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

Microsoft Center Of Excellence Lead Publicis Sapient is a global digital transformation partner that, for more than 30 years, has guided some of the world's largest organizations 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. 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. Role Overview We 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 leadership Azure, Data, and AI architecture Strategic deal shaping and co-innovation with Microsoft You 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. Responsibilities What You'll Own: CoE Leadership & Technical Strategy Lead the Microsoft Center of Excellence, defining technical vision across Azure, Data, AI, and Copilot Establish a clear, differentiated POV aligned to Microsoft priorities and solution plays Represent Publicis Sapient in CxO-level conversations and strategic Microsoft engagements Strategic Deal Shaping & Commercial Impact Lead technical strategy for large, complex, multi-million-dollar transformation deals Shape solution architecture, win themes, and technical differentiation in priority pursuits Translate Microsoft platform capabilities into clear business outcomes and commercial value Drive alignment between architecture decisions and Azure consumption, platform adoption, and client ROI Enterprise Architecture – Microsoft Intelligent Cloud Define 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-optimized Establish reference architectures, reusable patterns, and architecture decision frameworks Validate high-risk designs through hands-on prototyping and POCs Global V-Team Orchestration Orchestrate cross-functional v-teams across sales, engineering, delivery, partners, and Microsoft stakeholders Operate effectively in a matrixed, global environment, leading without formal authority Align regional and global teams around technical strategy, execution, and outcomes Innovation & "First-of" Solution Leadership Lead first-of-their-kind and high-ambiguity transformation programs Co-innovate with Microsoft and clients to bring emerging technologies into production Build rapid prototypes and differentiated demos to accelerate decision-making Convert innovative work into repeatable assets and scalable offerings Co-Sell, Solution Plays & Scalable IP Build co-sell-ready, repeatable solutions aligned to Microsoft solution areas and solution plays Develop scalable offerings that drive joint pipeline, revenue growth, and market differentiation Create reusable IP, accelerators, demo libraries, and reference architectures Ensure alignment to Microsoft GTM motions and ecosystem priorities Microsoft Ecosystem Leadership Build deep relationships across Microsoft sales, partner, customer success, and engineering teams Align to Microsoft priorities, co-sell motions, and industry solution plays Provide field insight to influence Microsoft product direction and innovation Represent client needs in joint Microsoft engagements Internal Technical Leadership Act as the technical "north star" across sales, pre-sales, and engineering Elevate capabilities across Azure architecture, AI solutioning, and modern engineering practices Coach teams to build scalable, differentiated, and executable solutions Qualifications What You Bring: Experience 12+ years in enterprise architecture, CoE leadership, or senior technical leadership roles Proven track record shaping and winning large, complex transformation deals Experience operating as a trusted advisor to C-suite stakeholders Microsoft 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 architectures Production-grade AI solutions Scalable, repeatable solution patterns Commercial & Executive Capability Ability to translate technology into business value, commercial outcomes, and platform growth Strong executive communication and storytelling skills Experience linking technical strategy to client transformation and Microsoft ecosystem growth Leadership Profile Strong cross-industry perspective with pattern recognition and reuse Ability to lead through ambiguity and pioneer new solution spaces Proven experience orchestrating global teams and partner ecosystems Preferred Differentiators Microsoft certifications (Azure Architect, AI Engineer, Data Engineer) Established relationships across the Microsoft ecosystem Experience with Copilot, GenAI, and agentic AI architectures Proven track record building scalable IP and co-sell solutions Thought leadership across events, publications, or industry forums Industry depth in Financial Services, Retail, Healthcare, Energy, or Telecom Why This Role Lead and scale Publicis Sapient's Microsoft Center of Excellence globally Operate as a senior technical leader shaping strategy, deals, and innovation Partner directly with Microsoft to influence joint solutions and market impact Build the next generation of Azure + Data + AI + Copilot-driven enterprise transformation Additional Information Pay Range: $200,000 - $270,000 The 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 program As part of our dedication to an inclusive and diverse workforce, Publicis MSLGROUP