Technical Solution Architect - Analytics (Midwest- Chicago, IL.)

Introduction
At IBM, Technical Solution Architects work to understand needs and then create complex high-quality solutions that make meaningful impact. You’ll be responsible for overall leadership and delivery of the solutions from requirement gathering through implementation. You’ll use your in-depth knowledge of leading-edge products and technologies along with industry and business skills to influence outcomes.

Your Role and Responsibilities

Preference to hire in one of the following cities: Chicago, IL., Milwaukee, WI., Madison WI., Oak Brook, IL., Deerfield, IL. with flexibility to reside in reasonable commuting distance.

• Works with Financial Services Sales Team to develop and implement specific account penetration strategies for Cognos Planning and TM1 in conjunction with the IBM Analytics portfolio.
• Maintain an understand current accounting principles and how they apply to the planning process.
• Be able to present the IBM Planning Analytics vision and offering strategy and how it applies across the IBM Analytics solution offering to all levels across the customer internally and externally e.g. technical or business leads.
• Own the delivery of technical briefings for Planning Analytics solutions and/products for customers including proof of concepts/demonstrations when required.
• Conducts research, answer questions and help to handle objections that arise during the sales process.
• As a technical expert and consultant help to develop and propose solutions leveraging the IBM Analytics portfolio that meet the technology and business requirements of our clients.
• Recommend competitive planning analytics solutions and strategies for clients or prospects by having knowledge of competitive solutions and industry standards.
• Maintain product/solution expertise of market trends in aligned technology including detailed understanding of the competition.
• Identifies and Qualifies sales opportunities in the terms of customer technical requirements, competition, decision making process and funding.
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  Successfully builds relationships with the account team, partners and customers in support of sales team objectives and engages and leverages corporate resources and abilities.
• Engage in social media / digital marketing awareness efforts around IBM’s Planning and analytics offerings.
• Ability to provide competitive responses in the field of Planning Analytics and TM1 solutions.
• Be the technical lead in completing customer requests for Information (RFI) and customer requests for proposal (RFP).

Required Technical and Professional Expertise

• Significant experience with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets (functions, macros, Pivot tables etc.)
• OLAP modeling skills – Experience building financial models sourcing data from GL systems, data warehouses and writing business rules in a OLAP environment.
• Experience in consulting, and/or technical pre-sales
• A passion for customer service and relationship building
• Desire to thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing, results-driven work environment
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
• Technical Aptitude to understand the IBM analytics portfolio
• Previous IBM Planning Analytics, TM1 or competitive product knowledge and product certifications a positive

Preferred Technical and Professional Expertise

• Credentials in accounting CPA, Chartered Accountant, or similar

About Business UnitIBM has a global presence, operating in more than 175 countries with a broad-based geographic distribution of revenue. The company’s Global Markets organization is a strategic sales business unit that manages IBM’s global footprint, working closely with dedicated country-based operating units to serve clients locally. These country teams have client relationship managers who lead integrated teams of consultants, solution specialists and delivery professionals to enable clients’ growth and innovation. By complementing local expertise with global experience and digital capabilities, IBM builds deep and broad-based client relationships. This local management focus fosters speed in supporting clients, addressing new markets and making investments in emerging opportunities. Additionally, the Global Markets organization serves clients with expertise in their industry as well as through the products and services that IBM and partners supply. IBM is also expanding its reach to new and existing clients through digital marketplaces.
This job requires you to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated prior to your start date, where legally permissible. Proof of vaccination status will be required. If you are unable to be vaccinated due to medical, pregnancy or religious reasons, we offer accommodations in accordance with applicable law.
Your Life @ IBMAre you craving to learn more? Prepared to solve some of the world's most unique challenges? And ready to shape the future for millions of people? If so, then it's time to join us, express your individuality, unleash your curiosity and discover new possibilities.

Every IBMer, and potential ones like yourself, has a voice, carves their own path, and uses their expertise to help co-create and add to our story. Together, we have the power to make meaningful change – to alter the fabric of our clients, of society and IBM itself, to create a truly positive impact and make the world work better for everyone.

It's time to define your career.
About IBMIBM’s greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.

Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we’re also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 50 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.

At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it’s time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.
Location StatementIBM offers a wide range of resources for eligible IBMers to thrive both inside and outside of work. In addition to a competitive benefits program consisting of medical and life insurance, retirement plans, and time off, eligible employees may also have access to:

• 12 weeks of paid parental bonding leave. Family care options are also available to support eligible employees during COVID-19.
• World-class training and educational resources on our personalized, AI-driven learning platform. IBM's learning culture supports your restless attitude to grow your skills and build the depth and scale of knowledge needed to achieve your career goals.
• Well-being programs to support mental and physical health.
• Financial programs that empower you to plan, save, and manage your money (including expert financial counseling, 401(k), IBM stock discount, etc.).
• Select educational reimbursement opportunities.
• Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups where you can network and connect with IBMers across the globe.
• Giving and volunteer programs to benefit charitable organizations and local communities.
• Discounts on retail products, services, and experiences.

This position is eligible for participation in an IBM sales incentive plan. Actual incentive opportunity will be based on performance and the eligible Target Incentive, as addressed in the applicable plan, all of which is subject to change.

We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.

IBM will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Therefore, in order to be considered for this position, you must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.
Being You @ IBMIBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.