Manager, Solutions Architect

About the role

In this position, you will lead a dedicated team of Solutions Architects who are committed to driving customer success across the UK and Ireland. This role combines leadership and hands-on involvement, allowing you to shape technical strategies for intricate sales processes while actively participating in significant opportunities. Your primary focus will be on converting customer requirements into actionable business results, all while nurturing team development and ensuring operational excellence in a fully remote environment.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Oversee a team of Solutions Architects located in the UK and Ireland, with potential plans to extend operations into Sweden and the Netherlands.
• Serve as both a leader and mentor, engaging directly in strategic sales deals while guiding your team through various sales cycles.
• Conduct regional technical assessments, lead workshops, and facilitate proof-of-concept projects to demonstrate product capabilities.
• Collaborate closely with various departments, including Sales, Channel, Marketing, Sales Enablement, and Product Management, to ensure alignment and success.
• Manage workload distribution, resource allocation, forecasting, and the execution of field operations to optimize team performance.
• Establish and track performance metrics for the team, providing regular updates on progress and potential risks to relevant stakeholders.
• Recruit, train, and retain top-tier Solutions Architects to create a and scalable team structure.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the team, encouraging the adoption of best practices and new technologies.
• Engage with customers to understand their needs and translate those into effective solutions that drive business value.
• Advocate for the use of AI tools to enhance productivity and improve customer engagement strategies.
• Ensure that the team maintains a high level of technical expertise and stays updated on industry trends and advancements.
• Facilitate a collaborative and inclusive team environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages open communication.

Requirements

• Proven experience in managing technical sales or pre-sales teams within the software or technology industry, particularly in the UK and Ireland.
• A solid background in solution architecture or equivalent hands-on experience, with the ability to connect technical specifications to business outcomes.
• Demonstrated capability in developing, mentoring, and scaling customer-facing technical teams effectively.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, adept at engaging with both technical and non-technical stakeholders across diverse cultures.
• Strong business acumen and sound judgment, with the ability to balance technical solutions against commercial objectives.
• Experience in influencing cross-functional teams and building collaborative relationships with Sales, Channel, Marketing, and Product teams.
• A history of creating effective, inclusive teams and establishing clear operational practices in a remote work setting.
• A genuine enthusiasm for artificial intelligence, with a proactive mindset towards leveraging AI tools for personal productivity and enhancing customer interactions.
• Willingness and ability to travel as necessary to meet business requirements.
• Candidates must reside in the UK or Ireland.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with other European markets, particularly Sweden or the Netherlands, would be advantageous.
• Experience in implementing AI-driven solutions or tools within a technical sales context.
• Previous involvement in large-scale software deployments or integrations.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in utilizing the GitLab DevSecOps platform to streamline development and operational processes.
• Familiarity with cloud technologies and their application in enterprise environments.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies and tools to oversee team initiatives effectively.

Practical notes

GitLab offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, financial, and wellness support, along with flexible paid time off. Employees have access to Team Member Resource Groups, equity compensation, a dedicated growth and development fund, parental leave, and assistance for home office setups. This role is designed for individuals who thrive in a remote work environment and are eager to contribute to a dynamic, innovative team focused on customer success.