Pre-Sales Solution Architect - Data & AI

Reading, UK

Job Description

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): Technical Pre-Sales Manager

Team: Technical Pre-Sales

Department: Services & Solutions

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, Azure AI services including Azure OpenAI, Cognitive Services, and Machine Learning 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

• Advise customers on the use of Azure AI services including Cognitive Services, Azure Machine Learning, and Azure OpenAI to solve business challenges.
• 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
• Collaborate with AI-focused delivery teams to shape PoC engagements and ensure feasibility of AI-driven solutions.

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

ESSENTIAL

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

• Hands on experience with Azure AI services including Cognitive Services, Azure ML, and Azure OpenAI
• Strong understanding of Microsoft Azure Data & AI stack
• Familiarity with Microsoft Fabric and Azure OpenAI
• Understanding of responsible AI principles and governance in enterprise environments
• Experience with AWS Data & AI services

DESIRABLE

• Ability to simplify complex data topics for customer conversations

ESSENTIAL

• Experience planning Proof of Concept (PoC) projects
• Understanding of Microsoft's "Metrics that Matter"

DESIRABLE

CORE COMPETENCIES & SKILLS - BASED ON POSITION AND GRADE

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

Stays 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

ESSENTIAL

Ability to design and position AI-driven solutions using Microsoft's AI stack

ESSENTIAL

Ethical Awareness

Familiarity with responsible AI practices and customer data governance