Microsoft Solutions Specialist - US Remote

About the position

The Microsoft Solutions Specialist (MSS) role is a remote position focused on supporting Account Managers and customers with their Microsoft program, product, and pricing needs. The MSS acts as a consultative resource, specializing in various volume license agreements, particularly Microsoft Enterprise Agreements. The role involves understanding customer business needs, providing solution guidance, and training Account Managers to enhance customer responses. The MSS is expected to stay updated on Microsoft technologies and product offerings through continuous training and self-paced learning.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a dedicated consultative resource for Sales, Sales leadership, and customers focused on Microsoft solutions providing recommendations that best fit the goals of the customer.
• Presents on customer calls with all stakeholders providing options that provide clarity and control for customers based on their needs and budget.
• Delivers industry-based insights to our customers focusing on pain points leading to Microsoft modern solutions.
• Assesses quote solutions and identifies better program and product suite options to share with customers and Account Managers.
• Utilizes a customer first approach focusing on positioning value added services to the customer, such as managed and professional services leading to customer transformation.
• Supports customer Enterprise Agreements (EA) as an assigned resource to provide product, program and contract guidance to ensure investments support customer goals and are in compliance with Microsoft Licensing Guidelines.
• Manages contract lifecycle for Enterprise Agreements to ensure subscription reconciliation, on-time placement of true-up, additional product and renewal orders.
• Produces cost analysis, product quotes and pricing visibility for Enterprise Agreements in partnership with Sales.
• Creates milestone touchpoints to communicate with customers and their Microsoft account team.
• Engages in Microsoft opportunity conversations with customers to build additional value and position Connection professional and managed services.
• Stays current on programs, technical knowledge, market trends and operational models.
• Leverages self-paced Microsoft training via Get License Ready and Partner University.
• Completes on-line research in order stay abreast of new product developments.
• Builds and maintains positive relations with vendor.
• Reacts to vendor needs and balances the needs of Connection together in support of the customer.
• Identifies gaps in partner's toolkit and works with partner to create additional/improved resources.
• Assists with the Microsoft Landscape Optimization (MLO) assessment consultations.
• Seeks opportunities to provide greater account control through site Microsoft team involvement.
• Maintains and updates Salesforce Pipeline.
• Presents at Sales team meetings and On-Boarding events.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or the equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Advanced user skills for Microsoft Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, Powerpoint).
• Proficient in hosting and attending remote meetings through using Teams, Zoom, Webex, etc.
• Consultative experience with Microsoft Online Services including M365, Azure, Dynamics 365 and Power Platform.
• Knowledge of Microsoft's lifecycle and renewals process for Enterprise Agreements, CSP, MPSA (Microsoft Products and Services Agreement) and Cloud Subscription Agreements with the ability to identify, drive, and oversee all aspects of a Microsoft deal from conception to closure.
• Negotiation skills with ability to secure best purchasing agreement for customers and Connection.
• Working knowledge of sales strategies including upselling with proven success in a goal driven environment.
• Strong business analysis skills with ability to convert customer needs to Microsoft solutions.
• Analytical with ability to draw conclusions from data, systematic and rational.
• Adaptable with ability to switch tasks based on shifting priorities.
• Azure Fundamentals and Microsoft 365 Fundamentals certification or ability to complete within 12 months of hire, ability to complete MS900 / AZ900 or other relevant Microsoft certification within twelve months of hire.

Benefits

• 3 weeks paid PTO
• Bonus
• Excellent benefits
• Opportunity for growth