AMBG Senior Cyber Defense Architect

Job DescriptionDescriptionAvanade operates through direct Avanade relationships and through the Accenture Microsoft Business Group (AMBG), our joint channel with Accenture and Microsoft. AMBG helps clients address critical business and technology challenges by combining Avanade's Microsoft expertise, Accenture's industry reach and Microsoft's security platform innovation. This Director grade role is a senior cyber defence architecture role within AMBG Security. The role focuses on shaping, selling and delivering Microsoft-led security operations transformation, with particular depth in Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender XDR, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Identity, Defender for Office 365, Defender for Cloud Apps, MXDR operating models, detection engineering, threat hunting, automation and managed security services. The successful candidate will operate as a market-facing leader and trusted advisor for enterprise clients. They will help clients modernise their SOC, consolidate SIEM and XDR capability, improve response outcomes, and realise the value of Microsoft Security investments through practical, scalable and commercially strong solutions. Key ResponsibilitiesThe AMBG Senior Cyber Defence Architect will own and lead cyber defence solutioning and delivery across the AMBG channel. The role blends market development, client advisory, solution architecture, delivery assurance, capability development and thought leadership. Lead the architecture of Microsoft Sentinel, Defender XDR and MXDR solutions for large enterprise clients, from strategy and business case through to design, mobilisation and delivery assurance. Shape modern SOC and SecOps transformation programmes, including operating model design, tooling consolidation, incident management, detection engineering, automation, threat hunting and continuous improvement. Define and evolve AMBG cyber defence offerings, accelerators and go-to-market assets that align to Microsoft Security priorities and client demand. Support sales development and conversion by leading client workshops, qualification, solution shaping, estimation, proposal development and executive-level presentations. Provide technical and architectural direction to security architects, consultants and delivery teams, ensuring solutions are robust, deliverable and commercially viable. Act as a senior escalation point for complex delivery challenges across Sentinel, Defender, MXDR and managed security services engagements. Build trusted relationships with client security leaders, Microsoft, Accenture and internal Avanade stakeholders to drive growth and delivery excellence. Contribute to demand management, capability planning, certification pathways and skills development for the AMBG Security team. Represent AMBG Security in the market as a credible cyber defence thought leader and ambassador for Avanade's Microsoft Security business.