Practice Director

About the role:

The Practice Director, Microsoft Azure at Trace3 is a senior individual contributor responsible for driving executive relationships and strategic alignment with Microsoft while supporting GTM (Go-to-Market) efforts across Cloud, AI, Data & Analytics, Security, and Collaboration. This role requires deep consulting expertise and domain knowledge in enterprise applications, data platforms, security, and AI, enabling Trace3 to maximize the impact of Microsoft’s ecosystem across its service lines.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in enterprise consulting, expertise in Microsoft Azure and the broader Microsoft portfolio, and the ability to engage with senior executives, solution architects, and technical teams to drive cloud transformation initiatives. This leader will play a key role in pre-sales, Microsoft partner programs, public speaking, and digital consulting initiatives.

What you'll do:

Microsoft Partnership & GTM Leadership

• Build and strengthen executive relationships with Microsoft field leadership, partner teams, and key stakeholders.
• Drive joint GTM strategies with Microsoft to increase sales pipeline and revenue for Trace3’s Cloud, AI, Data, Security, and Collaboration services.
• Work across Trace3’s business units to align Microsoft solutions with customer challenges and drive co-selling initiatives.
• Stay informed on Microsoft’s evolving product roadmap and partner programs, ensuring Trace3 maximizes available incentives and funding opportunities.
• Represent Trace3 in Microsoft partner programs, industry events, and executive briefings.

Presales & Solutioning Support

• Support strategic pre-sales engagements by shaping cloud transformation, AI, and data-driven solutions for enterprise clients.
• Lead and contribute to executive briefings, client workshops, and technical strategy sessions focused on Azure and the Microsoft ecosystem.
• Partner with account teams and solution architects to develop Microsoft-based proposals, reference architectures, and POCs.
• Provide thought leadership in enterprise apps modernization, AI, security, and cloud data platforms using Microsoft Azure.
• Help define Microsoft-aligned service offerings that enhance Trace3’s Digital Consulting practice.

Thought Leadership & Public Speaking

• Serve as a subject matter expert and public speaker on Microsoft Azure trends, AI innovations, and enterprise digital transformation.
• Deliver keynotes, webinars, and conference presentations to showcase Trace3’s expertise in Microsoft solutions.
• Publish white papers, blog posts, and technical insights on Microsoft-related innovations and best practices.

Consulting & Advisory Support

• Provide executive-level consulting to clients on Azure strategy, governance, and cloud adoption frameworks.
• Work with enterprise clients to evaluate and optimize their cloud, security, AI, and data modernization roadmaps.
• Collaborate with Trace3’s AI, Security, and Data practices to drive cross-functional engagements.
• Support the Digital Consulting team by integrating Microsoft capabilities into broader consulting programs.

Qualifications and Interests:

Consulting & Leadership Experience

• 10+ years of experience in technology consulting, solution architecture, or cloud advisory roles.
• Deep expertise in Microsoft Azure, including enterprise applications, cloud data platforms, security, and AI.
• Strong experience in driving Microsoft partnerships, GTM strategies, and co-sell motions.
• Proven track record of executive engagement with Microsoft and enterprise clients.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and present compelling business and technical strategies to executive stakeholders.
• Experience working with Microsoft partner programs, incentives, and funding mechanisms.

Technical Expertise

• Deep knowledge of Azure Cloud Services, including compute, networking, security, identity, and compliance.
• Strong understanding of Microsoft’s AI ecosystem, Copilots, OpenAI, and AI-driven enterprise solutions.
• Expertise in cloud data platforms (Azure Data Lake, Synapse, Cosmos DB) and AI/ML capabilities.
• Security domain knowledge, including Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, and Zero Trust frameworks.
• Familiarity with modern enterprise applications, including Microsoft 365, Dynamics, and Power Platform.

Public Speaking & Thought Leadership

• Experience as a speaker, panelist, or writer on topics related to Azure, AI, Data, and Security.
• Ability to articulate complex technology solutions to both technical and executive audiences.

Education & Certifications (Preferred)

• Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Microsoft Security Certifications, or AI-related certifications.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.