Microsoft Solutions Specialist

IntroductionBe part of the team that drives our company forward, transforming ideas into real-world tools and platforms that support the business and spur innovation.OverviewConnection Services has a fantastic opportunity for a Microsoft Solutions Specialist, working Remotely. Excellent opportunity to work for a top VAR offering excellent benefits including 3 weeks paid PTO, bonus, excellent benefits; opportunity for growth.Working independently, with minimal direct supervision from the Manager of Microsoft Solution Sales, the Microsoft Solution Specialist (MSS) acts as a resource dedicated to supporting Account Mangers and customers with their Microsoft program, product, and pricing needs. Supports multiple volume license agreement types including Open Value, CSP/NCE and MPSA, with a specialization to support Microsoft Enterprise Agreements.Works with customers to understand their business needs and to provide solution guidance, recommendations and purchasing options to our customers/prospects and Account Managers on Microsoft Modern Workplace, Azure, Professional Services and Managed Services. Trains Account Managers to provide efficient customer responses, utilize Connection tools including the Microsoft COE Resource Page, Volume License Portal, and the Microsoft Product Cheat Sheets.In addition to being certified in Azure and Microsoft 365 Fundamentals, the MSS actively participates in Connection and Microsoft trainings to maintain a required knowledge base to keep themselves updated on new technologies and product offerings.ResponsibilitiesActs 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 online 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.RequirementsBachelor'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.