π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Account Technology Strategist (ATS)
πΉ Company: Microsoft
πΉ Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
πΉ Job Type: Full-Time
πΉ Category: Technology
πΉ Date Posted: April 30, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 5-10 years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Acting as a senior technology advisor for Microsoft's enterprise accounts
- Bridging Microsoft's solutions with customers' business goals
- Developing technology roadmaps that drive innovation while ensuring compliance and security
- Collaborating with leadership to understand customers' objectives and technology landscape
- Leveraging Microsoft's broad product portfolio and services to meet customers' needs
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of technical expertise and strong business acumen to effectively advise customers on technology strategy.
π Key Responsibilities
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Acting as a de-facto Chief Technology Officer for the account, guiding the technology strategy to align with its business objectives
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Developing a high-quality technical account plan, including a clear 3-horizon roadmap of tech initiatives
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Helping customers leverage cutting-edge Microsoft technologies (Azure Cloud, AI, etc.) to achieve strategic outcomes
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Partnering closely with leadership (e.g., CTO, CIO, CDO) to understand the customers' objectives, technology landscape, and regulatory environment
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Working hand-in-hand with the Account Executive and a virtual team of specialists and partners to ensure Microsoft's solutions successfully map to customers' needs
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a significant amount of customer-facing time, requiring excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in technology strategy, consulting, or a similar role
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in technology strategy development and execution
- Strong business acumen and understanding of enterprise-level customers
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
- Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with senior-level executives
- Deep understanding of Microsoft's product portfolio and services
- Experience with Azure Cloud and AI technologies
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in a similar role within the technology industry
- Familiarity with the gaming industry (as Microsoft is expanding into game development)
- Fluency in multiple languages
ASSUMPTION: Given the senior nature of this role, candidates should have extensive experience in technology strategy and customer engagement.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: ATS roles at Microsoft typically range from AU$150,000 to AU$200,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. This estimate is based on industry standards and Microsoft's compensation structure.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
- Retirement savings plans
- Generous time off and leave policies
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Occasional evenings and weekends may be required to accommodate customer needs.
ASSUMPTION: The provided salary range is an estimate and may vary based on individual qualifications and market conditions.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Microsoft operates in the technology industry, with a focus on software development, hardware manufacturing, and cloud computing services. The company is a global leader in its field and competes with other major technology companies such as Apple, Google, and Amazon.
Company Size: Microsoft is a large, multinational corporation with over 180,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects and teams.
Founded: Microsoft was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. The company has a rich history of innovation and has played a significant role in shaping the technology industry.
Company Description:
- Microsoft is committed to empowering every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more
- The company's mission is to build best-in-class platforms and productivity services for a mobile, cloud-first world
- Microsoft values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth
Company Specialties:
- Operating systems and productivity software (Windows, Office)
- Cloud computing services (Azure)
- Hardware manufacturing (Surface, Xbox)
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Gaming (Xbox, Game Pass, Halo Studios)
Company Website: www.microsoft.com
ASSUMPTION: Microsoft's large size and diverse product portfolio offer numerous opportunities for career growth and development.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior manager level, requiring extensive experience in technology strategy and customer engagement.
Reporting Structure: The ATS reports directly to the Account Executive and works closely with a virtual team of specialists and partners.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the primary work location being the Microsoft office in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Occasional travel may be required to visit customers or attend company events.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a more senior role within Microsoft's account management or technology strategy teams
- Expansion into other areas of Microsoft's business, such as product development or marketing
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives that drive Microsoft's strategic objectives
ASSUMPTION: Given Microsoft's large size and diverse product portfolio, there are numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the company.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Microsoft's Sydney office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity.
Office Location(s): 4000 QEII Medical Centre, West Perth WA 6008, Australia
Geographic Context:
- Sydney is the largest city in Australia and the capital of New South Wales
- The city is known for its vibrant culture, diverse neighborhoods, and beautiful harbor
- Sydney offers a high quality of life, with excellent education, healthcare, and recreational opportunities
Work Schedule: Standard business hours with occasional evenings and weekends as needed to accommodate customer needs.
ASSUMPTION: The provided work schedule is an estimate and may vary based on individual needs and customer requirements.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
- Technical interview with a senior member of the account management team
- Final interview with the hiring manager and/or other senior stakeholders
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical expertise in technology strategy and Microsoft's product portfolio
- Customer engagement and communication skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Microsoft's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in technology strategy and customer engagement
- Prepare examples of your past accomplishments in driving strategic outcomes for customers
- Demonstrate your understanding of Microsoft's product portfolio and how you can leverage it to meet customers' needs
ATS Keywords: Technology Strategy, Innovation, Compliance, Security, Azure Cloud, AI, Technical Account Planning, Customer Engagement, Leadership Collaboration, Roadmap Development, Enterprise Solutions, Account Management, Product Portfolio Mapping, Business Objectives Alignment, Regulatory Environment Understanding, Virtual Team Collaboration
ASSUMPTION: The provided interview process and assessment areas are based on typical Microsoft hiring practices for similar roles.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft's product portfolio (Windows, Office, Azure, etc.)
- Customer relationship management (CRM) software (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics 365)
- Project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Microsoft Teams)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: The provided tools and technologies are based on Microsoft's standard operating environment and may vary based on individual needs and customer requirements.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- One Microsoft
- Customer Obsessed
- One Team
- Growth Mindset
- Innovation
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on delivering customer outcomes
- Adaptable and responsive to changing customer needs
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate a growth mindset in your approach to technology strategy?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your approach to meet a customer's changing needs?
- How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Microsoft values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with these values during the interview process.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
- Balancing customer needs with Microsoft's strategic objectives
- Keeping up with the latest technology trends and innovations
- Adapting to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
ASSUMPTION: The provided potential challenges are based on typical experiences in similar roles and may vary based on individual experiences and the specific work environment.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to a traditional technology consultant role, this position has a stronger focus on customer engagement and strategic outcomes
- Unlike many technology roles, this position requires a deep understanding of both business strategy and technical implementation
- This role offers the opportunity to work with senior-level executives and drive strategic initiatives, providing significant career growth potential
ASSUMPTION: The provided role comparisons are based on typical experiences in similar roles and may vary based on individual experiences and the specific work environment.
π Sample Projects
- Developing a 3-horizon roadmap for a major enterprise customer to migrate to Azure
- Conducting a security assessment for a customer and recommending improvements to their infrastructure
- Leading a workshop with a customer's leadership team to align on their technology strategy and objectives
ASSUMPTION: The provided sample projects are based on typical experiences in similar roles and may vary based on individual experiences and the specific work environment.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into Microsoft's broader strategy for enterprise customers?
- Can you describe the team structure and how the ATS role fits within it?
- How does Microsoft support the professional development of its employees in this role?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the company's enterprise customers, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Microsoft measure the success of the ATS role, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are used?
ASSUMPTION: The provided interview questions are based on typical experiences in similar roles and may vary based on individual experiences and the specific work environment.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in technology strategy and customer engagement
- Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and your fit with Microsoft's values
- Prepare examples of your past accomplishments in driving strategic outcomes for customers
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.