OverviewMicrosoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees, we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. With a vision to "Build and sell Microsoft AI, Cloud applications, services, and devices with partners, empowering people and organizations to achieve more," SME&C Channel Partner Sales (GCPS) is responsible for driving revenue outcomes with partners through innovative solutions–at scale. This is where the Global Cross Solutions Partner Solution Architect plays a pivotal role. As a Director, Global Cross-Solution Partner Architect, you will shape and drive Microsoft’s technical strategy with our most strategic Global Channel partners. You will act as a senior technical advisor to partner executives, helping them build scalable, secure, AI-enabled services and solutions across Copilot, Agents, Azure, Security, Data & Fabric, Infrastructure, and Modern Work. This role is focused on helping partners transform into AI-first, services-led businesses by aligning their technical roadmaps, Centers of Excellence, factories, practices, and offers to Microsoft’s cloud and AI priorities. You will guide partners from strategy to execution, ensuring their capabilities translate into repeatable, market-ready offerings that drive customer adoption, consumption, usage, and measurable business impact. You will work across partner CTOs, services leaders, architects, Microsoft field teams, engineering, product groups, and sales organizations to connect global strategy with local execution. Success in this role requires strong technical credibility, executive influence, cross-solution thinking, and the ability to turn partner ambition into scalable services-led outcomes.Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees, we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day, we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. ResponsibilitiesGlobal Partner Technical Strategy & Transformation Serve as the global technical owner for partner transformation, aligning their technology roadmaps with Microsoft’s Cloud and AI priorities. Help partners build and mature CoEs, factories, practices, and offers that scale Microsoft-based services and guide them in becoming AI-first, services-led businesses with repeatable, differentiated solution offerings and managed services. Cloud Transformation Leadership Lead partners globally through large-scale cloud transformation journeys, challenging conventional thinking and championing innovation. Drive consistent frameworks and best practices that accelerate time-to-market and ensure global scalability. Innovation & Tech Intensity Act as a global thought leader, staying at the forefront of emerging technologies such as generative AI, agentic AI, cloud-native architectures, and advanced security frameworks. Inspire partners to embrace tech intensity, experimenting with cutting-edge solutions that differentiate their services in the market. Strategic Relationships & Influence Build trusted, long-term relationships with partner CTOs, executives, and technical leaders across regions. Act as a global trusted advisor, guiding technology roadmaps that scale worldwide while tailoring approaches to local markets. Leadership & Collaboration Partner with Microsoft’s worldwide, regional, and engineering teams to ensure consistent technical strategy landing across geographies. Influence Microsoft’s product roadmaps by representing partner requirements and global market signals back to engineering. Strategy Formulation & Communication Develop and articulate long-term global partner technology strategies that integrate across solution areas. Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and executive stakeholders worldwide. QualificationsRequired/minimum qualificationsBachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Business, Liberal Arts, or related field AND 7+ years experience in cloud/infrastructure technologies, information technology (IT) consulting/support, systems administration, network operations, software development/support, technology solutions, practice development, architecture, and/or consultingOR equivalent experience.Other Requirements This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must have authorization to work in the United States that does not now or in the future require employer sponsorship.Additional or preferred qualificationsProven expertise in multiple solution areas (e.g., Cloud Infrastructure, AI, Security, Data & Analytics, Modern Work). Demonstrated experience building and managing successful partner/channel relationshipsProven track record of influencing C-level executives and shaping partner roadmaps at scale.Deep understanding of Microsoft cloud platforms (Azure, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365) with experience in cloud architecture, migration, and optimization. Experience leading global technical programs or engagements, balancing central strategy with regional execution. Executive communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex concepts and use storytelling/analogies to drive clarity. Cloud Solution Architecture IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $130,900 - $251,900 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $165,600 - $272,300 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-payThis position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.