Partner Solution Architect - Cloud & AI

Microsoft; Durban; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cloud service provider is seeking an experienced Solutions Architect in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on leading cloud architecture initiatives and partner enablement. Ideal candidates have over 10 years of experience in cloud technologies, particularly with Microsoft Azure, and possess strong leadership skills. This full-time position offers an opportunity to drive technical innovation and solutions development in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in cloud technologies and consulting.
• Proven track record in leading architecture design sessions.
• Strong background in cloud capabilities, especially Microsoft Azure.

Responsibilities

• Guide development and activation of new partner offerings.
• Run workshops to build technical intensity in partner teams.
• Activate transformational deals through architectural guidance.

Skills

Cloud architecture

Partner enablement

Technical innovation workshops

Solution design

Microsoft Azure Infrastructure

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field

Master’s Degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Azure

AWS

Google Cloud

Job description

Overview

Microsoft has a dynamic and influential partner ecosystem that plays a critical role in driving growth and delivering successful outcomes for customers. This diverse ecosystem spans global strategic ISVs, industry-focused ISVs, systems integrators at every scale—global, regional, and local—as well as advisory firms and Microsoft Channel Partners. These partners bring a wealth of expertise, solutions, and services to the table, powered by the Microsoft Cloud, helping customers to achieve their digital transformation goals.

Microsoft Enterprise Partner Solutions (EPS) is the commercial organization accountable for driving Microsoft’s growth and success for customers through ISVs and Enterprise System Integrators. EPS defines and executes global partner ecosystem strategy with a focus on the entire partner lifecycle—ensuring seamless collaboration that empowers Microsoft to help customers achieve their digital transformation objectives.

Responsibilities

• Guide Solution Development & Activation - Lead the development and activation of new or enhanced partner offerings that align with Microsoft Cloud priorities. Ensure solutions are robust, scalable, secure, and tailored to meet evolving customer needs.
• Empower Innovation - Run technical innovation workshops, tech briefings, and envisioning sessions to build technical intensity across partner teams. Collaborate with engineering and product teams to accelerate adoption of emerging technologies and shape partner offerings that align with business goals and technical requirements.
• Strategic Sales Enablement - Activate transformational deals by providing architectural guidance, resolving technical blockers, and enhancing solution design. Contribute to workload consumption and revenue impact.
• Champion Technical Excellence - Guide partners through architecture design sessions, proof-of-concepts, and MVP builds. Ensure solutions follow Microsoft’s Cloud and AI best practices and are optimized for performance, scalability, and security.
• Thought Leadership & Stakeholder Management - Build long-term engagements with strategic partners, influence adoption of Microsoft technologies, develop deep technical relationships with CXOs, and foster executive alignment to support joint success.
• Partner Enablement & Business Acumen - Coach broader partner technical teams to embed pre-sales, deployment, and consumption in solution development. Help partners build resilience to technical challenges, navigate competitive landscapes, and translate technical concepts into business value.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Business, or related field AND 10+ years experience in cloud/infrastructure/SaaS technologies, information technology (IT) consulting/support, systems administration, network operations, software development/support, technology solutions, practice development, architecture, and/or consulting

• OR Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Business, or related field AND 8+ years experience in cloud/infrastructure/SaaS technologies, technology solutions, practice development, architecture, and/or consulting
• OR equivalent experience

Proven experience in cloud architecture, solution design, and partner enablement, particularly in large-scale or global engagements.

Demonstrated ability to lead technical innovation workshops, architecture reviews, and build-to-consume engagements with partners.

8-10+ years of related experience in technology IP solutions or services development, with a deep understanding of digital transformation drivers, cloud platforms, and emerging Cloud Infra for AI trends.

Strong background and in-depth knowledge of cloud technologies, with a focus on Microsoft’s Azure Infrastructure (Compute, Storage, Networking, Security and Management).

Technical Certification in Cloud Infrastructure (e.g., Azure, AWS, Google).

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Not Applicable
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
• Industries: Software Development

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