Microsoft Presales Architect

The Microsoft Presales Architect serves as a critical link between sales and delivery by translating client needs into actionable, scalable Microsoft-focused solutions. Operating at the intersection of business and technology, this role leads discovery, develops solution designs, validates feasibility, and presents recommendations that balance technical depth with business value. Beyond aligning needs, wants, and budget, the role influences each opportunity toward Microsoft funding and toward outcomes that grow the full customer relationship across CSP licensing, Professional Services, Managed Services, and Security.

Responsibilities

Work alongside sales teams to understand customer business goals, challenges, and current Microsoft maturity; Lead client discovery sessions to identify business challenges, technical requirements, constraints, risks, and readiness factors; Assess the customer's current environment and align recommendations to the Microsoft Practice's target transformation framework; Develop Microsoft-focused solution designs and cross-practice architectures that are secure, scalable, and aligned to delivery objectives; Present solution architectures connecting technical design to business outcomes; Collaborate with clients and internal teams to refine scope, assumptions, deliverables, and success criteria; Serve as subject matter expert for Microsoft solutions across Azure, Microsoft 365, Security, Identity, Devices, Data, and related platform services; Incorporate prescriptive security thinking into solution design; Develop cost modeling and level-of-effort estimates; Estimate resources, costs, and timelines; Prepare and deliver technical pitches, proposals, and Statements of Work; Support RFP responses; Document solution architectures; Support account executives in technical presentations, demonstrations, and customer workshops; Ensure pricing is accurate before a proposal reaches the customer; Position Microsoft solutions as part of a broader ecosystem; Support Microsoft co-sell and field collaboration; Partner with delivery teams to validate scope, resource requirements, assumptions, and feasibility; Conduct internal handoffs to delivery; Contribute reusable assets, reference architectures, and solution blueprints; Stay current with Microsoft technologies, funding motions, and solution plays; Provide mentorship and training to junior members of go-to-market teams; Participate in internal review meetings, debriefings, and retrospectives

Requirements

Strong background in enterprise IT architecture with emphasis on Microsoft cloud and hybrid solutions; Deep expertise in Azure architecture, including infrastructure, networking, identity integration, governance, migration, modernization, and platform services; Strong working knowledge across Microsoft 365, Entra, Intune, Defender, Purview, Fabric, and Power Platform; Proficiency in designing cross-solution Microsoft architectures; Familiarity with cost modeling, licensing, Microsoft consumption considerations, and delivery resource planning; In-depth understanding of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS models; Strong understanding of enterprise networking and security technologies; Strong understanding of modern security architecture principles, including identity-centric security, conditional access, endpoint management, data protection, governance, and secure workload design; Familiarity with GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2; Familiarity with automation and Infrastructure-as-Code tools such as Bicep, Terraform, and Ansible; Experience with Microsoft solution architectures for midmarket and enterprise customers; Strong client-facing presentation and communication skills; Proven experience supporting pre-sales engagements and proposal development; Excellent problem-solving abilities and solution design judgment; Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities; Experience with pipeline management and CRM tools; Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience; 5 to 7+ years in Microsoft solution design, architecture, or technical pre-sales roles; Strong experience designing Azure and broader Microsoft cloud solutions in client-facing environments

Nice to have

Microsoft certifications, particularly Azure architecture, Microsoft 365 administration, endpoint management, and security; Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate; Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert; Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert; Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate; Microsoft Certified: Information Security Administrator Associate; Additional certifications in identity, governance, enterprise architecture, or service management; ITIL or other service management framework certifications; Previous experience with managed services providers, systems integrators, or Microsoft-focused consulting organizations; Experience working with Microsoft field teams, partner motions, co-sell opportunities, or Microsoft-funded engagements; Experience across healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, legal, retail, and related sectors