Solution Architect – Enterprise Networking

Black Box; Reading; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology company based in the UK is seeking a Pre-Sales Solution Engineer to lead technical strategies for enterprise networking solutions. The role emphasizes strong customer engagement, proposal development, and extensive experience in multi-vendor architectures. Successful candidates will have a leadership background in enterprise solutions and a track record of delivering compelling presentations. The position requires a blend of technical prowess and business acumen to drive innovation and win strategic business.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in enterprise networking pre-sales or solution consulting.
• Proven experience leading $1M+ enterprise solution pursuits.
• Strong understanding of multi-vendor architectures.
• Ability to present to CIO/CTO levels.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct live or virtual technical demos.

Responsibilities

• Lead discovery sessions and strategic client briefings.
• Architect robust enterprise network solutions.
• Create compelling technical proposals.
• Deliver solution presentations to technical audiences.
• Mentor junior SEs and support onboarding.
• Track competitive trends in enterprise networking.

Skills

Enterprise networking pre-sales experience

Solution consulting leadership

Understanding of multi-vendor architectures

Expertise in LAN/Wi-Fi/SD-WAN

Proposal writing

Executive presence

Technical presentation skills

Education

CCNP/CCIE or equivalent

ITIL Foundation or PMP

Tools

Visio

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Pre-Sales Solution Engineer – Enterprise Networking

Location: Reading, United Kingdom

Role Summary:

The US-based Pre-Sales Solution Engineer is a highly experienced, customer-facing technical leader within the Enterprise Networking (EN) practice at Black Box. This role is responsible for owning the pre-sales technical strategy for high-value and complex opportunities across Core EN technologies including LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, SD-Branch, and Network Security.

This seasoned engineer works closely with Vertical Sales teams, Offering Managers, Partner Alliance Managers, and customers to design scalable, competitive, and differentiated solutions. The engineer not only supports strategic pursuits but also contributes to the evolution of our go-to-market offerings and field readiness.

Responsibilities

Client-Facing Pre-Sales Support:

• Lead discovery sessions, technical workshops, and strategic client briefings.
• Translate customer business outcomes into technical architectures.
• Influence and shape customer roadmaps and architecture standards.

Solution Architecture & Innovation:

• Architect robust enterprise network solutions using vendor best practices.
• Design repeatable solution templates and vertical-specific architectures.
• Participate in cross-domain solutioning, integrating network with cloud, security, or collaboration stacks.

Proposal Development & Deal Shaping:

• Create high-impact technical proposals, diagrams, and cost models.
• Respond to complex RFPs/RFIs with accurate and compelling content.
• Collaborate with pricing and delivery to validate technical and operational scope.

Technical Presentations & Demonstrations:

• Deliver compelling solution presentations to technical and executive audiences.
• Lead or support technical demonstrations, whiteboarding sessions, and proof-of-concepts.
• Represent Black Box as a trusted advisor in customer briefings and strategy sessions.

Strategic Alignment & Advisory:

• Work with Offerings Managers to co-develop new offerings and enhance existing ones based on field feedback.
• Coordinate with Alliance Managers to understand OEM roadmap and incorporate innovation into proposals.
• Act as a technical advisor to Sales Leaders and Business Unit VPs.

Internal Enablement & Evangelism:

• Mentor junior SEs and support onboarding efforts.
• Conduct solution walkthroughs, internal webinars, and SE playbook development.
• Drive internal adoption of tools, templates, and best practices.

Market Intelligence:

• Track competitive trends and help refine win themes and technical differentiators.
• Represent Black Box in customer advisory councils and vendor working groups.

Relationships & Dependencies:

• Stakeholder Engagement: Align on solution components, pricing tools, documentation kits
• Partner Alliance Manager: Sync on OEM design rules, roadmap support, enablement sessions
• Account Manager/BDM: Support opportunity strategy, customer technical needs, proposal presentation
• Project Manager: Scope validation, post-sale handoff planning
• Vertical Sales Leader: Collaborate on pursuit strategies and vertical value propositions

Required Skills & Experience

• 10+ years of experience in enterprise networking pre-sales or solution consulting
• Proven experience leading $1M+ enterprise solution pursuits
• Strong understanding of multi-vendor architectures including Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, Aruba, Palo Alto
• Expertise in LAN/Wi-Fi/SD-WAN, NAC, segmentation, and hybrid cloud networking
• Mastery of Visio, proposal writing, and pricing coordination
• Executive presence with ability to present to CIO/CTO levels
• Demonstrated ability to lead solution presentations and conduct live or virtual technical demos

Preferred Certifications

• CCNP/CCIE, JNCIP/JNCIE, NSE 4/5/7, or equivalent
• ITIL Foundation or PMP (for cross-functional coordination)

This role is mission-critical for scaling Black Box’s Enterprise Networking business. It requires both deep technical skills and high business acumen to align cross-functional teams and deliver compelling solutions that win strategic business and drive innovation in the field.