Solutions Engineering Manager - Europe

The Solutions Engineering Manager at Cribl is tasked with leading a team of solutions engineers, focusing on mentoring and managing their pre-sales and account management duties. This role emphasizes attracting and retaining talent, reinforcing sales methodologies, and conducting performance evaluations to ensure team members develop the necessary technical skills to succeed.

To qualify for the Solutions Engineering Manager role at Cribl, candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, coupled with 3-5 years of experience in customer-facing roles. A proven history of leading technical pre-sales teams and effectively communicating with executive-level customers is essential, along with the ability to meet sales quotas.

As a Solutions Engineering Manager at Cribl, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a remote-first work culture, a collaborative environment, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Cribl also emphasizes diversity and inclusivity, ensuring a work culture where everyone feels valued.

Cribl emphasizes mentorship and development for its Solutions Engineering team by offering ongoing training in both technical and non-technical pre-sales skills. The company ensures that team members have the support they need to identify opportunities and successfully manage customer relationships.

Cribl promotes a fun and productive work culture, where employees can thrive while enjoying what they do. As a Solutions Engineering Manager, you will work in a remote environment where team collaboration, laughter, and a commitment to putting customers first are key elements of the culture.

Absolutely! Cribl is dedicated to creating paths for advancement within the company. As a Solutions Engineering Manager, you will have opportunities to enhance your leadership skills, explore various career advancements, and contribute to strategic decision-making processes.

During the interview process for the Solutions Engineering Manager role at Cribl, you can expect to discuss your previous experiences leading teams, your approach to consultative selling, and how you would empower your team. Expect competency-based questions that test how you have managed pre-sales processes and customer relations in the past.

Success in this role can be defined by the team's ability to meet and exceed sales targets, the professional development of team members, and the overall satisfaction of customers in the pre-sales process. It’s essential to establish clear metrics to measure performance and adapt strategies as needed.

When answering this question, focus on a specific instance where your technical presentation led to closing a deal or significantly advancing a sales cycle. Include elements such as audience engagement, clarity of information, and how you tailored the content to meet client needs.

Mentoring new Solutions Engineers requires a balance of guidance and autonomy. I believe in providing foundational training while encouraging self-directed learning and exploration. Regular check-ins and constructive feedback sessions can help them grow continuously in their roles.

I utilize a mix of qualitative and quantitative metrics to assess team performance, such as sales results, customer feedback, and individual skill assessments. Regular performance reviews and open communication are also crucial to help identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes.

Conflicts within a team can be resolved effectively through open communication, active listening, and seeking common ground. I usually encourage team members to express their perspectives and guide them toward collaborative solutions while maintaining team harmony.

Effective communication is the most critical skill for a Solutions Engineering Manager. The ability to convey complex technical information in a digestible format is essential for presentations, mentoring, and interactions with both clients and team members.

I stay current with industry trends through a combination of professional forums, webinars, and industry publications. Networking with other professionals and attending conferences also helps me gain insights on emerging technologies and best practices in Solutions Engineering.

Launching new products entails thorough preparation, including training the team on the product details and market positioning. I often run simulation calls to ensure the team is well-prepared and capable of addressing client concerns when presenting new products to prospects.

Prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment involves assessing urgency versus importance and communicating with the team to align on priorities. I often utilize project management tools to streamline processes and ensure everyone is on the same page regarding deadlines.

Addressing a team member's struggle starts with a one-on-one discussion to understand their challenges and provide support. Developing a tailored plan together can help them get back on track while keeping the lines of communication open for future feedback.