Lead Security Architect (MS Purview SME)

Summary

At Avanade, cybersecurity consultants are innovators, risk-takers, and challengers of the status quo. If you’re an experienced Microsoft Security Manager, who can help our clients solve complex Cybersecurity business challenges, this might be the perfect opportunity for you.

Engage in exciting, complex projects and play a vital role in transforming clients' Cyber Defense strategies. Collaborate with a team of experts, share knowledge, and develop thought leadership. Stay at the forefront of Microsoft Security technology and grow into a leader in Cyber Defense. Together we do what matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Lead pre-sales activities, including technical presentations, demonstrations, and proof-of-concept engagements to showcase the value of Microsoft Security solutions.

• Solution Design: Collaborate with sales teams and customers to understand their security needs and design tailored solutions that address their challenges.

• Customer Engagement: Build strong relationships with customers, acting as a trusted advisor and providing expert guidance on security best practices and Microsoft solutions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams in the Sales organization, including Client Solutions, to support the go-to-market strategy and drive successful customer outcomes.

• Market Insights: Stay updated on industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging security threats to provide strategic insights and inform solution development.

• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with key stakeholders, including Microsoft sales specialist and executive teams, to support business objectives and drive joint growth.

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Skills and experiences

Required technical skills:

• Around 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity with strong expertise in Microsoft Purview Solutions.

• Lead technical presentations, demonstrations, and proof-of-concept engagements to showcase the value of Microsoft Purview solutions.

• Build strong relationships with clients, acting as a trusted advisor on Purview best practices and Microsoft security technologies.

• Stay updated on industry trends, competitive landscape and emerging data protection threats to inform solution development and strategy.

• Implement and manage Microsoft Purview Information Protection, Data Loss Prevention, Data Security Posture Management, Information Barriers and Insider Risk Management across diverse enterprise environments.

• Lead the end-to-end implementation of Microsoft Purview including setup, configuration, scanning and cataloging across cloud and hybrid environments.

• Implement sensitive data classification, labeling and retention policies aligned with organizational compliance frameworks and regulatory obligations.

• Configure sensitive information types, data classification, labeling and data lifecycle policies in Purview.

• Conduct workshops, training and knowledge transfers to internal teams and external clients.

Consulting skills:

• Security Best Practices & Compliance: Enforce and promote leading security frameworks (e.g., NIST CSF, CIS Controls) and regulatory compliance standards (e.g., PDPA, GDPR) within all Information Labeling and DLP deployments.

• Solution Advisory & Strategy Development:

• Stay up to date on the latest Purview features Microsoft roadmap updates and emerging data governance practices.

• Provide expert guidance on security roadmap development, cloud security adoption frameworks, and digital transformation initiatives leveraging Microsoft technologies.

• Conduct comprehensive current state assessments, gap analyses, and future state designs, presenting compelling and technically sound arguments for recommended solutions.

• Project Leadership & Delivery Management:

• Oversee the end-to-end delivery of complex security projects from initial concept and proposal through implementation, testing, and post-go-live optimization.

• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with clients, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard of quality.

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues, developing effective contingency plans.

• Excellent presentation and documentation skills for delivering client workshops and technical training

• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into business value propositions

• Experience in security assessment and providing strategic recommendations to improve client's security posture

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related technical field. Master's degree preferred.

• 10+ years of progressive experience in IT and cybersecurity, with a significant portion dedicated to Data Security & Information labeling & classification, including at least 5 years in a leadership, management, or client-facing consulting role.

• Extensive hands-on expertise with Microsoft Purview and the comprehensive Data Security experience is mandatory.

• Proven track record of successfully designing, implementing, and managing complex security solutions in diverse enterprise environments.

• Highly desirable certifications: Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert, Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals, Implement Microsoft Purview Information Protection, CISSP, CDPSE.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to articulate complex technical and business concepts clearly and persuasively to all levels of an organization.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing team in a consulting or advisory capacity.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Good to have Microsoft Security certifications e.g. SC400, SC401 

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