M365 Platform Architect

Position: M365 Platform Architect

Location: Chicago, IL (Remote)

Hiring: Contract / Fulltime

We are seeking a highly skilled M365 Platform Architect to join our team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in both on-premises and cloud environments, with a focus on Microsoft 365 (M365) platform migration, solutioning, and transitioning. The candidate should also possess secondary knowledge in M365 security.

This role involves working closely with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and transition M365 solutions that meet business needs while ensuring a smooth and secure migration process. The candidate will also be responsible for working on proposals, responding to RFPs, presenting High-Level Designs (HLD) and Low-Level Designs (LLD) to clients, and leading projects single-handedly.

Key Responsibilities:

• M365 Platform Solutioning:Design and architect comprehensive M365 solutions tailored to meet specific business requirements, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategies.
• Migration Planning and Execution:Lead end-to-end migration efforts in both on-premises and cloud environments, including assessment, planning, and execution of M365 migrations. Ensure minimal disruption and seamless integration with existing systems.
• Transition Management:Oversee the transition process, ensuring that newly implemented M365 solutions are effectively integrated into the organization s workflows. Provide guidance and support to operational teams during and after the transition.
• Proposal Development:Work on creating detailed and compelling proposals for M365 solutions, outlining the benefits, scope, and technical approach.
• Responding to RFPs:Prepare and respond to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), providing comprehensive solutions that meet client needs and align with organizational capabilities.
• Client Presentations:Prepare and present High-Level Designs (HLD) and Low-Level Designs (LLD) to clients, clearly explaining the architecture and technical details of proposed solutions.
• Project Leadership:Lead M365 projects from inception to completion, managing all aspects of the project and ensuring successful delivery. Act as the primary point of contact for clients and internal teams.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:Work closely with business stakeholders, IT teams, and other relevant departments to understand requirements, provide technical expertise, and ensure successful delivery of M365 solutions.
• Secondary M365 Security Expertise:Provide insights and recommendations on M365 security best practices, ensuring that security considerations are integrated into all M365 platform designs and implementations.
• Documentation and Knowledge Sharing:Develop and maintain detailed documentation of M365 architecture, migration plans, and transition processes. Share knowledge and provide training to team members and end-users as needed.
• Continuous Improvement:Stay updated on the latest M365 developments, trends, and best practices. Identify opportunities for improvement in existing M365 solutions and processes, and implement enhancements where appropriate.

Must-Have Skills/Qualifications:

• Proven experience as an M365 Platform Architect with a strong background in both on-premises and cloud environments, specializing in migration, solutioning, transitioning, and project leadership.
• In-depth knowledge of the M365 ecosystem, including but not limited to Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Teams, OneDrive, and related services.
• Secondary expertise in M365 security, including identity management, data protection, and compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to work on proposals, respond to RFPs, and present High-Level Designs (HLD) and Low-Level Designs (LLD) to clients.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.

Good to Have:

• Relevant certifications in M365, such as Microsoft Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert or Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals.
• Experience in managing large-scale M365 migrations and transitions.
• Familiarity with third-party migration tools and services.