Simpson Associates transforms raw data into actionable insights that drive positive change.
Our Microsoft data expertise, our specialist sector knowledge, plus our innovative and trusted advice and guidance are just some of the reasons clients choose to work with us.
Our mission is to help purpose-led organisations from within the public and private sectors to harness data as a lever for change and enable them to realise business value more quickly. We provide the full range of services to support organisations on their data transformation journey. From advisory support and data strategy, to developing Data & AI solutions, right through to providing a range of managed services.
We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner, holding Specialisations in AI Platform on Microsoft Azure, Analytics on Microsoft Azure, Data Warehouse Migration to Microsoft Azure and Migrate Enterprise Applications to Microsoft Azure, as well as holding Solutions Partner designations in Data & AI (Azure); Digital & App Innovation (Azure); Infrastructure (Azure) and Security.
But it's not just about the badges. We are proud to be recognised as the winner of the 2024 Microsoft Community Response Partner of the Year award, reflecting our dedication to using technology for positive change. We are also a Databricks partner, and an IBM Gold Partner, specialising in Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics.
With offices in York and Sheffield, and a team based throughout the UK – we champion creativity, innovation and collaboration in the workplace.
The Role
As a Level 2 Senior Microsoft Consultant, you will act as a trusted advisor for key Managed Services clients, owning relationships and leading on complex incidents. You will mentor junior colleagues, provide technical leadership, and ensure proactive management of client environments. This role combines advanced technical expertise with strong leadership and communication skills to deliver seamless service and long-term value.
Key Responsibilities
Act as primary contact and trusted advisor for key Managed Services clients.
Lead resolution of complex, multi-system and mission-critical issues.
Proactively manage support contracts, anticipating client peak periods, change governance and escalations. Work with Service Delivery Management to pro-actively work internally and with Client to provide world class Service.
Perform advanced monitoring, maintenance, and health checks; identify and manage risks within the managed service contracts.
Produce and maintain comprehensive documentation to support client-wide knowledge sharing.
Mentor and support Microsoft Consultants, developing their troubleshooting and communication skills. Acting as a technical escalation point as required.
Identify optimisation opportunities, upgrades, and best practice improvements within the Managed Services client.
Work closely with Consulting and Delivery teams to ensure smooth project handovers.
Support internal teams when needed and contribute to the knowledge base and process improvement.
Communicate clearly during major incidents, planned maintenance, or service changes.
Manage utilisation and provide accurate reporting on support, by maintaining your understanding of the key elements of client contracts as they relate to your responsibilities, and work with the client and internal teams to establish commercial cover for requests which fall outside of contractual entitlements.
Skills and Attributes Required
Strong working expertise across: T-SQL, Azure SQL, Synapse Serverless DB, Data Factory/Synapse Pipelines, SSIS/SSAS/SSRS, Power BI, Databricks, Python, .NET, Microsoft Purview, Microsoft Fabric.
Experience operating as part of a Service Integrator.
Skilled at managing solutions across hybrid on-prem and cloud environments.
Deep understanding of Data Warehousing principles, DR/HA concepts, patching and installation strategies.
Ability to foresee possible trouble points and define mitigation strategies.
Provides technical guidance to others and assists with capacity, scaling, and cost management.
Professional Skills
Rapid absorption of complex technical and organisational information.
Ability to evaluate multiple solution paths and consider long-term impacts.
Strong leadership in troubleshooting situations.
Excellent interpersonal skills to build trust and credibility with clients.
Clear and confident communication, both written and verbal, across technical and non-technical audiences.
Empathy and patience when guiding junior colleagues and supporting clients under pressure.
Resilience and adaptability in high-stakes, fast-paced environments.
Collaborative mindset, fostering teamwork and knowledge sharing across departments.
Strategic thinking with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
ITIL4 Foundation.
Project management certification (Prince2, Agile, or equivalent)
Advantageous Qualifications and Skills
Terraform, Bicep, Git, DevOps, Azure IaaS/PaaS.
Experience with automation and infrastructure-as-code practices.
Familiarity with modern DevOps pipelines and CI/CD approaches.
Simpson Associates reserves the right to close the recruitment process at any time.