Solutions Architect

Solution ArchitectThe Solution Architect applies deep domain, product, industry and/or solution area expertise and an understanding of client priorities to create compelling solutions that bring our value proposition to life and increase our win and renewal rate during a sales process.The Solution Architect is client-facing and collaborates with Sales through all stages of the sales process post-identification – from introductory meetings to requests for proposals (RFP), finalist meetings, contracting and hand-off to the delivery team(s). Upon request, the Solution Architect collaborates with Sales to develop product solutions scope and proposals, produce client-tailored sales meeting materials, educate the client on the technical aspects and details of Alight solutions, conduct solutions demonstrations, and coordinate with Negotiations and Pricings teams to determine deal pricing and final proposal delivery. In addition, the Solution Architect is responsible for staying current on competitors, market and industry trends, compliance developments and Alight capabilities. Solution Architects are also an important source of market feedback, working closely with Alight product owners to inform our roadmap.ResponsibilitiesExtensive knowledge of H&W administration and best practices (e.g., plan designs and strategies, decision support, web/app functionality, Customer Care, HCM/Payroll and carrier integration, dependent verification, reimbursement accounts, analytics and compliance). Ideally, able to speak from experience gained in a H&W delivery, implementation or product development role.Takes ownership and provides Domain expertise for solutioning Health opportunities for prospective and current clients. Integrates with other Alight service areas (e.g., Payroll and Cloud, Wealth).Maintains expertise in Domain products and services and Alight's overall capabilities. Articulates and communicates Alight's value proposition and key differentiators.Collaborates with Delivery Leaders to stay connected to operations and delivery practices and share market insights. This network is utilized to ensure we are bringing the latest insights to the sales process.Utilizes knowledge in Alight's product set across automation, analytics, value engineering, consumer experience, and others to enhance the solutions tailored to the prospectCollaborates with Large Market multi-solutions or complex solutions Sales resources to develop and inform sales strategy in order to drive bookings and close opportunitiesPerforms discovery and primarily leads product solution scoping for large, complex multi- or single solution deals (e.g., identify complexity drivers)Collaborates with Sales, subject matter experts, and business leaders to develop scope of Alight solution set and determine platform/technologyProvides input to strategic questions related to defining the opportunity and overcomes customer objections to initiate and forward sales opportunitiesGenerates demand by assisting clients to identify and qualify current needs and effectively articulate how Alight can add valueAccountable for solution costing and coordinates with Finance and Sales, and Value engineers to construct business caseTailors materials and demo based on solution, client need and competitive landscape. Creates new materials where needed.Engaged in sales meetings, primarily answers solutions and technical questions, uses understanding of the client's business and depth of knowledge to personalize the recommended solution –with ability to collaborate with other experts and leaders at the client and internally.Conducts and leads effective solution demonstrations – bringing the solution to life via storytelling vs. a feature/function demo.Documents the solution concisely and clearly throughout sales process, ensuring maximum transparency and knowledge transfer across deliverySupports the contracting process from a scope and solution point of view across statements of work, transition, commercials, and ensures that specifications of pricing are accurate to customer's needsCollaborates with other Architects in scope development for multi-solutions deals across productsReviews, updates, and provides input on RFP responses after initial draft is provided by the enablement teamCreates responses for domain-related RFP questions and engages subject matter experts where neededCreates client-specific delivery model and service descriptionsOwns Domain-related follow ups (e.g., questions received from Third-Party Evaluator)Assists with periodic review of RFP library content – ensure responses are compelling and reflect the latest on our solutionsProvides input to product owners – insights and feedback from prospects and Third-Party Evaluators to inform priorities and enhancementsCoordinates with business leaders and product owners to understand their needs and requirements of complex applications and on scope items that may require special development or staffingCoordinates with product owners to ensure that latest solution developments are reflected in sales materials and assist with building expertise in these areasUnderstand the competitive landscape and customer needs to position the Delivery organization effectivelyRequirementsBachelor's degree or equivalent work experienceHR/Payroll/Benefits administration and sales knowledge preferred5 – 10 years of relevant experience in a range of domain area or related rolesDeep knowledge of benefits, HR, payroll and/or cloud and delivery models, the capabilities of administration platforms, and compliance considerationsDemonstrated track record applying domain expertise in client delivery or salesAgility and organizational skills to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple concurrent opportunitiesExcellent client communication and consulting skills – able to lead engaging conversations, adapt on the fly, negotiate as needed and have a point-of-viewProven experience in building and developing senior client relationshipsExperience in promoting a team environmentTravel Expectation 25 – 50% of the time (sometimes on short notice) to support meetings with prospects