Lead Architect

Lead Architect

Location: Chicago, IL, United States

Salary Range: USD 160000-180000 Annually

Date Posted:Sep 20, 2026

Description

Company Overview:

When it comes to IT solution providers, there are a lot of choices. But when it comes to providers with innovative and differentiating end-to-end service offerings, there's really only one: Zones - First Choice for IT. TM

Zones is a Global Solution Provider of end-to-end IT solutions with an unmatched supply chain. Positioned to be the IT partner you need, Zones, a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) in business for over 35 years, specializes in Digital Workplace, Cloud & Data Center, Networking, Security, and Managed/Professional/Staffing services. Operating in more than 120 countries, leveraging a robust portfolio, and utilizing the highest certification levels from key partners, including Microsoft, Apple, Cisco, Lenovo, Adobe, and more, Zones has mastered the science of building digital infrastructures that change the way business does business ensuring whatever they need, they can Consider IT Done. Follow Zones, LLC on Twitter @Zones, and LinkedIn and Facebook.

Position Overview:

WinCenter team supports global sales professionals in driving growth across all Zones offerings. The Lead Architect will lead RFx efforts for all professional and managed services offerings (Workplace, Network, Cloud & Data Center, Security, end to end Device Lifecycle Management). You will lead large and complex RFx's that may cut across offerings and will be the overall storyteller. This means that you will be responsible for developing the solution strategy, win themes & value propositions/differentiators that will help position Zones to win. You will be engaged from opportunity qualification through closure, and be on point for crafting high-quality, concise, compelling, and competitive solutions that align to customers business outcomes. You must have the experience of working with large global technology systems integrators and know how to navigate your way around offerings, capabilities, accounts, and partners to craft a compelling solution.

What you'll do as the Lead Architect:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Overall accountability for technical solution in an RFx response - strategy, solution, estimation, assumptions, risks, cost, price.

• Provide qualification inputs based on Zones' strategic direction.

• Translate customer requirements to technical components, and identify the right SMEs / partners, and conceptualize the overall response storyline.

• Drive collective focus with multiple teams on larger multi offering deals.

• Craft feasible & competitive solutions - work with delivery & sales stakeholders to arrive at the right combination.

• Understand competition, and tweak strategy / approach accordingly.

• Work with globally distributed teams, and build solutions based on global delivery models.

• Perform effort estimation, cost and price analysis / benchmarking (Deal economics).

• Work with the overall RFx team to obtain stakeholder alignment.

• Contribute to technical response in terms of content & graphics as required.

• Plan and conduct Due Diligence. Use findings to refine the solution.

• Participate in SOW development and negotiations post down select.

• Perform transition to delivery upon contract award.

• Identify and participate in continuous improvement initiatives for the team and corporate.

• Help augment standard technical content as required.

• Participate in lessons learnt sessions and provide / accept feedback for improvements.

• Strong Pre-Sales orientation. Should have breadth of technology understanding with Delivery background.

• Expertise in infrastructure sizing, design and solution architecture and preparation of BOQ.

What you bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business or related discipline; equivalent years of experience is acceptable.

• At least 10 years of experience in infrastructure services solutioning

• Broad understanding of the industry, market, competition, suppliers, and partners.

• Ability to think & work at both strategic and tactical levels.

• Ability to multi-task, and work in a high-pressure environment with short timelines

• Ability to work and lead in a team environment.

• Very proficient in MS tools - Excel, PowerPoint, Word

• Excellent communication skills, and ability to communicate with C-level.

• Business acumen, positive attitude, with a passion to win.

• Ability to use own judgment and initiative in problem resolution.

• Good creative and problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to travel ~ 15% of the time

Qualified candidates can expect compensation in the range of: $160,00 - $180,000 with bonus potential.

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Zones offers a comprehensive Benefits package

While we're committed to providing top-tier solutions, we're just as committed to supporting our own team. Our team members enjoy a variety of comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, voluntary accident, hospitalization and critical illness insurance options, a 401(k) plan with matching provision, and many more. Generally, Zones currently offers paid time off and personal sick leave in compliance to individual state requirements.

At Zones, work is more than a job - it is an exciting career on a global team that is client centric, has a passion for technology, embraces change and lifelong learning in a collaborative culture. And as a Minority Business Enterprise, a Corporate Plus member of the Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council, and an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, our community is just as diverse. If you're interested in working on the cutting edge of IT innovation, sales, engineering, operations, administration, and more, Zones is the place for you!

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy.

Zones participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a system that compares information from a team member's Form I-9 to federal records to confirm their eligibility to work in the United States.

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