Business Development Solution Architect

Location: Must reside in Upper Michigan or Northeast Wisconsin Why Guide Star? Guide Star is an IT managed services provider specializing in IT technical and end user support, monitoring, managed wireless solutions and security for small and medium size business, internet service providers, and hospitality organizations across the US and Canada.
We are a division of CCI Systems, Inc.
which is an Employee-Owned solution provider specializing in telecommunications, comprehensive network assessments, industry-leading engineering, drafting and design services, and 24/7 support services.
Our outstanding team-based work culture and environment has allowed us to grow, develop, and retain long-term employees.
We value our employees’ hard work and determination and REWARD results all while having fun! Our mission is to make life better by connecting people through innovative communication systems.
We are seeking a Business Development Solution Architect to support Emerging Business Opportunities (EBO) and will focus on growing the business and developing and managing existing customer relationships.
Partner closely with Operations and other internal business units to drive revenue growth through identification and development of emerging business opportunities pertaining to IT Support, Cybersecurity, Monitoring, NOC, and Contact Center solutions.
Responsibilities Manage complete and complex sales-cycles often presenting to C-level executives, partner account teams and business leaders the value of Guide Star’s Sales, Service & Success teams.
Achieve required sales goals and gross profit objectives for the sales territory, the sales division and the company.
Maintain an accurate, up-to-date customer data base.
Train on the full range of products and services that Guide Star has to offer, and then market and sell these products and services utilizing a regularly scheduled itinerary throughout the sales territory.
Collaborate with Sr.
VP to ensure sales team members have clearly defined roles and responsibilities, sales goals, account ownership, and areas of technical responsibility.
Mentor, coach and be an example for sales team members ensuring the success of the whole sales team.
Create and maintain strong face-to-face relationships with customers such that you feel reasonably certain that the customer will contact you first when a need arises.
Make follow up calls on closed sales to gather information regarding customer perception of the sales process, to determine customer satisfaction level and to sell additional services and products.
Maintain activity pace within the assigned territory to meet or exceed call metric goals.
Attend pre-bid meetings as necessary.
Research the activities of current and potential customers to be prepared to contact them with proposals for supplying their overall needs.
Ensure that the pricing structure for all products and services is profitable and within approved gross profit guidelines.
Responsible for identifying and reporting industry trends regarding products, technology, services, and customers.
Responsible for identifying and reporting competitor activity.
Intelligence on competitor activity is of paramount importance to operating our business.
Represent the company at community functions, trade shows, speaking engagements, etc.
Maintain CRM and follow up on projects that have not been closed to date.
Maintain a well-groomed, professional appearance appropriate for the position and situation.
Identify the competition on each bid and note in CRM.
Attend training sessions as required or inform a manager when additional training is necessary for ongoing development and job performance improvement.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Sr VP.
Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, or related field.
5+ years of experience in Outside Sales, specifically concentrated on the Cybersecurity or IT Managed Service Provider industries, is mandatory.
Experience working in a start-up or entrepreneurial organization preferred.
Demonstrated technical knowledge of IT Support, Cybersecurity, System and Network administration.
Proficient in leadership with a robust aptitude for analysis and problem-solving, coupled with the ability to influence others effectively.
Possess strong skills in analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Experience with Microsoft office tools and industry leading CRM tools.
Strategic thought leader with a depth of experience in driving sales and marketing initiatives.
Ability to develop and engage in building productive relationships with senior-level executives, colleagues, vendors, and customers in a highly consensus-driven culture.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with a high attention to detail.
Proven ability to self-motive, manage time, and effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
Experience managing multiple projects and multiple customers.
Understanding of business finance.
Leadership with skills to positively influence others, collaborate with teammates, communicate on the level of others, listen, and understand people in circumstances common in the workplace.
The ability to embrace corporate values, understand the company vision, and exemplify CCI leadership behaviors.
Shift is Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm CST but must be able to work outside normal business hours when required.
Additional Information Up to 75% travel may be required.
Must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.