Director- Applied AI & Machine Learning (SME)

Director, Applied AI & Machine Learning

Responsibilities:

Set direction as a technical evangelist and trusted advisor for clients, shaping early-stage AI and ML conversations into compelling solution visions built on the Microsoft platform.

· Partner closely with sales and account teams to drive opportunity qualification, solution strategy, and deal closure for AI and ML engagements.

· Take ownership of technical discoveries with clients to understand business priorities, decision criteria, and value drivers, translating them into winning Data & AI architectures.

· Be accountable for the design and present AI and ML solutions that clearly articulate business outcomes, technical feasibility, and ROI.

· Provide executive-level technical depth in Azure with depth in agentic architectures, machine learning, or AI to influence client stakeholders from practitioner to C-level.

· Own end-to-end technical credibility throughout the sales cycle, including whiteboarding sessions, architecture reviews, proposals, and executive presentations.

· Guide and mentor architects and data scientists to ensure solution consistency, technical excellence, and alignment with go-to-market strategy.

· Identify and be accountable for opportunities to expand pipeline through innovation workshops, POVs, and targeted thought leadership aligned to Microsoft Data & AI offerings.

· Ensure proposed solutions align with Microsoft best practices, security standards, and regulatory requirements.

· Stay current on Microsoft Data & AI roadmaps and industry trends to continuously sharpen competitive positioning and client impact.

· Lead the strategy and execution of relevant platform accelerators, reference architectures, and delivery playbooks.

· Mentor, develop and motivate your team to lead pre-sales and subsequent delivery advisory efforts independently.

Requirements:

· 10+ years of experience in Data Science, AI, Data, or Analytics roles, with significant exposure to enterprise client environments.

· Proven experience leading pre-sales or client-facing technical engagements, including discovery, solution design, and executive presentations.

· Deep hands-on expertise with Microsoft Data & AI in at least one of Azure Data Services, Azure AI, Synapse/Fabric, Databricks on Azure.

· Strong ability to translate complex technical capabilities into clear business value narratives that resonate with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

· Demonstrated 1M$+ deal success partnering with sales and account teams to influence pipeline progression and close deals.

· Executive presence with experience owning the C-suite engagement and lead the partnership with senior leaders as a trusted technical advisor.

· Strong architectural mindset with the ability to design end-to-end Data & AI solutions aligned to client objectives, security, and governance needs.

· Excellent communication skills, including whiteboarding, storytelling, and formal presentations.

· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At 3Cloud we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.

At this time, we cannot sponsor applicants for work visas.

3Cloud Total Rewards Highlights Include:

Flexible work location with a virtual first approach to work!

401(K) with match up to 50% of your 6% contributions of eligible pay

Generous PTO providing a minimum of 15 days in addition to 9 paid company holidays and 2 floating personal days

Two medical plan options to allow you the choice to elect what works best for you!

Option for vision and dental coverage

100% employer paid coverage for life and disability insurance

Paid leave for birth parents and non-birth parents

Option for Healthcare FSA, HSA, and Dependent Care FSA

$67.00 monthly tech and home office allowance

Utilization and/or discretionary bonus eligibility based on role

Employee Assistance Program to help with everyday challenges

3Cloud offers competitive compensation. In addition to base pay employees are eligible to receive an annual discretionary/utilization bonus. If you are hired at 3Cloud your final base salary is based on factors such as skills, education, experience and/or geographic location. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above includes the full base salary range for the role. It is not typical for offers to be made at or near the top of the range.

Base Salary Range

$168,400—$252,600 USD