Microsoft Solution Architect (Senior Manager) - Africa

Job Summary

At KPMG, our people are our number one priority. We make sure that our team members continue to grow both professionally and personally. We do this by providing relevant, impactful career and learning opportunities – this way our professionals are set up for success from the start. As part of our team, you can expect: Strong collaborative culture grounded in principles of psychological safety and equal opportunity. Opportunities to deepen your experiences, deliver meaningful impact and develop your skills. An appreciation for the unique perspectives and insights you can share by bringing your whole self to the table. Client demand is driving significant growth for our KPMG Advisory team - making it our fastest growing practice. KPMG Advisory team members have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of interesting client projects across different industries and ranges of complexity. If you are excited to flex your skills on projects for companies of impact in Africa and gain exposure to the latest in future-ready strategies, consider a career with KPMG Advisory. We look forward to welcoming you.

Job Details

Description of the role and purpose of the job:

The purpose of this role is to perform the duties of a Microsoft Solution Architect within KPMG Advisory locally and as part of the wider Africa market.

The successful applicant will be a platform Architect and a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Microsoft solutions. This is a key role, and the applicant would be accountable for the delivery of a robust and scalable enterprise-wide platform architecture that will deliver on client’s strategic objectives and will ensure that solution architecture is developed in alignment with the Enterprise Architecture and Functional design of client requirements.

The successful candidate will engage with KPMG member firms in different African countries.

Candidates should have a passion for exploring how Microsoft solutions can solve our clients’ practical business problems in a cost-effective way. Candidates should also be committed to working with KPMG teams to help ensure that the envisioned Microsoft solution is delivered on time, on budget and at the required level of quality.

Base location

Your location will be determined based on your location. Our main hubs are located in Johannesburg, Lagos and Nairobi.

Key job duties or responsibilities

Overall:

• Articulates deep knowledge of the Microsoft platform and solutions.
• Maintains a particular strength in identifying what can be delivered out of the box and when it is fitting to use custom development.
• Assesses the systems architecture currently in place and works with technical staff to continually improve it.
• Maintains knowledge of third-party software vendors to leverage complementary offerings and effectively compare solutions.
• Provides regular updates on any developments in system architecture projects.
• Ability to successfully communicate complex topics regarding solutions and related projects to audiences both with and without deep technical skills.
• Communicates effectively with clients, leads meetings and workshops.
• Research current and emerging technologies and proposes changes where needed.
• Presales:
• Defines scope and owns estimates for sales proposals and statements of work.
• Can assess and compare the business impact of relevant technical implementation options.
• Articulate the benefits and features of Microsoft products and services.
• Engage in face-to-face client interaction to drive opportunities forward, as guided by the business development senior manager.
• Brings credibility in terms of Microsoft product knowledge.
• Support development of response to proposals and assist with sales presentations.
• Delivery:
• Ensures end-to-end solution cohesion and correctness.
• Designs and takes responsibility of the governance for an integrated system that meets the client's vision.
• Owns the specifications and requirements into the systems architecture.
• Facilitates discussions with business and technical stakeholders to translate the critical business requirements.
• Present a technical vision and solutions in the form of Microsoft products, customizations, and integrations.
• Provides insight on current best practices and solution alternatives as part of functional or technical design.
• Provides leadership and guidance to the team throughout the implementation to ensure accurate delivery of project plans.

Requirements

Critical Interpersonal or Interactive skills

• In-depth experience and sound knowledge of Microsoft Methodologies, technologies and testing tools.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and writing to a variety of technical and non-technical audiences.
• Must be outcomes and deliverables focused, and able to meet deadlines.
• Strong organisational, project management and leadership skills.
• Proficient at working in diverse multi-national teams.
• Ability to multitask and remain calm under pressure.
• Must be proactive and be able to work with certain level of autonomy.
• Coaching and mentoring of junior staff.

Advantageous:

• Previous experience of working in a global consulting firm and/or familiarity with the services provided.
• The ability to combine consulting and Microsoft offerings to solve client needs on a technical and solution-focused level.
• Previous experience in navigating an alliance between a technology partner and a system implementor/consulting firm while implementing relevant client-focused solutions.

Minimum requirements to apply for the role:

• Degree in Information Technology, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in implementing and leading Microsoft projects.
• Experience implementing technology solutions that drive functional transformation.
• Understanding of the ERP project life cycle and supporting activities.
• Experience in leading and delivering end to end solution implementations using Microsoft platform.
• Relevant Microsoft certifications needed.

About Company

KPMG Professional Services

https://home.kpmg.com/ng

KPMG Professional Services and KPMG Advisory Services are the KPMG member firm in Nigeria. The partners and people have been operating in Nigeria sinc e 1978, providing multidisciplinary professional services to both local and intern ational organisations within the Nigerian business community.Our vision is to build and sustain our reputation as the best firm to work with by ensuring our people, clients and communities achieve their full potential. At KPMG, we are committed to working with our clients to cut through complexities of the business world finding solutions and adding value. Our combination of international and local market knowledge and perspective give us an edge in the professional services industry in Nigeria. This combination enables the Nigerian practice to add real value by developing strategies that give the firms clients a distinct edge over their competitors. As one of the leading providers of professional services, KPMG knows that the success and growth of the firm also depends on the success and growth of the Nigerian economy. Hence, it champions progressive change and makes the future happen for its clients, people and the community, thereby enabling Nigerias success. The firm is involved in the formulation of economic policies for Nigeria through the Nigerian Economic Summit Group. The firm has a full complement of 46 partners and over 1000 trained and dedicated professional staff; with deep industry skills and competencies in audit, tax a nd advisory services. KPMG has worked for clients in the public and private sec tor in Nigeria and in several other countries, helping to transform business perf ormance and operations.