Avanade is looking for an experienced Data Security Architect to join our security practice. This is a client-facing role where you will be engaged in some of the most exciting, complex, and leading-edge projects. You will play an active role in transforming our client’s Information Protection strategy, capabilities, and operations through the design and implementation of predominantly Microsoft Threat Protection technologies. You will also be part of the Avanade Security presales and Architecture function, creating proposals and solutions for our largest, most complex enterprise clients. This role will include partial delivery expectations for the year In this role, you will: • Lead large projects and project teams. • Manage deliverables and be responsible for delivering against critical milestones. • Engage in solution architecture and pre-sales deal shaping. • Develop and maintain long-term strategic client relationships. • Lead the implementation and management of Microsoft Purview for data discovery, classification, sensitivity labelling, and retention policies • Drive DSPM strategy to ensure AI models, pipelines, and infrastructure meet enterprise data protection and compliance requirements • Design and enforce DSPM (Data Security Posture Management) frameworks tailored for AI-driven data infrastructure • Define and monitor KPIs for data discovery, classification, and protection coverage • Implementing DSPM solutions to discover, classify, and secure data across AI pipelines • Integration of data classification and retention policies within AI lifecycle • Develop Response plans for data breach and exfiltration response tailored to AI environments. Forensic tracing of AI usage and auditability of input data • Integrate Purview alerts and telemetry with Microsoft Defender and Sentinel to enable real-time threat detection and incident correlation. • Oversee configuration of E5 security tools, including Microsoft Information Protection, Data Loss Prevention, and Insider Risk Management • Stay current with evolving data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, NIST AI RMF) and recommend policy updates accordingly • Develop high-level documentation and executive reports on data security posture, risk exposures, and improvement roadmaps. • Additional experience with Entra suite, M365 and Defender is not mandatory but valuable. Duties • Develop and maintain strong relationships with the account teams and client stakeholders • Identify customer needs and understand business goals to envisage a high-level solution and winning strategy. • Develop detailed security transformation and operations opportunities based on the capabilities, standardised tools, processes and partner technology with the security architects and other technology partners. • Drive and be involved in the proposal, solution presentations and discussions. • Conduct and follow through the sales process to accomplish deal closure Skills • Advanced Microsoft Security Certifications such as: SC-100, SC-200, SC-401, AI-900 • Industry-recognised certifications such as: CISSP, CCSP, CISM, GIAC • In-depth Knowledge of Azure Security Tools: Have a key in-depth Experience implementing Purview, and Purview DSPM strategies for AI models or hybrid data platforms. • Security Architecture Design: Design and implement robust security architectures for cloud-based applications and services. Ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices. • RFP Responses: Prepare and review responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) related to cloud security. Ensure that all security requirements are addressed and communicated to potential clients. • Continuous Improvement: Stay updated on the latest security trends, technologies, and threats. Continuously improve security processes and tools to enhance the overall security posture. • Strong knowledge of Azure Security tools and experience with compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, NIST AI RMF, ISO 27001, SOC 2). • Familiarity with industry standards and best practices for cloud security. • Excellent communication and collaboration skills. • Ability to lead RFP responses related to cloud security and Managed Security Services. • Beneficial Knowledge: Familiarity with the Defender suite of products, including Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Defender for Identity, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, and Microsoft Cloud App Security About you • Understanding of how AI/ML models handle training data, inference data, and derived data. • Experience with case management workflows and insider threat response protocols. • Data lineage tracking for model input/output. • Familiarity with Responsible AI practices, including bias, fairness, and explainability