Specialist Solutions Consultant

Job Category: Sales/Retail/Business Development Career Level: Experienced (Non-Manager) Company: Hitachi Data Systems Specialist Solutions Consultant Hitachi Data Systems (HDS) is recognized as a leading provider of business solutions for the world's most IT-intensive corporations. The company offers the industry's fastest, largest and most reliable storage solutions designed for companies committed to non-stop operation and transition to Internet business reliance. Thirty-eight of the Fortune-50 companies in the United States are HDS customers. Hitachi has provided the backbone processing platforms for these enterprises and has led the world in high capacity and high bandwidth computing. HDS has been the recognized choice for mission critical applications in the F-1000 and Financial Times 100 enterprises. HDS was formed in 1989 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi LTD with global revenues of over $73 billion. Hitachi is one of the leading technology companies in the world with research and development investments of over 6 billion dollars annually. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, HDS is a global company with three thousand employees in forty countries and generates worldwide revenue of approximately $3 billion. The HDS professional services organization complements the product revenue with technical and business solutions. The company has a direct sales force and also supports a two-tiered indirect sales program. Storage products are offered to a growing list of OEM customers including Hewlett Packard and Silicon Graphics. HDS is one of a few natural players and enjoys a substantial technological advantage with its storage solutions. The organization is built around 6 independent business units, each with a P & L mission and IPO opportunity. Provides field product management, marketing and in-depth pre-sales technical support for sales teams (Direct and Indirect) across all accounts/territories to drive HDS revenues while maximizing customer satisfaction. The Solutions consultant plays a key role in the customer solution architecting process, providing pre-sales software and hardware technical expertise. Working closely with the HDS field sales organization, other HDS consultants, and customer representatives, the Solutions Consultant provides support ranging from product specification presentations to product value discussions. Uses project management and customer relationship skills to align Hitachi Data Systems Technology solutions with customers' business strategies. Demonstrates strong knowledge in one of HDS's key initiatives with thorough knowledge of all solution areas. Responsibilities'Gathers data on customer business issues, analyzes solutions, and employs this information in HDS engagements.'Collaborates with the customer on development of a global growth roadmap. 'Uses understanding of customers' business needs and knowledge of industry trends in one or more disciplines (Business Continuity, Tiered Storage, or Storage Management) to build a business case for HDS solutions.'Actively supports company change programs and acts as a role model for solution selling.Valid driver's license required. '7+ years experience in a consulting pre-sales role in the storage industry'A Bachelor's degree or equivalent formal education'Strong customer relationship skills and executive-level presence 'Experienced in project management'Track record of success in business technology related sales'Familiar with Hitachi Data Systems marketing programs or competitor's programs.'Proven ability to add positive value to consultative multi-skilled teams consisting of customers, third parties, and Hitachi individuals. 'Proven ability to manage interpersonal relationships effectively.'An understanding of the market conditions and requirements in the business specialty area.'Good knowledge of ITIL or similar consultative best practice or methodology.'Knowledge of the techniques, sensitivities, and issues around solution selling.'Specialized understanding of storage-related business issues and needs.'Generalized understanding of one or more of the following disciplines: Business Continuity, Tiered Storage, or Storage Management.Competencies'Able to write well structured reports with clear, logical and succinct language.'Able to develop well-structured presentations with informative and well-presented information appropriate for the desired audience.'Personable - able to represent Hitachi Data Systems positively to customers and build positive relationships.'Persuasive - able to influence effectively.'Articulate - possesses strong verbal and written communication skills.'Able to work in unstructured environments and situations and prioritize effectively.'Able to manage time effectively.'Organized - able to coordinate resources and tasks effectively.'Self-starter