POSITION DETAILS: Position Title: Data & AI Presales Architect Reports to (POSITION): Technical Pre-Sales Manager Team: Technical Pre-Sales Department: Services & Solutions ABOUT BYTES: Bytes Software Services is a leading provider of IT solutions and services, supporting organisations across the UK and Ireland in modernising, securing, and optimising their digital environments. With a team of over 750 professionals, we deliver deep expertise across Microsoft technologies, cloud transformation, cybersecurity, data and AI, and digital workplace solutions. We are trusted by hundreds of public and private sector organisations to deliver: Cloud transformation and data-driven innovation through Microsoft Azure, Fabric, and AI services Security resilience across hybrid environments using Microsoft Defender, Check Point, Palo Alto, and Netskope Business process automation and AI adoption using Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power Platform, and Copilot Studio End-to-end support from presales consultancy and solution design to delivery, optimisation, and managed services As a Microsoft Solutions Partner across multiple designations, Bytes is committed to delivering measurable outcomes aligned to Microsoft’s “Metrics that Matter,” helping customers achieve their strategic goals with confidence. WHY BYTES: At Bytes, we’re committed to creating a workplace where people thrive. We invest in our employees’ growth, wellbeing, and success, because we know that when our people flourish, so does our business. Here’s why people choose to build their careers with us: Purposeful Work: We help organisations solve real-world challenges through digital transformation, AI innovation, and secure cloud solutions. People-First Culture: We foster a collaborative, inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is valued and respected. Career Growth: From technical certifications to leadership development, we offer continuous learning opportunities tailored to your ambitions. Recognition & Rewards: Our competitive compensation packages include commission schemes, bonus opportunities, and a wide range of flexible benefits. Wellbeing & Belonging: We support your health and happiness with wellbeing webinars, social clubs, paid volunteering days, and access to Vitality Healthcare and gym discounts. Award-Winning Team: Join a team that’s consistently recognised for excellence in customer service, innovation, and vendor partnerships. We’re proud to be “Smarter Together”, combining deep expertise, a consultative approach, and a passion for delivering value to our customers and our people PURPOSE OF JOB: (OVERALL DESCRIPTION OF THE POST WITHIN THE TEAM AND ORGANISATION) As a Microsoft Data & AI Cloud Presales Architect, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how our customers adopt and scale Microsoft’s intelligent cloud and data services. This is a highly consultative role that blends deep technical expertise with commercial acumen and customer engagement. You will work closely with account teams, solution specialists, and delivery consultants to design and position scalable, secure, and innovative Data & AI solutions. These solutions will span Microsoft Azure, Fabric, Azure AI services including Azure OpenAI. Cognitive Services, and Machine Learning and will be tailored to meet the unique needs of enterprise and public sector clients. Your responsibilities will include leading technical discovery sessions to develop solution architectures, and supporting the sales cycle with compelling demos, proposals, and proof-of-value engagements. You’ll also act as a trusted advisor to customers, helping them understand how to unlock value from their data and AI investments. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of technology and business, and who is passionate about helping organisations transform through data-driven decision-making and AI innovation. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Advise customers on the use of Azure AI services including Cognitive Services, Azure Machine Learning, and Azure OpenAI to solve business challenges. Lead technical discovery sessions with customers to understand business and technical requirements Design and present Data & AI solutions using Microsoft Azure, Fabric, and OpenAI services Collaborate with internal teams to shape proposals and ensure solution feasibility Support the sales cycle with technical expertise, demos, and proof-of-value engagements Stay current with Microsoft’s Data & AI roadmap and emerging technologies Ensure proposed solutions align with Microsoft’s “Metrics that Matter” to drive measurable customer outcomes Collaborate with AI-focused delivery teams to shape PoC engagements and ensure feasibility of AI-driven solutions. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS: (DELETE AS REQUIRED IF ESSENTIAL OR DESIRABLE, REMOVE UNNECESSARY REQUIRENENTs) Educational Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related field DESIRABLE Equivalent industry experience in lieu of formal education ESSENTIAL Professional Qualifications Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert or equivalent DESIRABLE Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate or Data Engineer Associate ESSENTIAL Years of Experience 5 years in a Technical Pre-Sales, solution architecture, or consulting role ESSENTIAL Experience designing and presenting Data & AI solutions ESSENTIAL Other Requirements Hands-on experience with Azure AI services including Cognitive Services, Azure ML, and Azure OpenAI ESSENTIAL Strong understanding of Microsoft Azure Data & AI stack ESSENTIAL Familiarity with Microsoft Fabric and Azure OpenAI ESSENTIAL Understanding of responsible AI principles and governance in enterprise environments ESSENTIAL Experience with AWS Data & AI services DESIRABLE Ability to simplify complex data topics for customer conversations ESSENTIAL Experience planning Proof of Concept (PoC) projects ESSENTIAL Understanding of Microsoft’s “Metrics that Matter” DESIRABLE CORE COMPETENCIES & SKILLS – BASED ON POSITION AND GRADE Competency Description Technical Expertise Deep knowledge of Azure Data & AI services, architecture, and deployment ESSENTIAL Customer Engagement Ability to lead discovery sessions and translate needs into solutions ESSENTIAL Solution Design Skilled in designing scalable, secure, and innovative architectures ESSENTIAL Communication Clear communicator with technical and non-technical stakeholders ESSENTIAL Collaboration Works effectively with sales, delivery, and partner teams ESSENTIAL Innovation Keeps up to date with Microsoft roadmap and emerging technologies DESIRABLE Commercial Awareness Understands licensing, pricing, and commercial models for Microsoft cloud DESIRABLE Strategic Thinking Ability to align solutions with customer business outcomes ESSENTIAL AI Solutioning Ability to design and position AI-driven solutions using Microsoft’s AI stack ESSENTIAL Ethical Awareness Familiarity with responsible AI practices and customer data governance DESIRABLE