Application Modernization - Associate Solution Specialist

Job Summary:

The Associate Solution Specialist is customer ? facing presales role that supports Solution Specialists and Account Executives for opportunities across Cloud, Application Modernization, Analytics, and Data/AI practices. This role focuses on helping qualify, progress, and close a high volume of smaller opportunities-freeing senior specialists to concentrate on complex pursuits. The Associate Solution Specialist participates in discovery calls, engages appropriate subject matter experts and vendors to determine appropriate bills of materials, collaborates closely with Account Executives to ensure momentum on deal progression, and works with sales operations to assure deal registrations, quotes and order placement are correctly handled.

Essential Functions:

• Partner with Solution Specialists and Account Executives to support opportunity lifecycle for assigned Cloud, App Mod, Analytics, and Data/AI opportunities. Surface complexity indicators requiring escalation to senior specialists.
• Assist in customer calls to confirm requirements and to support deal qualification.
• Prepare customer-facing documentation as needed to support opportunities.
• Periodically assist senior Solution Specialists in developing solution outlines, proposals, and BOM/estimate inputs for more complex opportunities.
• Maintain opportunity hygiene and documentation in CRM and partner portals.
• Support creation of standard pitches, templates, and sales assets that would streamline the sales process.
• Collaborate with internal teams (delivery, architecture, sales overlays) as needed.
• Stay current on evolving practice offerings across Cloud, App Mod, Analytics, and Data/AI.
• Support sales enablement initiatives, workshops, and prep for customer-facing sessions.

Required Skills/Abilities/Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Curiosity and technical aptitude
• Ability to understand technical concepts
• High attention to detail; able to manage multiple small opportunities simultaneously and accurately
• Self-starter mentality with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Critical thinking and problem?solving abilities
• Strong business acumen and professionalism
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Education and Experience:

• 5+ years experience in IT channel software sales support
• Exposure to Cloud, App Mod, Analytics, or Data/AI software solutions
• Experience with IBM software programs and pricing
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods working at a computer.
• Ability to participate in remote calls, virtual demos, and occasional customer meetings