Pre-Sales Solution Architect - Data & AI

Leatherhead, UK

Job Description

Posted Thursday 24 July 2025 at 01:00

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):

Reports to (POSITION):

Technical Pre-Sales Manager

Team:

Team:

Technical Pre-Sales

Department:

Department:

Services & Solutions

ABOUT BYTES:

Bytes Software Services is a leading provider of IT solutions and services, supporting organisations across the UK and Ireland in modernising, securing, and optimising their digital environments. With a team of over710 professionals, we deliver deep expertise across Microsoft technologies, cloud transformation, cybersecurity, data and AI, and digital workplace solutions.

We are trusted by hundreds of public and private sector organisations to deliver:

• Cloud transformation anddata-driven innovationthrough Microsoft Azure, Fabric, and AI services
• Security resilience across hybrid environments using Microsoft Defender, Check Point, Palo Alto, and Netskope
• Business process automation andAI adoptionusing Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power Platform, and Copilot Studio
• End-to-end support from presales consultancy and solution design to delivery, optimisation, and managed services

As a Microsoft Solutions Partner across multiple designations, Bytes is committed to delivering measurable outcomes aligned to Microsoft's "Metrics that Matter," helping customers achieve their strategic goals with confidence.

WHY BYTES:

At Bytes, we're committed to creating a workplace where people thrive. We invest in our employees' growth, wellbeing, and success, because we know that when our people flourish, so does our business.

Here's why people choose to build their careers with us:

• Purposeful Work: We help organisations solve real-world challenges through digital transformation, AI innovation, and secure cloud solutions.
• People-First Culture: We foster a collaborative, inclusive environment where everyone's voice is valued and respected.
• Career Growth: From technical certifications to leadership development, we offer continuous learning opportunities tailored to your ambitions.
• Recognition & Rewards: Our competitive compensation packages include commission schemes, bonus opportunities, and a wide range of flexible benefits.
• Wellbeing & Belonging: We support your health and happiness with wellbeing webinars, social clubs, paid volunteering days, and access to Vitality Healthcare and gym discounts.
• Award-Winning Team: Join a team that's consistently recognised for excellence in customer service, innovation, and vendor partnerships.

We're proud to be "Smarter Together", combining deep expertise, a consultative approach, and a passion for delivering value to our customers and our people

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, and OpenAI services, 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:

• 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

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

DESIRABLE

DESIRABLE

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

• Strong understanding of Microsoft Azure Data & AI stack

ESSENTIAL

• Familiarity with Microsoft Fabric and Azure OpenAI

ESSENTIAL

• Experience with AWS Data & AI services

DESIRABLE

• Ability to simplify complex data topics for customer conversations

ESSENTIAL

• Experience planning Proof of Concept (PoC) projects

ESSENTIAL

• Understanding of Microsoft's "Metrics that Matter"

DESIRABLE

CORE COMPETENCIES & SKILLS - BASED ON POSITION AND GRADE

Competency

Description

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

Keeps 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