Principal Architect

Company descriptionPublicis Sapient is a global digital transformation partner that, for more than 30 years, has guided some of the world's largest organisations toward a digitally enabled future, both in the way they work and the way they serve their customers. We help unlock value through a start-up mindset and modern methods, fusing strategy, consulting and customer experience with agile engineering and Data problem-solving creativity. United by our core values and purpose of helping people thrive in the brave pursuit of Next. Our teams combine deep industry expertise with our SPEED capabilities, Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, and Data & AI to tackle the biggest challenges clients are facing today. This is where transformation stops being a buzzword and becomes measurable outcomes for millions of members. Our 20,000+ professionals in 70 offices worldwide combine experience across technology, data sciences, consulting, and customer obsession to accelerate our clients’ businesses by designing the products and services their customers truly value. Our people are problem-solvers and collaborators, leveraging human ingenuity and AI-driven tools to drive innovation.Our 20,000+ professionals in 70 offices worldwide combine experience across technology, data sciences, consulting, and customer obsession to accelerate our clients’ businesses by designing the products and services their customers truly value. Our people are problem-solvers and collaborators, leveraging human ingenuity and AI-driven tools to drive innovation.As a strategic Microsoft partner, we co-innovate to deliver enterprise-scale transformation across theMicrosoft Intelligent Cloud, spanningAzure, Data, AI, Security, and Copilot platforms.OverviewRole OverviewWe are hiring a Microsoft Center of Excellence Lead or a Solutions Technical Leader to define and drive the technical strategy for our Microsoft business globally.This is asenior, externally facing leadership roleat the intersection of:Executive technology leadershipAzure, Data, and AI architectureStrategic deal shaping and co-innovation with MicrosoftYou will act as thetechnical face of Publicis Sapient to clients and Microsoft, shaping complex pursuits, influencing innovation, and scaling repeatable solutions across the Microsoft ecosystem.ResponsibilitiesWhat You’ll Own :CoE Leadership & Technical StrategyLead theMicrosoft Center of Excellence, defining technical vision across Azure, Data, AI, and CopilotEstablish a clear, differentiated POV aligned to Microsoft priorities and solution playsRepresent Publicis Sapient inCxO-level conversations and strategic Microsoft engagementsStrategic Deal Shaping & Commercial ImpactLead technical strategy forlarge, complex, multi-million-dollar transformation dealsShape solution architecture, win themes, and technical differentiation in priority pursuitsTranslate Microsoft platform capabilities intoclear business outcomes and commercial valueDrive alignment between architecture decisions andAzure consumption, platform adoption, and client ROIEnterprise Architecture – Microsoft Intelligent CloudDefine and guide enterprise architectures across:Azure (IaaS, PaaS, containers, integration, modernization)Data Platforms (Microsoft Fabric, analytics ecosystems)AI & Copilot (Azure OpenAI, AI Studio, ML, Copilot stack)Agentic AI frameworks (Copilot Studio, Semantic Kernel)Ensure solutions aresecure, scalable, resilient, and cost-optimizedEstablishreference architectures, reusable patterns, and architecture decision frameworksValidate high-risk designs throughhands-on prototyping and POCsGlobal V-Team OrchestrationOrchestratecross-functional v-teamsacross sales, engineering, delivery, partners, and Microsoft stakeholdersOperate effectively in amatrixed, global environment, leading without formal authorityAlign regional and global teams aroundtechnical strategy, execution, and outcomesInnovation & “First-of” Solution LeadershipLeadfirst-of-their-kind and high-ambiguity transformation programsCo-innovate with Microsoft and clients to bring emerging technologies into productionBuild rapid prototypes and differentiated demos to accelerate decision-makingConvert innovative work intorepeatable assets and scalable offeringsCo-Sell, Solution Plays & Scalable IPBuildco-sell-ready, repeatable solutionsaligned to Microsoftsolution areas and solution playsDevelop scalable offerings that drivejoint pipeline, revenue growth, and market differentiationCreate reusableIP, accelerators, demo libraries, and reference architecturesEnsure alignment to Microsoft GTM motions and ecosystem prioritiesMicrosoft Ecosystem LeadershipBuild deep relationships across Microsoftsales, partner, customer success, and engineering teamsAlign to Microsoft priorities, co-sell motions, and industry solution playsProvide field insight toinfluence Microsoft product direction and innovationRepresent client needs in joint Microsoft engagementsInternal Technical LeadershipAct as thetechnical “north star”across sales, pre-sales, and engineeringElevate capabilities acrossAzure architecture, AI solutioning, and modern engineering practicesCoach teams to buildscalable, differentiated, and executable solutionsQualificationsWhat You Bring :Experience12+ years inenterprise architecture, CoE leadership, or senior technical leadership rolesProven track record shaping and winninglarge, complex transformation dealsExperience operating as a trusted advisor toC-suite stakeholdersMicrosoft Technical Expertise - Hands-on depth across:Azure platform(infrastructure, platform services, integration, modernization)Data platforms(Fabric, analytics, enterprise data ecosystems)AI platforms(Azure OpenAI, AI Studio, ML, Copilot ecosystem)Track record delivering:Enterprise-scale cloud architecturesProduction-grade AI solutionsScalable, repeatable solution patternsCommercial & Executive CapabilityAbility to translate technology intobusiness value, commercial outcomes, and platform growthStrong executive communication and storytelling skillsExperience linking technical strategy toclient transformation and Microsoft ecosystem growthLeadership ProfileStrong cross-industry perspective with pattern recognition and reuseAbility to lead through ambiguity andpioneer new solution spacesProven experience orchestratingglobal teams and partner ecosystemsPreferred DifferentiatorsMicrosoft certifications (Azure Architect, AI Engineer, Data Engineer)Established relationships across the Microsoft ecosystemExperience withCopilot, GenAI, and agentic AI architecturesProven track record buildingscalable IP and co-sell solutionsThought leadership across events, publications, or industry forumsIndustry depth in Financial Services, Retail, Healthcare, Energy, or TelecomWhy This RoleLead and scalePublicis Sapient’s Microsoft Center of Excellence globallyOperate as asenior technical leader shaping strategy, deals, and innovationPartner directly with Microsoft to influencejoint solutions and market impactBuild the next generation ofAzure + Data + AI + Copilot-driven enterprise transformationAdditional informationPay Range: $200,000 - $270,000The range shown represents a grouping of relevant ranges currently in use at Publicis Sapient. Actual range for this position may differ, depending on location and specific skillset required for the work itself. Benefits of working here: Flexible vacation policy; time is not limited, allocated, or accrued 16 paid holidays throughout the year Generous parental leave and new parent transition program Tuition reimbursement Corporate gift matching programAs part of our dedication to an inclusive and diverse workforce, Publicis Sapient is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity without regard for race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.