Principal Architect - Microsoft Cloud (Azure, Data & AI)

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 the Microsoft Intelligent Cloud, spanning Azure, 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 a senior, externally facing leadership role at the intersection of:Executive technology leadershipAzure, Data, and AI architectureStrategic deal shaping and co-innovation with MicrosoftYou will act as the technical 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 the Microsoft 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 in CxO-level conversations and strategic Microsoft engagementsStrategic Deal Shaping & Commercial ImpactLead technical strategy for large, complex, multi-million-dollar transformation dealsShape solution architecture, win themes, and technical differentiation in priority pursuitsTranslate Microsoft platform capabilities into clear business outcomes and commercial valueDrive alignment between architecture decisions and Azure 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 are secure, scalable, resilient, and cost-optimizedEstablish reference architectures, reusable patterns, and architecture decision frameworksValidate high-risk designs through hands-on prototyping and POCsGlobal V-Team OrchestrationOrchestrate cross-functional v-teams across sales, engineering, delivery, partners, and Microsoft stakeholdersOperate effectively in a matrixed, global environment, leading without formal authorityAlign regional and global teams around technical strategy, execution, and outcomesInnovation & “First-of” Solution LeadershipLead first-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 into repeatable assets and scalable offeringsCo-Sell, Solution Plays & Scalable IPBuild co-sell-ready, repeatable solutions aligned to Microsoft solution areas and solution playsDevelop scalable offerings that drive joint pipeline, revenue growth, and market differentiationCreate reusable IP, accelerators, demo libraries, and reference architecturesEnsure alignment to Microsoft GTM motions and ecosystem prioritiesMicrosoft Ecosystem LeadershipBuild deep relationships across Microsoft sales, partner, customer success, and engineering teamsAlign to Microsoft priorities, co-sell motions, and industry solution playsProvide field insight to influence Microsoft product direction and innovationRepresent client needs in joint Microsoft engagementsInternal Technical LeadershipAct as the technical “north star” across sales, pre-sales, and engineeringElevate capabilities across Azure architecture, AI solutioning, and modern engineering practicesCoach teams to build scalable, differentiated, and executable solutionsQualificationsWhat You Bring :Experience12+ years in enterprise architecture, CoE leadership, or senior technical leadership rolesProven track record shaping and winning large, complex transformation dealsExperience operating as a trusted advisor to C-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 into business value, commercial outcomes, and platform growthStrong executive communication and storytelling skillsExperience linking technical strategy to client transformation and Microsoft ecosystem growthLeadership ProfileStrong cross-industry perspective with pattern recognition and reuseAbility to lead through ambiguity and pioneer new solution spacesProven experience orchestrating global teams and partner ecosystemsPreferred DifferentiatorsMicrosoft certifications (Azure Architect, AI Engineer, Data Engineer)Established relationships across the Microsoft ecosystemExperience with Copilot, GenAI, and agentic AI architecturesProven track record building scalable IP and co-sell solutionsThought leadership across events, publications, or industry forumsIndustry depth in Financial Services, Retail, Healthcare, Energy, or TelecomWhy This RoleLead and scale Publicis Sapient’s Microsoft Center of Excellence globallyOperate as a senior technical leader shaping strategy, deals, and innovationPartner directly with Microsoft to influence joint solutions and market impactBuild the next generation of Azure + 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 View email address on us.fitly.work. Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.