Pre-Sales Solution Architect

Reading, UK Job Description Bytes is a top provider of premium IT solutions and services, working with SMEs, corporations, and public sector organizations to modernize and digitally transform their IT infrastructures. Founded in 1982, Bytes has experienced significant growth, now employing over 750 people across seven locations in the UK and Ireland, with a turnover surpassing £2 billion. At Bytes, we nurture talented individuals to achieve remarkable outcomes and are dedicated to supporting our employees through continuous training, guidance, and development to help you advance and fulfil your career goals. We foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, recognition and inclusivity and offer a wide range of benefits to support staff wellbeing. Operating from modern, hybrid working environments with offices in Leatherhead, Reading, London and Manchester 25 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays and Christmas period Excellent learning and development opportunities Open plan office with collaborative working spaces, on-site gym, outdoor tiki bar, coffee bar, and lunch area Company wellbeing and social events Sports and social clubs Incentive trips Employee Assistance Programme Discounted private healthcare EV scheme and Ride to Work scheme Winners of an array of industry awards Great Place to Work Certified Sunday Times Top 100 Best Places to Work Supporters of 85+ charities with strong commitment to diversity and sustainability POSITION DETAILS: Position Title: Reports to (POSITION): Technical Pre-Sales Manager Team: Technical Pre-Sales Department: Services & Solutions PURPOSE OF JOB (OVERALL DESCRIPTION OF THE POST WITHIN THE TEAM AND ORGANISATION) As a Microsoft Data & AI Cloud Presales Architect, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how our customers adopt and scale Microsoft’s intelligent cloud and data services. This is a highly consultative role that blends deep technical expertise with commercial acumen and customer engagement. You will work closely with account teams, solution specialists, and delivery consultants to design and position scalable, secure, and innovative Data & AI solutions. These solutions will span Microsoft Azure, Fabric, Azure AI services including Azure OpenAI, Cognitive Services, and Machine Learning and will be tailored to meet the unique needs of enterprise and public sector clients. Your responsibilities will include leading technical discovery sessions to develop solution architectures, and supporting the sales cycle with compelling demos, proposals, and proof‑of‑value engagements. You’ll also act as a trusted advisor to customers, helping them understand how to unlock value from their data and AI investments. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of technology and business, and who is passionate about helping organisations transform through data‑driven decision‑making and AI innovation. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Advise customers on the use of Azure AI services including Cognitive Services, Azure Machine Learning, and Azure OpenAI to solve business challenges. Lead technical discovery sessions with customers to understand business and technical requirements Design and present Data & AI solutions using Microsoft Azure, Fabric, and OpenAI services Collaborate with internal teams to shape proposals and ensure solution feasibility Support the sales cycle with technical expertise, demos, and proof-of-value engagements Stay current with Microsoft’s Data & AI roadmap and emerging technologies Ensure proposed solutions align with Microsoft’s “Metrics that Matter” to drive measurable customer outcomes Collaborate with AI-focused delivery teams to shape PoC engagements and ensure feasibility of AI-driven solutions. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS: (DELETE AS REQUIRED IF ESSENTIAL OR DESIRABLE, REMOVE UNNECESSARY REQUIRENENTs) Educational Qualifications Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related field DESIRABLE Equivalent industry experience in lieu of formal education ESSENTIAL Professional Qualifications Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert or equivalent ESSENTIAL Years of Experience 5+ years in a Technical Pre‑Sales, solution architecture, or consulting role ESSENTIAL Experience designing and presenting Data & AI solutions ESSENTIAL Other Requirements Hands‑on experience with Azure AI services including Cognitive Services, Azure ML, and Azure OpenAI Strong understanding of Microsoft Azure Data & AI stack Familiarity with Microsoft Fabric and Azure OpenAI Understanding of responsible AI principles and governance in enterprise environments Experience with AWS Data & AI services DESIRABLE Ability to simplify complex data topics for customer conversations ESSENTIAL Experience planning Proof of Concept (PoC) projects Understanding of Microsoft’s "Metrics that Matter" DESIRABLE CORE COMPETENCIES & SKILLS – BASED ON POSITION AND GRADE Technical Expertise Deep knowledge of Azure Data & AI services, architecture, and deployment ESSENTIAL Ability to lead discovery sessions and translate needs into solutions ESSENTIAL Solution Design Skilled in designing scalable, secure, and innovative architectures ESSENTIAL Communication Clear communicator with technical and non-technical stakeholders ESSENTIAL Works effectively with sales, delivery, and partner teams ESSENTIAL Stays up to date with Microsoft roadmap and emerging technologies DESIRABLE Understands licensing, pricing, and commercial models for Microsoft cloud DESIRABLE Strategic Thinking Ability to align solutions with customer business outcomes ESSENTIAL Ability to design and position AI-driven solutions using Microsoft’s AI stack ESSENTIAL Ethical Awareness Familiarity with responsible AI practices and customer data governance #J-18808-Ljbffr