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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Microsoft Cloud Consultant

💰 $110,000 - $175,000

IT ConsultingCloud ComputingMicrosoft AzureMicrosoft 365

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a passionate technologist with a talent for solving complex business challenges? This role requires a dynamic and client-focused Microsoft Cloud Consultant to join our growing team. In this pivotal role, you will be the trusted advisor for our clients, guiding them on their digital transformation journey by leveraging the full power of the Microsoft Cloud ecosystem, including Azure and Microsoft 365. You will be responsible for the entire project lifecycle, from initial discovery and architectural design to hands-on implementation, migration, and ongoing optimization. This is an exciting opportunity to work with diverse industries, tackle unique problems, and deliver tangible business value through innovative cloud solutions.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Cloud Engineer / Azure Administrator
  • Systems Administrator (with a focus on Microsoft technologies)
  • IT Support Specialist (Tier 3)
  • Junior IT Consultant

Advancement To:

  • Senior Microsoft Cloud Consultant / Principal Consultant
  • Cloud Solutions Architect / Enterprise Architect
  • Cloud Practice Lead / Manager
  • Pre-Sales Architect

Lateral Moves:

  • DevOps Engineer (specializing in Azure DevOps)
  • Cybersecurity Consultant (specializing in Microsoft Security)
  • Data & AI Consultant (specializing in Azure Data Services)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Design, architect, and implement scalable, secure, and resilient cloud solutions on the Microsoft Azure platform, including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS services, to meet specific client business and technical requirements.
  • Lead complex migration projects, moving on-premises infrastructure, applications, and data workloads to Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum performance.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for Microsoft 365, advising clients on best practices for collaboration, security, and governance across services like Teams, SharePoint Online, Exchange Online, and Intune.
  • Develop and implement robust cloud security strategies, leveraging tools like Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Sentinel, and Entra ID to protect client assets and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
  • Conduct comprehensive cloud readiness assessments and workshops to analyze client environments, identify opportunities for modernization, and develop strategic roadmaps for digital transformation.
  • Engineer and deploy modern endpoint management solutions using Microsoft Intune for device configuration, compliance, and application deployment across various operating systems.
  • Act as the primary technical point of contact for clients, building strong relationships and providing expert guidance and strategic advice throughout the engagement.
  • Automate cloud infrastructure provisioning, configuration, and deployment using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) methodologies with tools like ARM templates, Bicep, and Terraform.
  • Design and configure advanced Azure networking components, including VNETs, subnets, NSGs, VPN Gateways, and ExpressRoute, to establish secure and high-performance connectivity.
  • Lead technical pre-sales activities, including demonstrating Microsoft Cloud capabilities, creating proof-of-concepts (POCs), and contributing to proposals and statements of work (SOWs).
  • Configure and manage identity and access management (IAM) solutions using Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), including conditional access, PIM, and single sign-on (SSO) integrations.
  • Provide post-implementation support and act as a Tier 3/4 escalation point for complex technical issues related to Azure and Microsoft 365 environments.
  • Develop comprehensive technical documentation, including architectural diagrams, design documents, and operational runbooks for client and internal use.
  • Drive the adoption of Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI) to create custom business applications and automate workflows for clients.

Secondary Functions

  • Stay current with the latest advancements and updates within the rapidly evolving Microsoft Cloud ecosystem and share knowledge with the wider team.
  • Mentor junior consultants and engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
  • Assist in the development of reusable intellectual property, solution accelerators, and best practice methodologies to improve delivery efficiency and quality.
  • Translate complex technical concepts into clear, concise business terms for non-technical stakeholders, including C-level executives.
  • Participate in and contribute to technical communities, user groups, and industry events to represent the company and build professional networks.
  • Manage project timelines, deliverables, and client expectations to ensure successful project completion on time and within budget.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Microsoft Azure: Deep expertise in core Azure services, including Virtual Machines, App Services, Azure SQL, Azure Storage, Azure Networking (VNETs, VPNs), and Azure Monitor.
  • Microsoft 365 Suite: In-depth knowledge of Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Microsoft Teams, and OneDrive for Business, including migration and administration.
  • Identity and Access Management: Strong proficiency with Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), including Conditional Access, Identity Protection, PIM, and hybrid identity solutions (AD Connect).
  • Endpoint Management: Hands-on experience with Microsoft Intune for mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM), including Autopilot deployment.
  • Scripting and Automation (IaC): Proficiency in PowerShell and experience with Infrastructure as Code tools such as ARM Templates, Bicep, or Terraform.
  • Cloud Security: Solid understanding of Microsoft's security stack, including Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender for Cloud, and information protection policies.
  • Microsoft Power Platform: Experience with Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI to build custom solutions and automate processes.
  • Virtualization Technologies: Knowledge of on-premises virtualization platforms like VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V, particularly in the context of migration.
  • Networking Fundamentals: Strong grasp of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, routing, and switching concepts as they apply to hybrid cloud environments.
  • Windows Server Administration: Extensive experience with Windows Server roles (Active Directory, DNS, GPO) and services.

Soft Skills

  • Client-Facing Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate complex technical solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Consultative Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical mindset with a talent for understanding client pain points and architecting effective solutions.
  • Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to build rapport and trust with key stakeholders, from IT staff to executive leadership.
  • Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, tasks, and projects in a fast-paced consulting environment.
  • Business Acumen: The ability to understand business objectives and align technology strategy to achieve desired outcomes.
  • Presentation and Workshop Facilitation: Confidence and skill in leading technical workshops, training sessions, and presenting solutions to diverse groups.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent professional experience. Relevant, high-level Microsoft certifications may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Education:

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

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Computer Science
  • Information Systems / Information Technology
  • Electrical or Computer Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-8 years of hands-on experience in IT infrastructure, with at least 3 years focused specifically on designing and implementing Microsoft Azure and/or Microsoft 365 solutions.

Preferred:

  • Previous experience in a client-facing IT consulting or professional services role is highly desirable.
  • Possession of one or more of the following Microsoft certifications: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305), Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104), Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert (MS-102), or Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC-200).
  • Demonstrable track record of successfully leading cloud migration and implementation projects from start to finish.
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