Microsoft and Databricks Practice Lead

Role overview

Your profile

• 18+ years in consulting and technology, including substantial leadership across Data, Analytics, AI, and Cloud transformation.
• Senior leadership at a Big 4 consulting firm or leading global systems integrator, with evidence of building or scaling a relevant practice.
• Own or materially influence practice growth, P&L or commercial targets, deal origination, sales, pipeline, and executive client engagement.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Azure, Fabric, OneLake, Power BI, Purview, Azure AI, Azure Databricks, and the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform.
• Understand Lakehouse architecture, Delta Lake, Unity Catalog, data engineering, analytics, ML/AI, GenAI, security, governance, and platform modernization.
• Manage Microsoft and/or Databricks alliances and turn partner relationships into opportunities, offerings, certifications, and revenue.
• Bring executive presence, a consulting orientation, and ability to lead large, diverse teams across geographies.

Preferred qualifications

• Middle East market experience, especially UAE and KSA, and regional client and partner relationships.
• Relevant Microsoft Fabric/Azure or Databricks certifications, or oversight of certified practices.
• Industry experience in Financial Services, Government, Energy & Utilities, Telecom, Manufacturing, or Retail.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute multi-year practice strategy across Azure, Fabric, Databricks, Data Engineering, Analytics, Data Governance, AI/ML, and Generative AI.
• Own or influence bookings, revenue, qualified pipeline, margin, and utilization; lead pursuits, proposals, solution shaping, and C-suite presentations.
• Set account growth plans, review opportunity qualification and commercial models, and maintain disciplined sales forecasting with account leaders.
• Build executive relationships and joint go-to-market plans with Microsoft and Databricks, including co-sell pipeline, partner funding, certifications, events, and joint offerings.
• Develop repeatable propositions for Fabric adoption, Databricks/Lakehouse modernization, data migration, AI-ready foundations, GenAI, and managed data services.
• Advise clients on Data & AI strategy, platform choices, architecture, governance, investment roadmaps, and business outcomes.
• Govern major engagements for delivery quality, architecture integrity, responsible AI, security, profitability, and customer satisfaction; sponsor reviews and resolve escalations.
• Build and lead a multi-location team of practice leaders, architects, engineers, data scientists, and governance specialists; drive hiring, certifications, and succession planning.