Microsoft Data and Analytics Practice Lead

Microsoft Data and Analytics Practice Lead 6 months Remote Inside IR35 - umbrella only Active SC clearance or SC eligible candidates will be considered We are seeking a Microsoft Data and Analytics Practice Lead for an initial six month period. This position will help with expansion of adopting Microsoft's Data and Analytics products, specifically Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft Purview and Power BI. The role holder will assisting in driving practice growth, enterprise solution excellence, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring our client is positioned as a trusted partner for digital transformation leveraging the Microsoft ecosystem. This includes technical delivery, shaping propositions, winning new business, supporting pre‑sales, and advocating for our clients and partners You will report to the Head of Microsoft Practice. Your role will involve: Strategic Leadership & Vision - Work alongside the Microsoft Portfolio Manager to shape and mature Microsoft propositions, accelerators, frameworks, and reusable assets. Will contribute to shaping the future direction of the long-term Microsoft Data and Analytics Practice. Practice Growth & Business Development - Work closely with the Head of the Microsoft Practice and Sales colleagues to identify, shape, and secure new business opportunities. Will assist in the development of go‑to‑market offerings, value propositions, and repeatable services across the Microsoft application stack. Support bid activity with strategic direction, technical authorship, solution assurance, and customer engagement. Team Management and Development Lead and mentor architects, developers and testers in Microsoft Data technologies. Assist with talent acquisition, retention, career pathways, and community‑of‑practice development. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and high performance Solution Governance and Assurance - Assist in developing, overseeing and assuring solutions that are being delivered to clients, or which are going through the sales cycle. Assist in the development of sound commercial documents and cost models. Ensuring that secure and ethical AI are at the forefront of technical approaches and solutions, and establishing standards, best practices and governance techniques to protect our clients. Ideal Profile: Previous experience in leading and managing a successful Microsoft Data team. Expert in Microsoft Data and Analytics technologies including: Microsoft Fabric, including Lakehouse, Data Factory, Notebooks, OneLake, Dataflow Gen 2 and Real-Time Analytics. Microsoft Purview, including data governance, data lineage and robust data access. Data Modelling and ELT - experience of implement robust data models using PowerBI, DAX, and undertaking transformation using Azure Data Factory/Dataflow Gen 2. Data Architecture - experience in architecting and designing robust, secure and compelling data solutions using Microsoft Fabric, Purview and other Microsoft ecosystem toolsets. Programming skills, including Python, PySpark and T-SQL. Strong track record in business development, proposition shaping, and winning work. Proven experience leading and developing high-performing multi‑disciplinary technology teams and fostering a positive culture. Experience in team leadership, coaching, mentoring and developing training plans. Ability to influence senior stakeholders through clarity, confidence, and commercial awareness. Will have clear communication skills and can communicate complex Data concepts clearly and appropriately to stakeholders, clients and non-technical audiences