in proposed solutions. Pay range: $ 60,000-90,000, depending on experience and skill set 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. | |