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From Business Applications to AI: HSO’s Transformation Story

For many years, HSO has been recognised for its deep expertise in business applications and its ability to deliver complex, mission-critical solutions for customers across industries. That foundation remains central to who we are. However, the needs of our clients are evolving, as are we. 

Building A Biz Apps Backbone

Since our founding in 1987, HSO has always been about staying ahead of what businesses need most. We began as an integrator of Baan software and quickly built a strong reputation as a trusted Business Applications specialist. Achieving Microsoft Gold Partner status in 2002 and joining the Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle in 2007, placing us in the top 1% of partners worldwide, proved our commitment to excellence and innovation.

By helping organizations manage and integrate CRM and ERP processes through Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Applications, we gave our clients a modern, flexible platform to connect systems, streamline operations, and make better decisions with real-time data and AI-driven insights. Strategic moves like acquiring Touchstone in 2010 and launching the HSO Academy in 2014 strengthened our people and expertise, ensuring we were ready to evolve as technology advanced, setting the stage for our next chapter.

Conquering Cloud

As the pace of digital transformation accelerated, HSO stepped forward again, building on our strong Business Applications foundation to guide organizations into the cloud era. Between 2015 and 2020, we broadened our capabilities to help customers shift from legacy, on-premise infrastructure to the scalable, secure power of the Microsoft Azure cloud.

We launched Managed Services in 2016 to deliver continuous optimization and peace of mind, and expanded into India, France, Switzerland, and the USA in 2018 to support clients worldwide. With a complete Azure services portfolio, covering strategy, architecture, infrastructure, security, integration, low-code development, and the modern workplace, we empowered businesses to modernize faster, reduce complexity, and unlock new levels of agility. By embracing what’s next, we proved once again that when technology moves forward, so does HSO.

Dominating Data & AI

Today, HSO’s evolution continues at the forefront of Data and AI. Building on our cloud expertise, we made bold moves, acquiring Shea and Motion10 in 2023 and Aware in 2024, to deepen our capabilities and help clients unlock even more value from their data. In February 2024, we achieved Microsoft Solutions Partner designation for Data & AI (Azure) alongside all five other designations, and quickly secured Specializations in AI Platform, Analytics, and Building AI Apps on Microsoft Azure.

Our award-winning performance, being named Microsoft’s Global Partner of the Year for Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management and a finalist in categories like Data & AI, Government, and Financial Services, shows how we continue to adapt to what the future demands. From Baan software to Business Applications, from on-premise to cloud, and now to advanced Data and AI, our story is one of constant evolution. As technology changes, HSO is ready, helping our customers seize what’s next.

Change is constant, evolution is a choice.

At HSO, we choose to keep moving forward. By evolving our capabilities and investing in new technologies, we grow alongside our clients and our people, transforming change into opportunity and insight into impact.

GB Manchester

Cloud & Infrastructure

AI Technical Architect

About HSO  HSO are a leading member of the Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle, founded in 1987, and specialize in sectors such as Retail, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Financial Services and Local Government. We’ve won several prestigious awards over the last few years including being voted in the UK’s top 10 Best Large companies to work for the last 3 years running. This year we are also proud to have been named the D365 Finance Microsoft Partner of the Year Award and Finalist for D365 Sales & Marketing.  HSO is the place to work for those in the Microsoft Dynamics channel. People join and stay because we care; about adding value to our customers, about delivering what we say we will, striving to improve ourselves, being inclusive and having fun.  The core values that enable us to work so well together also mean our customers want to work with us. We choose to be different to other Microsoft Partners. Caring about our people, customers and quality of work differentiates us. We always support our people and customers to achieve shared, agreed goals.    Job Purpose: The AI Architect will enable the creation of innovative, ethical, and reliable cloud solutions that stand out on a global scale to enhance the lives of people and organisations. This includes, but is not limited to:  Supporting the development and implementation of our enterprise AI strategies and roadmaps.  Scoping and leading the development of frameworks, reference architecture, tooling, costing, governing standards, and principles.  Leading the design, migration, data modelling, implementation, testing, support, deployment, architecture, and maintenance of solutions that use, or will use AI in future.  Qualify new customers and assist existing customers to envision new opportunities and map out enhancements to existing solutions that meet business needs.     Key Responsibilities:   Supporting customers with their AI Implementation across infrastructure, security, licensing, management, and migration.  Lead, design and implement data driven AI projects end to end, working both independently and/or leading a team to meet project requirements.   Working collaboratively with our other Cloud Services teams to deliver exceptional solutions to our clients across the full range of Microsoft technologies.  Reviewing and automating business processes.  Work directly with the customer to scope out and deliver maintainable, well tested solutions that leverage cloud technologies where possible.  Provide sound technical support to clients for common and complex Data & AI issues, while identifying opportunity for architectural, cultural, and technical improvements.  Lead, design, and apply AI architecture patterns to projects and solutions.   Develop and improve AI solutions and related development lifecycles, using best practices and a DevOps mindset.  Deliver workshops to clients to upskill them and support with the uptake of new technologies, while identifying opportunities for improvements in workshop design and delivery.  Understand and implement solutions outside of AI that may interact with developed solutions.  Proactively seek out and learn emerging technologies, explore new and innovative use cases, and build collective knowledge across the Aware Team.   Ensure you have a clear understanding of the HSO core values and HSO best practices.  Act as a Mentor and coach for our Data & AI team to ensure team members are meeting their project and customer goals. Requirements Experience and Skills:   Experience developing AI solutions, AI models, and AI governance frameworks in production.  A breadth of experience in various current cloud technologies and applications  In-depth experience with various source systems control and testing frameworks and related methodologies  Experience leading project and project teams end to end.  Proficiency in explaining complex technical architecture and solutions to non-technical audiences.  Ability to identify when potential issues need to be communicated and/or escalated.  Eager to proactively learn and apply new technologies (both within and outside of your field) and to share those learnings with the wider technical team.  Strong organisational and problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines and manage conflicting priorities.  Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to work with clients from varying backgrounds.  Ability to accurately scope projects and provide recommendations for the client.  An understanding of common and complex development lifecycles and experience applying DevOps practices.  Outstanding interpersonal skills with the confidence to workshop solutions directly with customers and ability to work through complex customer interactions.  A strong understanding of business capabilities and frameworks that can map these capabilities to AI models and broader architectural initiatives.  A strong understanding of ethical and privacy obligations and ability to proactively identify and mitigate security threats.  Experience with business applications and D365.     Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. - Relevant certifications in Microsoft Azure or related technologies.

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GB Remote

Cloud & Infrastructure

UK Service Line Director - Data

About HSO HSO is a Microsoft focused, business transformation partner, with deep industry expertise and global reach. We leverage the full power of the Microsoft Cloud to transform the way in which people work and engage customers, accelerating the impact of cloud transformation and improving overall business performance. By leveraging the power of Dynamics 365, Generative AI, Data, AI, Copilot capabilities and the Microsoft Cloud, HSO helps companies innovate faster, by modernizing business operations, adopting data-driven intelligent automation, delivering real-time insights and connecting the enterprise. Founded in 1987, HSO has more than 2,500 professionals throughout EMEA, the Americas and Asia and is one of the world’s top business solution and implementation partners. We are a member of Microsoft’s elite Inner Circle, representing the Top 1% of partners worldwide. HSO UK has grown to more than 300 people and we expect over 100% organic growth in the next 5 years. HSO specializes in industry sectors such as Retail, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Financial Services and Public Sector. HSO has been recognized as the global winner of the 2023 Partner of the Year Award for D365 Finance and as a Finalist for D365 Sales and Marketing. In addition, we have been awarded ‘Best Tech Company 2021 to Work For’ and the ‘6th Best Large Company to Work For’ in 2022.  At HSO we take pride in being large enough to serve, but small enough to care. Both for our customers and colleagues. We are uniquely positioned to empower you to transform your career, without compromising your life goals and we take pride in investing as much in our people as we do in our clients. Our culture and values support entrepreneurial mindsets and attitudes, where your voice will always be heard.   Why Work for HSO?  Joining the HSO team means being an integral part of a dynamic organization that values innovation, collaboration and professional growth. Here are some of the reasons why HSO is a great place to work and build your career: Customer Value: Work for market-leading clients across multiple industries, delivering value-adding solutions and a meaningful difference. Supportive Culture: Enjoy an environment where everyone is encouraged to be heard in a positive and inclusive environment. Flexibility and Wellbeing: We understand that life is complex and if you share what you need, you’ll find we care in return. Commitment to Quality: Be part of a team that truly places quality at the heart of all we do.   If you're looking for a rewarding career with opportunities to stretch yourself, make an impact and work with a supportive team, HSO is the place for you!   Purpose of the Role & Key Responsibilities  This is a genuinely transformative leadership opportunity. Our Data Platform (DP) team is rapidly growing and we’re looking for a someone with the skills, knowledge and experience to achieve this.  Our goal is for Data to be a growth engine of our UK business, at the forefront of our ambition as the UK’s services partner of choice, for Enterprise clients wishing to drive, innovate and run their businesses with Microsoft. The market opportunity is huge and this role is key in ensuring HSO takes full advantage of this.  There are four major accountabilities: Business Growth – to build on our success to date, by defining and building the market opportunity for Data, then leading key opportunities and winning net new clients, as well as to grow on existing. This role’s primary objective is to grow the HSO UK Data business by at least 40% year on year. P&L Management – to run and operate the profit and loss as best in class, using known best practices and to build on these, as the Service Line grows, to meet / exceed our financial and other targets. Customer Leadership – to work successfully as an Executive Sponsor on key accounts and to coach others to do the same, so that we deliver on our client commitments and win multi-year relationships. Talent Development – to build a high performing Data team and to develop new talent for the future success of HSO. While this is a UK role, there is also an HSO-wide global contribution to the DP Service Line: sharing knowledge, experience and helping others achieve.   Overview of Essential Behaviours & Experience  Essential Behaviours Team Leadership - wants to lead and be accountable. Takes personal responsibility. Ability to influence others and build followship. Listens to others to find the best outcome. Ambitious - for client success, as well as personal success and for the success Data and the wider HSO team.  Strategic - sees the wider picture and makes informed decisions from complex and varied sources. Care - demonstrates care with every interaction. Looks for team success. Embodies Servant Leadership. Tenacious - happy to roll sleeves-up to deliver and drive challenging outcomes over a sustained period. Strives for excellence in oneself and others. Entrepreneurial - ability to work successfully in a fast-paced environment. Comfortable with ambiguity.   Essential Experience Led, built and grown a multi-disciplined Data function, preferably with Microsoft technology. Leadership experience in a consulting services environment, with a strong track record of selling, managing and delivering multi-million pound engagements, using resources both onshore and offshore. Building multi-year relationships for Enterprise clients. Managed an annual budget in excess of £10m per annum, including investment, forecasting, revenues, profit and loss. Proven ability to understand and successfully manage risk. Able to identify and resolve issues to deliver challenging growth targets. Deployed and leveraged technology (eg. AI) and new ways of working to improve business performance and take advantage of new market potential. Worked collaboratively in a business with multiple lines of business. Led a geographically dispersed team of at least 8 direct reports and a total team of 20 or more people. Successfully led such a team through periods of significant change and business improvement.  Location This is a hybrid role and can be based either from our London, Glasgow or Manchester offices, as well as from home.  There will be regular, planned travel, involving overnight stays near our offices and other UK locations for customer / internal meetings, events and training. Occasional planned international travel is expected.   Total Reward We offer competitive and equal pay which reflects the skills, experience and performance of the individual. Any reward package will be discussed honestly during the interview process. Our people have the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses or commission, and everyone can benefit from paid holiday, private healthcare, private dental care, life assurance, pension, retail discounts and monthly wellbeing activities.   We set the bar high and won't extend an offer until we're convinced we've found the right candidate. This is why a job may stay open for months or be reposted several times. Studies suggest that women tend not to apply for a job if their CV isn’t a perfect fit. Here, talent takes precedence over experience. So if you like the role and think you could be awesome at it in time, go ahead and apply. HSO is an equal opportunity employer. We will consider for employment any applicant and provide reasonable accommodations for an individual with disabilities - just let us know how we can support you.

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US Remote

Data & AI

Consulting Director, Data & AI

As a Consulting Director, Data & AI you can expect to…  Engage in presales efforts including client presentations, workshops, proposals and RFP responses, solution envisioning, and estimating Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their business needs and providing strategic AI solutions Oversee the design and implementation of AI and data solutions using Azure and Microsoft Data & AI platform, driving knowledge sharing and innovation across the practice Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of AI solutions into clients' existing systems Provide thought leadership, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in AI and data technologies, helping to shape the future of AI adoption across a wide range of industries Partner with sales teams to shape strategic deals and articulate the value of AI and data platforms, as well as help develop offerings and accelerators to differentiate our AI consulting services in the market Lead and manage the Data & AI consulting team, ensuring successful project delivery and client satisfaction across multiple concurrent engagements providing strategic oversight and problem-solving Guide the design and implementation of enterprise-grade solutions leveraging Azure AI services, CoPilot Studio, LLMs, cognitive services, and the full Microsoft data platform Represent HSO technology events, industry panels, and client forums Assist in leading a growing Data & AI service line and shape the future of AI adoption across a wide range of industries You’re great at…  Using your proven Data & AI experience in a consulting leadership role to collaborate with an exceptional team of technologists and business leaders Ensuring data governance best practices are embedded into all solution designs, including data privacy, lineage, quality, and lifecycle management supported by your strong expertise in Azure and Microsoft Data & AI platform Engage in presales activities and envision AI solutions that champion responsible AI and ethical data use in client engagements, helping organizations navigate regulatory requirements and implement transparent, explainable AI models Deep understanding of LLMs and Ability to build solutions using CoPilot Studio, LLMs, Conventional AI Models and Data Platform Excellent leadership and team management skills Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain client relationships Mentoring and developing team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation Using your strategic vision and insights with a passion for AI and data technologies, Staying current on emerging trends in AI, data science, and Microsoft technologies Handling multiple projects/tasks simultaneously   Learning new concepts quickly and thoroughly   Promoting the mission and Shared Values of our company   Sound interesting? If so, you’ll have…  Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field; advanced degree preferred Minimum of 10 years of experience in Azure and Microsoft Data & AI platform At least 5 years of experience in presales activities, including client presentations and proposal development Significant experience in leading delivery teams and managing complex AI projects Direct experience serving as a senior advisor to clients, helping translate business objectives into scalable AI and data solutions Prior experience overseeing and growing a team of Data & AI consultants, engineers, and architects to deliver Microsoft Data & AI solutions Proven experience in a senior consulting leadership role within the Data & AI space Deep understanding of Microsoft Azure, including Azure AI, Azure Data Lake, Synapse, Fabric, and Databricks Experience delivering solutions using LLMs, CoPilot Studio, traditional machine learning models, and enterprise data architectures Demonstrated ability to lead presales engagements and craft complex AI transformation strategies Familiarity with data governance frameworks (e.g., Microsoft Purview, Collibra) and ethical AI principles (e.g., explainability, fairness, transparency Excellent client-facing skills with a track record of building long-term relationships at the executive level Strong leadership, team-building, and mentoring capabilities Benefits:We offer competitive pay with and performance-based bonus. Our employees also enjoy unlimited paid time off and a flexible and affordable benefits program designed to help you be and stay well, including: medical, dental & vision coverage, flexible spending accounts, health reimbursement account, and a 401(k) plan with a company match. Additionally, you’ll have the benefit of working alongside enthusiastic and energetic teammates in a dynamic and thriving environment. HSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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US Remote

Data & AI

Data and AI Presales Technical Solution Architect

We are seeking a highly skilled Technical Solution Architect specializing in Data & AI Presales to join our team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with Microsoft Data and AI tools, and will be responsible for creating and demonstrating solutions, as well as building strong relationships with customers and prospects. As a Data and AI Technical Presales Architect you can expect to… Understand customer challenges and requirement around Data & AI Design and architect data and AI solutions that meet business and IT needs Conduct Data & AI assessments, Interview Business and IT teams Conduct Discovery Workshops for Data Engineering, Analytics, Data Integrations, AI and Business use cases Create data and analytics roadmaps, drive hands-on Proof of Concepts (PoCs) and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) Ensure long-term technical viability of new deployments, infusing key AI technologies where appropriate Conduct technical presentations and demonstrations to customers Collaborate with various departments to ensure seamless integration of solutions Provide technical consultancy and advisory services to customers Build and maintain strong relationships with customers to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field 5+ years of experience in Data Science, AI, Machine Learning, Data Architecture and/or consulting Proficiency with Microsoft Azure, including Azure ML, Cognitive Services, Spark, Data Lake, and Microsoft Fabric Strong understanding of AI technologies and frameworks Excellent communication and presentation skills Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment Strong problem-solving and analytical skills Knowledge of database concepts, data science, and machine learning frameworks Good handle around LLMs, GenAI and Conventional AI models Benefits:We offer competitive pay with and performance-based bonus. Our employees also enjoy unlimited paid time off and a flexible and affordable benefits program designed to help you be and stay well, including: medical, dental & vision coverage, flexible spending accounts, health reimbursement account, and a 401(k) plan with a company match. Additionally, you’ll have the benefit of working alongside enthusiastic and energetic teammates in a dynamic and thriving environment. HSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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US Remote

Data & AI

Senior Integration Engineer

The Azure Integration Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supporting enterprise-grade integration solutions using Microsoft Azure Integration Services. This role partners closely with cross-functional teams to build secure, scalable, and cloud-native integrations that enable seamless communication across business systems. As a Senior Integration Engineer you can expect to… Design and implement integrations using Azure Integration Services, including Azure API Management (APIM), Logic Apps, Azure Functions, and messaging/event services. Build and maintain secure APIs and integration workflows leveraging OAuth2, Managed Identities, and APIM policies. Develop event-driven and message-based architectures using Azure Service Bus, Event Grid, and Event Hubs. Create and support Web APIs and microservice-based integrations. Deploy and manage Azure PaaS integration workloads in VNET-integrated and enterprise-governed environments. Develop and maintain CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps (YAML-based) for automated delivery of integration solutions. Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) solutions using Bicep and/or YAML to ensure consistent, repeatable deployments. Collaborate with architects, developers, and business teams to deliver integration solutions aligned with architecture standards and security requirements. Participate in agile ceremonies and team-based development processes. Ensure adherence to cloud security, governance, and networking best practices in all integration implementations. solutions, as well as building strong relationships with customers and prospects. As a Data and AI Technical Presales Architect you can expect to… Understand customer challenges and requirement around Data & AI Design and architect data and AI solutions that meet business and IT needs Conduct Data & AI assessments, Interview Business and IT teams Conduct Discovery Workshops for Data Engineering, Analytics, Data Integrations, AI and Business use cases Create data and analytics roadmaps, drive hands-on Proof of Concepts (PoCs) and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) Ensure long-term technical viability of new deployments, infusing key AI technologies where appropriate Conduct technical presentations and demonstrations to customers Collaborate with various departments to ensure seamless integration of solutions Provide technical consultancy and advisory services to customers Build and maintain strong relationships with customers to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions Requirements:   3+ years of hands-on development and integration experience in enterprise environments. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Azure Integration Services: APIM, Logic Apps, Azure Functions, Service Bus, Event Grid, Event Hubs. Experience developing in .NET Core / C#. Hands-on experience building CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps YAML. Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Bicep/YAML). Understanding of microservices, event-driven architectures, SOA, and serverless patterns. Strong knowledge of cloud security, networking, and governance as applied to integration scenarios. Ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional agile teams. Microsoft Azure certifications (e.g., Azure Developer, Azure Solutions Architect). Experience designing solutions in large, complex enterprise environments. Exposure to broader API and integration modernization initiatives. Benefits:We offer competitive pay with and performance-based bonus. Our employees also enjoy unlimited paid time off and a flexible and affordable benefits program designed to help you be and stay well, including: medical, dental & vision coverage, flexible spending accounts, health reimbursement account, and a 401(k) plan with a company match. Additionally, you’ll have the benefit of working alongside enthusiastic and energetic teammates in a dynamic and thriving environment. HSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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