Azure Cloud & AI Solutions Architect

• Lead structured enterprise discovery sessions lasting 60–120 minutes to identify business drivers, technical constraints, stakeholder priorities, and decision-making dynamics.

• Challenge assumptions constructively, reframing feature requests into clearly defined business problems, measurable outcomes, and value propositions.

• Design scalable, secure, and credible solutions across Azure cloud infrastructure, data platforms, AI, application integration, security, and Power Platform.

• Translate AI, Copilot, and automation opportunities into actionable solution concepts with defined objectives, feasibility considerations, and evaluation strategies.

• Develop high-quality statements of work (SOWs), discovery summaries, scopes, assumptions, dependencies, change-control provisions, and phased delivery plans.

• Establish delivery approaches with clear milestones and decision gates to reduce risks related to data readiness, feasibility, security, and implementation complexity.

• Communicate solution value, business impact, and commercial risks to CFOs and COOs while presenting architectural decisions and technical feasibility to CTOs and CISOs.

• Shape engagements that balance profitability, resource utilization, delivery risk, and appropriate commercial models, including fixed-fee and time-and-materials arrangements.

• Collaborate with sales, delivery teams, and leadership to coordinate opportunities, ensure deal readiness, and facilitate effective project handoffs.

• Identify scope gaps, technical risks, and misaligned client expectations early to protect delivery teams and support successful project execution.

• Produce DevOps-ready backlogs with estimates and assumptions, and confidently whiteboard and defend proposed architectural designs.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of experience in Microsoft cloud, data, or application architecture, including 3–5 years in presales, advisory, or solution architecture roles.

• Demonstrated experience facilitating enterprise discovery sessions, consulting engagements, or solution design workshops.

• Strong knowledge of Azure data platforms, including Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Lake, and Azure Data Factory.

• Practical understanding of applied AI technologies, including Azure OpenAI, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), AI agents, summarization, Azure AI Search, and AI evaluation strategies.

• Experience with integration technologies and patterns such as Azure API Management (APIM), Event Grid, Azure Functions, Logic Apps, and Container Apps.

• Knowledge of Power Platform and Copilot Studio, including appropriate use cases, governance requirements, and situations where alternative approaches are preferable.

• Ability to translate complex business needs into well-defined technical architectures, measurable outcomes, enforceable scopes, and realistic delivery plans.

• Strong commercial awareness, including understanding of project margins, utilization, fixed-fee and time-and-materials models, and risk allocation.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage credibly with both business executives and technical leaders.

• Familiarity with structured problem-solving and design-thinking frameworks, such as LUMA, IDEO, IBM Enterprise Design Thinking, Microsoft Catalyst, or equivalent approaches.

• Exposure to Prosci or similar change management methodologies is an advantage.

• Previous experience working with a Microsoft-focused consulting partner is strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Compensation: Target on-target earnings (OTE) of approximately US$250,000, with rates varying for Canada.

• Remote work: Fully remote working arrangement.

• Health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Medical premiums: 100% of employee medical premiums covered.

• Paid time off: Generous, flexible paid time off.

• Retirement: Retirement plan options.

• Professional development: Ongoing training and opportunities for continuous learning.

• Work-life balance: Flexible working arrangements and wellness programs.

• Inclusive environment: A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunities.