Lead Pre-Sales Solution Architect – Data, Analytics, AI & Automation (Microsoft Focus)

Location: Remote (US-based) with ~ 20% travel

Practice: Manufacturing Intelligence

MCA Connect is seeking a visionary Lead Pre-Sales Solution Architect to help drive the expansion of our rapidly growing Data, Analytics, AI, and Automation practice. You’ll play a foundational role in shaping the go-to-market strategy and delivering high-impact solutions using Microsoft’s Azure, Fabric, Power BI, and related technologies. As a trusted pre-sales and solutioning leader, you’ll be responsible for guiding prospective clients through their modernization and digital transformation journey, architecting modern data platforms, and ensuring successful handoff to delivery teams for execution excellence.

This role is tailor-made for someone with a passion for enabling manufacturers to become data-driven, an instinct for solving complex business challenges with elegant solutions, and the ability to collaborate closely with sales, delivery, and Microsoft teams.

· Lead strategic discovery sessions with executives and business stakeholders to understand business goals, challenges, and technical landscapes.

· Define solution architectures and delivery roadmaps that align with client objectives and Microsoft best practices.

· Scope, estimate, and present proposals for complex Data, AI, and Azure-based projects.

· Partner with Sales to develop compelling business cases, differentiators, and value-based messaging.

· Represent MCA Connect in client presentations, workshops, and industry events.

· Architect end-to-end data and analytics solutions using Microsoft Azure (Data Lake, Synapse, ADF, Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, Azure AI Services, etc.).

· Evaluate data readiness, design cloud migration plans, and establish data governance and MDM strategies.

· Bring innovative thinking to build scalable, secure, and performant cloud-native solutions.

· Oversee solution quality from ideation through handoff to delivery teams.

· Support and guide sales consultants in an effort to align solutions, progress deals and effectively close business.

· Collaborate with Delivery to ensure project success and customer satisfaction.

· Contribute to thought leadership, IP development, and reusable solution frameworks.

· Stay on the edge of innovation by exploring new Azure capabilities, Generative AI, Copilot extensibility, and Fabric developments.

· 10+ years of experience in data, analytics, and solution architecture roles.

· Proven success in a pre-sales or client-facing architecture role.

· Deep understanding of Microsoft Azure data services, including:

o Azure Synapse, Data Factory, Data Lake, Databricks/Spark, Fabric, etc.

o Power BI (Pro & Premium)

o Azure AI, Machine Learning, and Robotic Process Automation

· Experience aligning modern data architectures to business strategies in the manufacturing or industrial sector.

· Experience scoping, pricing, and estimating delivery efforts in early-stage client engagements.

· Clear and confident communicator who can build trust with technical and business stakeholders alike.

· Knowledge of Microsoft D365 and integration into enterprise architectures is a plu

Our compensation plan offers one of the best bonus structures in the industry.  Along with this we also offer a generous benefit package:

MCA Connect offers limitless opportunities for personal and professional growth in a stimulating, challenging, and performance-oriented work culture where you can share your ideas and make impactful daily contributions. Our employees are highly motivated and talented individuals dedicated to developing, marketing, and selling products designed to deliver value for mid-market and enterprise-size manufacturing, distribution, and energy companies. We take the time to train our consultants so that they understand the industries we serve and can deliver best practices, proven methodologies, and ongoing industry expertise to our clients.

MCA Connect is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MCA Connect promotes equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, sexual/gender orientation, status as a protected disabled or Vietnam Era Veteran, disability, or any other legally protected status. We firmly believe our differences make us stronger!