DWS Infra Architect
Job Summary:
The Digital Workplace Infrastructure Architect plays a pivotal role in designing and governing sophisticated Digital Workplace solutions tailored for enterprise environments. This position is crucial for bridging the gap between technology and business objectives by architecting scalable, secure, and future-proof workplace ecosystems. These systems encompass end-user devices, collaboration tools, identity management, mobility solutions, automation, and workplace analytics .
Candidates for this role must possess extensive technical expertise across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, endpoint management, hybrid work technologies, and collaboration platforms . Additionally, proficient strategic communication and stakeholder engagement skills are essential to ensure cohesive alignment between IT initiatives and overall business goals. This combination of technical acumen and strategic foresight is vital for fostering an efficient and secure modern user experience.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Solution Design & Architecture
- Develop and own the end-to-end Digital Workplace architecture blueprint across devices, collaboration, identity, and security domains.
- Design integrated solutions that align with enterprise strategy, leveraging Microsoft 365, Intune, Azure AD, Teams, SharePoint, and third-party DWS tools.
- Lead the architecture and design of end-to-end Digital Workplace environments covering devices, collaboration, identity, security, and automation.
- Design multi-tenant, scalable workplace solutions for large enterprise clients leveraging Microsoft 365, Azure AD, Intune, and collaboration ecosystems.
- Architect modern endpoint management frameworks (Autopilot, Intune, Co-management, Conditional Access, etc.) ensuring zero-touch deployment and secure access.
- Define hybrid and cloud workplace models integrating on-prem and SaaS platforms (Exchange, OneDrive, Teams, Defender, Entra ID, etc.).
- Translate customer business requirements into technical blueprints and implementation roadmaps aligned with service delivery models (ITIL, Agile, DevOps).
- Develop solution architectures and cost models for proposals, RFPs, and transformation programs in partnership with presales and account teams.
- Define target state architectures (TSA) and transformation roadmaps for migration from legacy to modern workplace environments.
- Ensure scalability, security, resilience, and compliance are embedded in the workplace architecture.
2. Transition, Transformation & Delivery Support
- Lead the technical transition and transformation phases post-contract award ensuring smooth handover from solution design to delivery.
- Provide governance and oversight for large-scale migrations (O365, Intune, AVD, Teams, Endpoint Modernization).
- Support technical workshops, HLD/LLD design sessions , and architecture sign-offs with customers.
- Collaborate with service delivery managers and engineers to ensure adherence to architecture standards and SLAs.
- Drive continuous optimization, automation, and innovation within customer environments to improve performance, security, and user experience.
3. Technical Leadership & Governance
- Serve as technical authority and design authority for all Digital Workplace solutions.
- Lead architectural reviews, risk assessments, and ensure adherence to governance standards and architectural principles.
- Provide strategic direction for tool selection, integration, and modernization of existing workplace services.
- Evaluate new technologies (e.g., Copilot, AI assistants, DEX platforms) and drive innovation roadmaps .
- Partner with Security, Network, and Cloud teams to ensure end-to-end alignment and consistent user experience.
4. Stakeholder Management & Communication
- Act as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders, translating technical architecture into business value and measurable outcomes.
- Collaborate with internal teams, vendors, and external partners to ensure solution alignment and delivery excellence.
- Present architectural strategies, progress updates, and investment proposals to senior leadership and governance boards.
- Engage with CxO-level and enterprise architects to define digital workplace strategies aligned with their business outcomes.
- Present solution architectures, cost-benefit analyses, and technology roadmaps to executive stakeholders.
- Manage expectations, risks, and dependencies through effective communication and documentation.
- Foster long-term relationships with clients to identify expansion opportunities, renewals, and transformation enhancements .
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with CIOs, IT Directors, business unit heads, and technical SMEs .
5. Implementation & Transition Support
- Support delivery teams in solution build, migration, and transition activities ensuring architectural compliance.
- Provide technical oversight during rollout and troubleshoot complex escalations in collaboration with engineering and operations teams.
- Lead pilot programs and proof-of-concepts (PoCs) to validate new digital workplace capabilities.
- Create high-level and low-level design documents (HLDs/LLDs) , architecture diagrams, and configuration standards.
6. Continuous Improvement & Optimization
- Define and track Digital Employee Experience (DEX) KPIs and drive optimization initiatives.
- Leverage analytics to identify pain points and recommend improvements to the digital workplace ecosystem.
- Drive automation, self-service, and proactive monitoring initiatives to enhance user productivity and reduce TCO.
- Champion sustainability and accessibility in workplace design.
Core Technology Areas (Must Have Expertise In):
- Microsoft 365 Suite: Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint Online, OneDrive, Microsoft Defender suite, Viva, Copilot
- Identity & Access: Azure AD (Entra ID), Conditional Access, MFA, SSO, Hybrid Identity
M365, Intune, Azure AD, Endpoint Management
- Zero Trust & Security Architecture
- Endpoint Management: Intune, Autopilot, SCCM/ConfigMgr, Windows 365, Co-management
- Operating Systems & Devices: Windows 10/11, macOS, iOS, Android, Virtual Desktops (AVD, Citrix, VMware)
- Collaboration & Messaging: Teams architecture, governance, telephony integration, and SharePoint design
- Security & Compliance: M365 Security Center, Information Protection, DLP, Defender for Endpoint, compliance portals
- Virtual Workspaces: AVD, Citrix, VMware Horizon
- Automation & Analytics: Power Platform (Power Automate, Power BI), scripting (PowerShell), Digital Experience Monitoring (Lakeside, Nexthink, Aternity)
- Network & Infrastructure: Hybrid connectivity, VPN, SASE, ZTNA (Zero Trust), Proxy integrations
- AI & Modern Work Innovations: Microsoft Copilot, AI assistants, smart workflows
- Drive adoption of AI, automation, and predictive analytics to modernize MSP-managed workplace operations.
- Build and maintain reference architectures for enterprise reuse across multiple customer accounts.
Governance & Best Practices
- Establish architecture governance frameworks and ensure compliance with internal and customer-specific standards.
- Maintain architecture repositories , reference designs, and reusable templates to standardize solution delivery.
- Participate in Design Authority Boards , CAB (Change Advisory Boards) , and Architecture Review Boards .
- Ensure all workplace solutions comply with security, compliance, and data privacy requirements (ISO, GDPR, NIST, etc.).
- Evaluate new technologies, conduct POCs, and recommend innovative approaches to enhance service offerings.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field.
- 10–18 years of experience in IT infrastructure, with 5+ years in Digital Workplace Architecture or related leadership roles .
- Proven experience in architecting enterprise-scale M365 and Intune solutions across hybrid environments.
- Strong knowledge of Zero Trust , Cloud Security, Identity, and Compliance frameworks.
Certifications preferred:
- Microsoft Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert
- Microsoft Certified: Security Administrator Associate
- Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate
- ITIL v4 Foundation / TOGAF Certified / Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- Citrix / VMware VDI or AVD certifications (optional but preferred)
- Microsoft Certified: Security Administrator / Identity & Access Administrator
- ITIL Foundation / TOGAF / Cloud Architect certifications
Soft Skills & Leadership Attributes:
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills — able to simplify technical concepts for business audiences.
- Strong stakeholder management and negotiation capabilities across senior executive and technical levels.
- Strategic thinker with hands-on technical depth and ability to bridge both architecture and execution.
- Passion for innovation, automation, and enhancing digital employee experience .
- Proven leadership in cross-functional teams and global delivery environments .
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Successful delivery of architecture roadmaps and design artifacts aligned to business goals.
- Successful design and deployment of Digital Workplace transformation programs .
- Reduction in operational incidents, cost, and time-to-provision through modern architectures.
- Positive feedback from stakeholders and end users on solution adoption and stability.
- Compliance with security, governance, and architectural standards .
- High customer satisfaction (CSAT/NPS) scores and stakeholder engagement effectiveness.
- Achievement of SLA/KPI compliance across managed workplace services.
- Delivery of reusable architecture assets, frameworks, and automation templates improving delivery efficiency.
- Measurable improvements in DEX, automation coverage, and cost optimization .
