Data Security Architect

Overview

Avanade is looking for an experienced Data Security Architect to join our security practice. This is a client-facing role focused on transforming a client’s Information Protection strategy, capabilities, and operations through the design and implementation of Microsoft Threat Protection technologies. You will be part of the Avanade Security presales and Architecture function, creating proposals and solutions for large, complex enterprise clients. The role includes partial delivery expectations for the year.

In This Role, You Will

• Lead large projects and project teams.
• Manage deliverables and be responsible for delivering against critical milestones.
• Engage in solution architecture and pre-sales deal shaping.
• Develop and maintain long-term strategic client relationships.
• Lead the implementation and management of Microsoft Purview for data discovery, classification, sensitivity labelling, and retention policies.
• Drive DSPM strategy to ensure AI models, pipelines, and infrastructure meet enterprise data protection and compliance requirements.
• Design and enforce DSPM (Data Security Posture Management) frameworks tailored for AI-driven data infrastructure.
• Define and monitor KPIs for data discovery, classification, and protection coverage.
• Implement DSPM solutions to discover, classify, and secure data across AI pipelines.
• Integrate data classification and retention policies within AI lifecycle.
• Develop response plans for data breach and exfiltration tailored to AI environments, including forensic tracing of AI usage and auditability of input data.
• Integrate Purview alerts and telemetry with Microsoft Defender and Sentinel for real-time threat detection and incident correlation.
• Oversee configuration of E5 security tools, including Microsoft Information Protection, Data Loss Prevention, and Insider Risk Management.
• Stay current with evolving data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, NIST AI RMF) and recommend policy updates accordingly.
• Develop high-level documentation and executive reports on data security posture, risk exposures, and improvement roadmaps.
• Additional experience with Entra suite, M365 and Defender is not mandatory but valuable.

Skills And Experiences

• Advanced Microsoft Security Certifications such as SC-100, SC-200, SC-401, AI-900
• Industry-recognised certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, CISM, GIAC
• In-depth knowledge of Azure Security Tools; experience implementing Purview and Purview DSPM strategies for AI models or hybrid data platforms.
• Security Architecture Design: design and implement robust security architectures for cloud-based applications and services with compliance to industry standards.
• RFP Responses: prepare and review responses to Requests for Proposals related to cloud security.
• Continuous Improvement: stay updated on the latest security trends, technologies, and threats; continuously improve security processes and tools.
• Strong knowledge of Azure Security tools and compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, NIST AI RMF, ISO 27001, SOC 2).
• Familiarity with industry standards and best practices for cloud security.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to lead RFP responses related to cloud security and Managed Security Services.
• Beneficial knowledge: familiarity with the Defender suite of products, including Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Identity, Defender for Office 365, and Cloud App Security.

About You

• Understanding of how AI/ML models handle training data, inference data, and derived data.
• Experience with case management workflows and insider threat response protocols.
• Data lineage tracking for model input/output.
• Familiarity with Responsible AI practices, including bias, fairness, and explainability.

What You\’ll Do

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with the account teams and client stakeholders.
• Identify customer needs and understand business goals to envisage a high-level solution and winning strategy.
• Develop detailed security transformation and operations opportunities based on capabilities, standardized tools, processes and partner technology with security architects and other technology partners.
• Drive and be involved in the proposal, solution presentations and discussions.
• Conduct and follow through the sales process to accomplish deal closure.

Learn more

Avanade is a leading global provider of digital, cloud, AI and advisory services, industry solutions and design-led experiences across the Microsoft ecosystem. Founded in 2000, Avanade has a large global footprint with professionals who innovate to make a genuine human impact for clients.

To learn more about the types of projects our Security team works on, explore our content and blogs within Avanade\’s security solutions and insights.

Enjoy your career

Some of the best things about working at Avanade include training opportunities (minimum 80 hours per year for training and paid certifications), real-time access to technical resources, a dedicated career advisor, and collaborative colleagues who support your growth.

Benefits and Culture

Avanade values an inclusive, diverse culture with equal employment opportunities and a commitment to non-discrimination. We focus on expanding thinking, experimenting courageously, learning and pivoting; empowering every voice; encouraging boldness; and delivering client impact.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Part-time

Job function: Information Technology

Industries: IT Services and IT Consulting

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Avanade by 2x.

Information about related roles and opportunities is provided for context and is not a guarantee of employment.

Equal employment opportunity statement: Avanade is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by law.