Solution Architect, Azure

Overview We are Microsoft Industry Solutions and are passionate about delivering Microsoft’s mission : “to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more”. Microsoft Industry Solutions’ mission is to lead and serve Microsoft’s customers and partners as they realise their full potential through Microsoft software and services. Microsoft Industry Solutions and its partners bring the deepest expertise of Microsoft solutions—from enterprise planning to deployment and support—that helps our customers innovate to strategic advantage in their respective industries. The Solution Architect works with customer to lead and deliver complex multi-domain architecture, multi-workstreams with high ROI solutions focus on the Azure platform and Modern work platforms, Web Development, Data & AI and DevOps, as well as integrating with the wider focus areas of on – premises infrastructure, security and other applications. We are looking for an experienced Solution Architect to continue our growth and extend our capabilities in these areas. This role is flexible whereby you can work up to 50% from home. Responsibilities Trusted Advisor Develop a network of senior-level decision‑makers to address problems and facilitate additional views. Act as an advisor to external stakeholders and provide direction to facilitate relationships. Stay updated on Microsoft’s technologies, products, and services to communicate Microsoft’s mission, strategy, and capabilities. Use evidence-based arguments to articulate complex concepts simply and respectfully challenge decisions that won’t produce optimal results. Encourage alternative approaches, resolve conflicts, and drive consensus. Lead the adoption of Microsoft solutions based on understanding competitor solutions. Differentiate Microsoft’s solutions in conversations to influence industry direction. Thought Leadership Lead virtual teams by sharing ideas, insights, and strategic input with technical teams and internal communities. Use knowledge of Microsoft architectures and the competitive landscape. Participate in external architect community events and share learnings with the internal team. Mentor junior colleagues on technical and non‑technical concepts and best practices. Demonstrate deep industry knowledge and drive recognition for Microsoft solutions through presentations and engagements with external audiences. Architecture Design and Deployment Gather and ratify requirements and constraints with stakeholders. Resolve ambiguities and document assumptions. Maintain traceability matrix and execute test plans. Collaborate with the Account Team to understand the business solution. Build and document a costed Solution Approach. Lead implementation and ensure quality practices. Identify and address technical blockers. Resolve escalations and plan forward in complex situations. Coordinate approaches into a single plan. Identify and communicate business and technical risks. Define risk mitigation and contingency plans. Uses structured approaches like Waterfall, Agile, and Iterative methodologies. Develop innovative solutions for multiple customers/partners. Maintain architecture documents and logs. Lead teams of Architects to deliver value and clarity to stakeholders. Define and document architecture to communicate the business solution’s value. Lead discussions on cost and technology to determine customer interest. Prioritise ROI and cost‑savings. Collaborate with the Project Manager on governance and quality control. Demonstrate business value to customers. Understanding Customer / Partner Technical Environment Understanding Customer / Partner Technical Environment. Gather insights from stakeholders and the primary business sponsor to shape and execute projects. Adapt business models and solutions to industry trends. Collaborate with stakeholders to socialise the business solution and project approach. Make necessary adjustments based on customer feedback. Represent the customer / partner as an advocate and share insights with Product Engineering teams to improve Microsoft technologies and offerings. Generate and improve intellectual property. Identify valuable ideas and drive changes across business and technology areas. Practice Development Promote the reuse of intellectual property and recommend best practices in pre‑sales and delivery. Participate and contribute to internal and external communities. #J-18808-Ljbffr