Practice Lead, Cloud and Data Analytics

Our client is one of the leading technology companies in Africa. They are looking to hire a Practice Lead, Cloud & Data Analytics who would will spearhead their advanced data and AI initiatives, while driving innovation across digital application platforms. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical and strategic background, a deep understanding of Microsoft technologies, and a passion for leveraging AI to solve real-world problems. Job Responsibilities: Practice Leadership • Lead the Data & AI and Digital Application & Innovation practice, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and customer success metrics. • Define and execute the practice strategy, roadmap, and priorities to deliver innovative solutions and achieve revenue targets. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify business opportunities and translate them into cutting-edge AI and data solutions. • Stay updated on the latest trends in data, AI, and Microsoft technologies to maintain the practice's competitive edge. Technical Expertise • Leverage expertise in Microsoft Fabric Technology to build scalable data solutions and manage end-to-end data pipelines. • Drive data migration projects to Azure, ensuring secure and efficient transitions from legacy systems. • Lead database modernization efforts, utilizing Azure-native technologies for enhanced performance and scalability. • Design and implement solutions leveraging Azure OpenAI technologies, including Large Language Models (LLMs). • Develop and integrate LLM applications using Azure AI Studio, catering to business-specific use cases. • Architect end-to-end solutions for data-driven decision-making and predictive analytics. • Lead PoC (Proof of Concept) and pilot projects to demonstrate business value and scalability. • Work closely with clients to understand their business challenges and propose tailored solutions. • Drive workshops and discovery sessions to gather requirements and educate stakeholders on the potential of Data & AI solutions. • Develop and maintain strong relationships with Microsoft and other technology partners to maximize value delivery. • Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of data engineers, AI specialists, and application developers. • Provide training and upskilling opportunities to align team capabilities with emerging technologies. Job Requirements: • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, AI, or a related field. • 7+ years of experience in Data & AI, with at least 2 years in a leadership role. • Certifications in Microsoft Azure (e.g., Azure Solutions Architect, Azure AI Engineer, or similar) are highly desirable. Skills Required: 1. Strategic thinker with a track record of delivering innovative solutions. 2. Exceptional stakeholder management and client-facing skills. 3. Excellent communication and presentation abilities, with a focus on simplifying technical concepts for diverse audiences. 4. Proven ability to lead and mentor teams in a dynamic environment.