Lead Pre-Sales Architect

Aker Systems was founded in 2017 by a team of experienced technology professionals who recognised an opportunity to provide highly secure enterprise data platforms to large organisations. We build and operate ground-breaking, ultra-secure, high performance, cloud-based data infrastructure for the enterprise. Our proprietary technology solutions drive performance and reduce costs while helping our clients to improve the management and sharing of data across their organisations.In 2024, Aker Systems won the Breakthrough Culture Awards, highlighting growth companies putting culture first. We encourage people of all different backgrounds and identities to apply.We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where you can do your very best work.A UK Government Security Check (SC) clearance is required for this role. If you don't hold SC clearance, we will support you to apply, assuming you have lived and worked in the UK for a minimum of 5 years.As a Pre-Sales Architect, you will play a pivotal role in identifying, shaping and securing new data modernisation opportunities by bridging the gap between client challenges and our transformative AI-ready data infrastructure and solutions in pursuit of new business and growth.Aker operates a solution-led sales and delivery model that is consultative, problem-focused, and rooted in deep expertise. Rather than leading with products, we start by understanding a customer's specific challenges, environment, and desired outcomes. Through structured discovery, questioning, and technical insight, we shape a tailored mix of expertise, solutions and software that directly addresses the problem and delivers measurable value. This approach ensures clients receive solutions that are fit for purpose, outcomes-driven, and aligned to their mission.This is not a hands-on engineering role, but it requires solid architectural understanding across modern data platforms, cloud services, integration patterns, and enterprise data ecosystems. It is an even split between pre-sales solution consultancy and solution architecture — clearly articulating the "what" and "why" of Aker's value proposition and referencing Aker's customer success stories and clearly explaining "how" our solutions and software platforms function, integrate, and scale.Key ResponsibilitiesProviding technical pre-sales support for all aspects & stages of new sales efforts, including qualification, requirements analysis, value proposition generation etc.Creating high-scoring bid responses via RFx/ITQ process – as prime or supporting entity.Support pre-sales engagements by presenting (face to face & online) Aker's capabilities, credibility & technical value proposition aligned to specific sectors.Remain current with industry trends in data platforms, cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP) and data governance to inform solution design.Collaborate with sales, delivery and product teams to shape and articulate solutions that are technically sound, commercially viable and aligned with client expectations.Supporting go-to-market activities via thought leadership and customer engagement events.Core CompetenciesProven track record (4+ yrs) in pre-sales solution architecture with direct ownership of technical RFx/ITQ responses and multiple successful £M+ bidsCloud-based (AWS, Azure GCP) data modernisation experience using event-based architecture, real-time data processing & data product thinkingAbility to establish credibility quickly with senior technical and business stakeholders, communicate with authority, and influence strategic decision-makingStrong communication & storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into business outcomesKnowledge of Enterprise verticals such as FS&I, Energy & Utilities & Public SectorExperience designing and selling data modernisation capabilities into highly regulated and secure environments (FS&I, Energy & Utilities, or Public Sector)Certifications – preferred professional certifications from AWS, Azure or GCPAker Systems AttributesAt Aker we work as a team; we are collaborative, hardworking, open, and delivery obsessed. There is no blame culture here: try things, and take responsibility for the outcomes. You are always part of the wider Aker. We help our colleagues and take pride in successfully achieving difficult tasks. We run towards problems and help to solve them. Communicate always, do so accurately and in a timely fashion.In return, we offer a competitive salary, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, company paid medical insurance and life assurance, pension scheme, annual training allowance, wellbeing allowance, virtual GP, Employee Assistance plan and more.Equal OpportunitiesAker Systems fosters a diverse environment that encourages openness in its communications and is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, veteran status or other personal characteristics. We embrace differences of opinion and diversity because they help challenge us and find new groundbreaking technical solutions.