Solution Architect Manager - UK & Ireland

The Solution Architect Manager (SAM) for UK & Ireland leads a high performing team of delivery resources (Solution Architects and consultants) who are responsible for the shaping, design, and acceleration of AI driven digital transformation for strategic customers across the geography. This role combines deep technical leadership with strong people management, business impact orientation, and cross industry influence.  

Microsoft's overarching mission is to empower every person and organization globally to achieve more. Leading one of our teams, you will contribute to this mission with a growth mindset, innovative thinking, and collaborative efforts. Our daily endeavors align with values of respect, integrity, and accountability, fostering an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive both at work and beyond.  

The role offers flexibility, with travel percentages varying around 25%. Join us in shaping the future of Azure transformational adoption and AI solutions at Microsoft.  

People Management   

Managers deliver success through empowerment and accountability by modeling, coaching, and caring.  

Architecture Design  

The ability to apply reference architecture and patterns for a variety of solutions (e.g., advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, big data, Internet of Things, modern business intelligence and analytics, modern applications, data platform modernization, data warehousing, business intelligence and analytics, etc.).  

Artificial Intelligence (AI)  

Knowledge of artificial intelligence and data science including machine learning, data mining, machine vision, search knowledge graphs, or natural language processing.  

Software Architecture  

Knowledge of the high-level structures of a software system and the principles of creating such structures and systems.  

Security and Compliance Principles  

The ability to follow secure-by-design principles to ensure a secure foundation in the design of solutions.  

Cloud Security  

The ability to explain and advise on cloud security considerations, capabilities, and tools across software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS).  

Network Architecture  

Knowledge of the framework for the specification of a network's physical components and their functional organization and configuration, its operational principles and procedures, as well as communication protocols used.  

Required qualifications: 

• Master's OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field AND significant years experience in technology solutions, practice development, architecture, consulting, and/or technology domain (e.g., Security) OR equivalent experience. 

• Proven track record of hands‑on contributions to AI‑driven transformation initiatives, whether in business process optimization or corporate IT environments. 

• Demonstrated past experience leading large‑scale digital transformation programs that leveraged public cloud adoption for application modernization or data platform strategy. 

Additional or preferred qualifications 

• Relevant technical sales experience. 

• Project management experience. 

• Experience with managing multiple, complex projects or portfolios. 

• Experience leading blended and multidisciplinary teams. 

• People management experience, including managing consultant practice managers, technical sales managers, and/or technical architect managers. 

• Technical or Professional Certification in Domain (e.g. AI or Azure architecture)