Data Center Pre-Sales Technical Lead
Kenya
Job Description
This role requires a commercially proficient leader with a deep understanding of data center infrastructure and the ability to address Africa’s unique operational and environmental challenges. Candidate must combine strategic vision with practical expertise to deliver innovative, localized solutions that drive Nxtra’s growth in the African data center market.
Airtel Africa is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Airtel Africa is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or other legally protected status.
Responsibilities
- Strategy Development: Design and implement a business framework for data center growth, emphasizing with African market needs.
- P&L Accountability: Oversee matrix P&L for the Nxtra Data Center practice, ensuring technical solutions drive revenue through regional sales and solutions teams.
- Solution Design: Lead the creation of customized data center solutions, including colocation, hyperscale, and edge computing, to meet client demands in Africa.
- Pipeline Growth: Expand pipeline and Annual Contract Value (ACV) bookings by integrating advanced technical services, such as high-density computing and sustainable cooling solutions.
- Market Execution: Define technical GTM strategies for African markets, ensuring client adoption, satisfaction, and revenue growth through localized solutions.
- Demand Generation: Drive technical marketing initiatives, including whitepapers, webinars, and client workshops, to showcase Nxtra’s data center expertise.
- Research & Trends: Stay updated on Africa-specific data center trends, such as edge computing for low-latency applications and renewable energy adoption, to maintain competitive advantage.
- Thought Leadership: Represent Nxtra at industry forums, engaging with analysts and influencers to position the company as a technical leader in Africa.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Provide technical leadership across product management, engineering, operations, and sales to deliver integrated solutions.
- Governance: Conduct reviews to ensure compliance with partner agreements and industry standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Science, or related field; Advanced degrees preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in data center sales.
- Experience making decisions and working with minimal direction
- Proven track record of thinking strategically and executing tactically
- Proven track record of success in closing large-scale data center projects.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Fluency in English; additional African languages are a plus.
- Willingness to travel in the region
- Extensive experience in data center technical roles, i.e. on IT infrastructure, cloud, or colocation services in African or emerging markets.
- Significant experience in technical pre-sales or solutions engineering, preferably within a global technology services organization.
- Strong background in crafting technical GTM strategies that address vertical markets, such as telecom, finance, or public sector, in Africa.
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and deliver thought leadership content, such as case studies or industry reports.