Azure Cloud & AI Solutions Architect

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Azure Cloud & AI Solutions Architect based in Canada. We are seeking a senior-level architect to drive business growth by shaping strategic cloud and AI solutions within the Microsoft ecosystem. In this role, you will lead enterprise discovery sessions, uncover business priorities, and translate complex challenges into scalable, measurable technology solutions. You will work at the intersection of Azure architecture, data platforms, artificial intelligence, security, integration, and Power Platform. Collaborating closely with sales, delivery, and executive stakeholders, you will guide solution design, define project scope, and establish realistic delivery plans. Your expertise will help organizations adopt AI and cloud technologies responsibly while managing technical feasibility, commercial objectives, and delivery risks. This remote opportunity is ideal for an experienced technical consultant who combines architectural depth with strong business acumen and executive-level communication skills. Accountabilities - Lead structured enterprise discovery sessions lasting 60–120 minutes to identify business drivers, technical constraints, stakeholder priorities, and decision-making dynamics. - Challenge assumptions constructively, reframing feature requests into clearly defined business problems, measurable outcomes, and value propositions. - Design scalable, secure, and credible solutions across Azure cloud infrastructure, data platforms, AI, application integration, security, and Power Platform. - Translate AI, Copilot, and automation opportunities into actionable solution concepts with defined objectives, feasibility considerations, and evaluation strategies. - Develop high-quality statements of work (SOWs), discovery summaries, scopes, assumptions, dependencies, change-control provisions, and phased delivery plans.

- Establish delivery approaches with clear milestones and decision gates to reduce risks related to data readiness, feasibility, security, and implementation complexity. - Communicate solution value, business impact, and commercial risks to CFOs and COOs while presenting architectural decisions and technical feasibility to CTOs and CISOs. - Shape engagements that balance profitability, resource utilization, delivery risk, and appropriate commercial models, including fixed-fee and time-and-materials arrangements. - Collaborate with sales, delivery teams, and leadership to coordinate opportunities, ensure deal readiness, and facilitate effective project handoffs. - Identify scope gaps, technical risks, and misaligned client expectations early to protect delivery teams and support successful project execution. - Produce DevOps-ready backlogs with estimates and assumptions, and confidently whiteboard and defend proposed architectural designs. Requirements - At least 8 years of experience in Microsoft cloud, data, or application architecture, including 3–5 years in presales, advisory, or solution architecture roles. - Demonstrated experience facilitating enterprise discovery sessions, consulting engagements, or solution design workshops. - Strong knowledge of Azure data platforms, including Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Lake, and Azure Data Factory. - Practical understanding of applied AI technologies, including Azure OpenAI, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), AI agents, summarization, Azure AI Search, and AI evaluation strategies. - Experience with integration technologies and patterns such as Azure API Management (APIM), Event Grid, Azure Functions, Logic Apps, and Container Apps. - Knowledge of Power Platform and Copilot Studio, including appropriate use cases, governance requirements, and situations where alternative approaches are preferable.