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Micro Interview with Nicola Hannay

Micro Interview from our Micro lesson series with Nicola Hannay, Head of Marketing, HSO

Meet
Nicola Hannay
Head of Marketing

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

Each morning starts with a small win, ten minutes of Duolingo and a quick workout set the tone for the day.
Meet Nicola Hannay, Head of Marketing at HSO UK. Nicola has a clear plan in hand, and she likes to dive into work, balancing focus and efficiency. Workdays are mapped out and managed with precision and clear boundaries that ensure evenings are spent enjoying family, food, and relaxation.

What’s your work routine?

Wake up, do 10 minutes Duolingo, have a workout, shower and get to my desk. Check calendar and email. Be as efficient and effective as possible. Aim to take a lunch break. Aim to finish by 6.30pm. Make dinner. Eat with the family....and relax.

What’s one misconception about technology projects you’ve come across?

They run smoothly all the time, from start to finish.

What metrics matter most in a tech project?

Time to value/ROI.

Something you wish you’d known about your work when you first started?

Marketing is not an exact science and no matter how brilliant the strategy, if the message doesn’t land, the impact is lost.

What did your biggest professional failure teach you?

Know who you can trust.

The #1 thing that helps organisations get value from their technology projects?

Understanding that they are, first and foremost, change management projects. Success depends on bringing people with you.

Your parting piece of advice?

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

Check out our vacancies

US Remote

Sales & Business Development

Business Development Director

  Position HSO in prospecting, qualifying, consultative selling and closing new business Possess a deep understanding of Microsoft technologies, especially those relevant to the Professional Services sector Develop and manage all phases of the sales cycle including prospecting, qualifying, consultative selling and closing new business Lead introductory meetings with prospects with a consultative sales approach to solve Professional Services client problems and position the value of HSO Develop strategic accounts and execute sales strategies with defined sales plays Utilize a consultative sales approach to solve client problems and position the value of HSO Work proactively and independently as a hunter, developing relationships, driving new business by demonstrating how HSO will meet our clients' business needs Collaborate with delivery and pre-sales teams to ensure proposed solutions align with Professional Services client requirements Working with Marketing and Business Development personnel to help develop lead generation campaigns along with target marketing to specific verticals Utilize your previous Microsoft experience to respond to RFPs and close business You’re great at… Develop and execute measurable sales activities focusing on Microsoft-centric solutions and services Collaborate with the sales team, management, and technical experts to identify target markets Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective Professional Services clients to understand their business challenges, goals, and objectives, and align HSO offerings to meet their needs Identify new business opportunities and proactively generate leads through networking, industry events, referrals, and digital marketing initiatives Develop and nurture a robust pipeline of prospects to achieve and exceed sales targets Leverage your sales knowledge and existing Microsoft ecosystem network to position HSO solutions effectively Manage the end-to-end sales process, including lead qualification, solution scoping, negotiation, and contract close Stay updated on the latest trends, advancements, and competitive landscape as it pertains to Professional Services within the Microsoft ecosystem Sound interesting? If so, you’ll have…  Degree in Business, Computer Science, Finance or a related discipline or equivalent education 4+ years of experience in selling Microsoft Business Applications and/or Cloud or related services Prior consulting, business analyst, implementation, or product support experience required, specifically relating to Microsoft Business Solutions Prior sales experience selling Enterprise Solutions, preferably Microsoft Strong and established Professional Services client base within the space Proven ability to navigate difficult conversations and drive effective solutions to business problems with knowledge of pricing tactics and strategies Proven experience in closing business for business applications/technology sales as an Account Executive or Sales Representative in the Professional Services sector Ability to thrive in a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment and to work with a team Ability to travel 30% or more The Perks We offer competitive pay with and performance-based bonus. Our employees also enjoy generous 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. Check out the reasons why people love to work for us or browse more opportunities on our careers page!   HSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Learn more
US Remote

ERP & CRM (e.g. D365 F&O, D365CE)

Microsoft D365 F&O PMA Functional Solution Architect

As a D365 F&O PMA Functional Solution Architect you can expect to…  Serve as the lead Functional Solution Architect (Sr. FSA) on complex, enterprise-scale D365 F&O implementations, owning overall functional architecture across multiple modules and workstreams but specifically with the PMA (Project Management & Accounting) module  Act as a trusted advisor to client executives, translating business strategy into scalable, compliant, and future-ready D365 F&O solutions Own and validate end-to-end functional solution design, ensuring alignment across finance, operations, integrations, data, security, and reporting Lead and contribute to enterprise-level project estimation, including scope definition, delivery approach, resourcing strategy, risk identification, and commercial assumptions Perform the Solution Advisory / Lead Architect role during the analysis and envisioning phases of D365 F&O programs Direct and oversee Business Process Analysis (BPA), Solution Blueprint creation, and Fit/Gap analysis, ensuring recommendations align to industry best practices and Microsoft standards Serve as the functional design authority throughout design, build, test, and deployment phases, guiding teams through complex decision-making and trade-offs Establish and govern testing strategy and issue resolution processes, particularly across functional architecture, integrations, and cross-module dependencies Review, validate, and formally sign off on functional specifications, test scripts, data migration strategies, and deployment plans Ensure training and knowledge transfer strategies are comprehensive and position clients for long-term success, adoption, and self-sufficiency Act as the senior escalation point for functional and solution-related issues during and after go-live, including hypercare and stabilization Contribute to the evolution of HSO’s implementation methodology, standards, and accelerators as business paradigms and Microsoft capabilities evolve Share best practices, lessons learned, and architectural guidance across projects and delivery teams Mentor and guide FSAs, Senior Consultants, and Functional Consultants, raising overall delivery quality and consistency Travel as client and business needs dictate (typically up to ~30%) You’re great at…  Mentoring junior technical resources both on-shore and off-shore Articulating architectural options, trade-offs, and risks between different solution approaches Providing senior leadership presence in consulting engagements and client relationships Influencing without authority and driving alignment across large, matrixed organizations Leading and collaborating with cross-functional and virtual teams Balancing strategic thinking with executional rigor Prioritizing effectively and communicating commitments clearly Solving complex business and technical problems with pragmatic, scalable solutions Coaching, mentoring, and developing junior architects and consultants Learning new concepts, industries, and technologies quickly and thoroughly Promoting the mission and Shared Values of our company Sound interesting? If so, you’ll have…  Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Information Systems, or related field CPA strongly preferred but not required at this time  8+ years of combined experience delivering Microsoft D365 F&O / AX solutions, including architecting complex, enterprise-wide systems 3+ full cycle implementations of the PMA module within Dynamics 365 F&O  Proven experience leading multi-phase, multi-country, enterprise-scale implementations Deep experience across assessment, analysis, business case development, solution envisioning, planning, deployment, and benefits realization Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable business value at the executive level A strong track record of serving as the trusted voice at the decision-making table Deep understanding of business operations, financial processes, and industry drivers, preferably within Financial Services, Public Sector, Media, or Life Sciences Working knowledge of relevant ISV solutions, integrations, and ecosystem tools Ability to move fluidly between executive-level architectural discussions and hands-on delivery leadership when required Microsoft D365 F&O Financials certifications preferred  Familiarity and/or experience with D365 F&O Workflow Flexibility to travel as client and business needs require The Perks We offer competitive pay with and performance-based bonus. Our employees also enjoy generous 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.    

Learn more
US Remote

ERP & CRM (e.g. D365 F&O, D365CE)

Microsoft D365 F&O Finance Functional Solution Architect

As a D365 F&O Functional Solution Architect you can expect to…  Serve as the lead Functional Solution Architect (Sr. FSA) on complex, enterprise-scale D365 F&O implementations, owning overall functional architecture across multiple modules and workstreams Act as a trusted advisor to client executives, translating business strategy into scalable, compliant, and future-ready D365 F&O solutions Own and validate end-to-end functional solution design, ensuring alignment across finance, operations, integrations, data, security, and reporting Lead and contribute to enterprise-level project estimation, including scope definition, delivery approach, resourcing strategy, risk identification, and commercial assumptions Perform the Solution Advisory / Lead Architect role during the analysis and envisioning phases of D365 F&O programs Direct and oversee Business Process Analysis (BPA), Solution Blueprint creation, and Fit/Gap analysis, ensuring recommendations align to industry best practices and Microsoft standards Serve as the functional design authority throughout design, build, test, and deployment phases, guiding teams through complex decision-making and trade-offs Establish and govern testing strategy and issue resolution processes, particularly across functional architecture, integrations, and cross-module dependencies Review, validate, and formally sign off on functional specifications, test scripts, data migration strategies, and deployment plans Ensure training and knowledge transfer strategies are comprehensive and position clients for long-term success, adoption, and self-sufficiency Act as the senior escalation point for functional and solution-related issues during and after go-live, including hypercare and stabilization Contribute to the evolution of HSO’s implementation methodology, standards, and accelerators as business paradigms and Microsoft capabilities evolve Share best practices, lessons learned, and architectural guidance across projects and delivery teams Mentor and guide FSAs, Senior Consultants, and Functional Consultants, raising overall delivery quality and consistency Travel as client and business needs dictate (typically up to ~30%) You’re great at…  Mentoring junior technical resources both on-shore and off-shore Articulating architectural options, trade-offs, and risks between different solution approaches Providing senior leadership presence in consulting engagements and client relationships Influencing without authority and driving alignment across large, matrixed organizations Leading and collaborating with cross-functional and virtual teams Balancing strategic thinking with executional rigor Prioritizing effectively and communicating commitments clearly Solving complex business and technical problems with pragmatic, scalable solutions Coaching, mentoring, and developing junior architects and consultants Learning new concepts, industries, and technologies quickly and thoroughly Promoting the mission and Shared Values of our company Sound interesting? If so, you’ll have…  Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Information Systems, or related field; CPA strongly preferred 8+ years of combined experience delivering Microsoft D365 F&O / AX solutions, including architecting complex, enterprise-wide systems Proven experience leading multi-phase, multi-country, enterprise-scale implementations Deep experience across assessment, analysis, business case development, solution envisioning, planning, deployment, and benefits realization Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable business value at the executive level A strong track record of serving as the trusted voice at the decision-making table Deep understanding of business operations, financial processes, and industry drivers, preferably within Financial Services, Public Sector, Media, or Life Sciences Working knowledge of relevant ISV solutions, integrations, and ecosystem tools Ability to move fluidly between executive-level architectural discussions and hands-on delivery leadership when required Microsoft D365 F&O Financials certifications preferred  Familiarity and/or experience with D365 F&O Workflow Flexibility to travel as client and business needs require The Perks We offer competitive pay with and performance-based bonus. Our employees also enjoy generous 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.    

Learn more
US Remote

Cloud & Infrastructure

Azure Cloud Architect

HSO is seeking an Azure Cloud Architect to lead solution design and drive hands-on delivery of complex Microsoft Azure engagements for our clients. This role owns the architecture from discovery through implementation—spanning landing zones, migrations, identity & security, IaC, and cloud governance—while staying grounded in the platform and working directly alongside engineers and clients. A key part of the role is leading large-scale migrations and deployments, mentoring delivery teams, and building reusable assets. As an Azure Cloud Architect, you can expect to… Azure Architecture & Platform Engineering  Architect enterprise-scale Azure Landing Zones aligned to CAF and Well-Architected principles: management groups, subscriptions, Azure Policy, RBAC, and platform automation.  Define compute and PaaS patterns: VM/VMSS sizing, AKS, App Service/Functions, and Container Registry as appropriate.  Architect Azure Virtual Desktop solutions: host pool design, FSLogix profile strategy on Azure Files or Azure NetApp Files, Scaling Plans, and AVD Insights monitoring.  Lead design sessions, produce Architecture Decision Records (ADRs), and validate approaches through hands-on proof-of-concept builds.  Azure Migration  Lead cloud migration programs across a range of scenarios: on-premises-to-Azure, cloud-to-cloud (e.g., AWS to Azure), and application modernization and refactoring efforts.  Drive discovery and assessment: dependency mapping, workload inventory, rehost/replatform/refactor recommendations, and wave planning.  Manage cutover execution and hypercare: tooling selection, replication monitoring, test migrations, rollback procedures, and stakeholder communication throughout.  Identity & Security  Architect Zero Trust models with Microsoft Entra ID: Conditional Access, PIM role patterns, hybrid identity (Entra Connect/Cloud Sync), and app registration governance.  Define security blueprints: Azure Policy, Defender for Cloud, Microsoft Sentinel, Defender XDR integrations, and Key Vault design.  Map controls to compliance frameworks (ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS as applicable) and drive Secure Score improvements.  Automation, IaC & CI/CD  Build modular IaC frameworks in Terraform and/or Bicep: reusable landing zone modules, policy-as-code, and coding standards for delivery teams.  Design CI/CD pipelines in Azure DevOps and/or GitHub Actions: environment gates, drift detection, and pre-deployment compliance checks.  Author automation in PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Python: bootstrap scripts, governance tooling, and operational runbooks.  Observability, Resilience & FinOps  Design observability platforms: Log Analytics workspace architecture, Azure Monitor, Workbook/dashboard frameworks, and alerting.  Architect BCDR solutions with Azure Backup, Site Recovery, and cross-region topologies; validate against RTO/RPO targets.  Lead FinOps efforts: tagging standards, Cost Management reporting, reservation/Savings Plans strategy, and optimization roadmaps.  Consulting & Client Engagement  Lead discovery workshops, design sessions, and Well-Architected Reviews; present architecture options with clear trade-offs to technical and business stakeholders.  Stay hands-on throughout delivery: validate designs through working code and demonstrate patterns directly alongside client teams.  Mentor delivery engineers through design reviews, pairing on complex problems, and code reviews.  Architect enterprise-scale Azure Landing Zones aligned to CAF and Well-Architected principles: management groups, subscriptions, Azure Policy, RBAC, and platform automation.  Design network topologies (hub-and-spoke or Virtual WAN): Azure Firewall, Application Gateway/WAF, Private Link, ExpressRoute/VPN, and DDoS Protection.  Contribute to pre-sales: solution scoping, proposal authoring, SOW definition, and engagement estimates.  You’re great at… Architecting enterprise-scale Azure Landing Zones aligned to Cloud Adoption Framework and Well-Architected principles. Leading cloud migration programs across various scenarios, including discovery and assessment. Defining security blueprints and architecting Zero Trust models with Microsoft Entra ID and Defender for Cloud. Building modular Infrastructure as Code frameworks (Terraform/Bicep) and designing CI/CD pipelines. Leading FinOps efforts, designing observability platforms, and architecting robust business continuity solutions. Packaging, deploying, and maintaining applications using Intune Managing escalated technical issues while remaining calm, professional, and client-focused Learning new technologies quickly and applying them in real-world scenarios Providing technical thought leadership in Modern Workplace, system integration, and automation Communicating complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders Working independently while owning deliverables and collaborating effectively with team members Promoting the mission and shared values of the company Sound interesting? If so, you’ll have… 8+ years of hands-on experience architecting and delivering Azure solutions across networking, compute, storage, identity, and security.  Proven experience leading Azure migration programs—on-premises, cloud-to-cloud, or application modernization—including assessment, wave planning, cutover, and stabilization.  Proven delivery of enterprise Azure Landing Zones: management group design, Azure Policy, RBAC frameworks, and platform automation.  Solid IaC experience in Terraform and/or Bicep with Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions CI/CD pipelines.  Strong Azure networking fundamentals: hub-and-spoke or Virtual WAN, Azure Firewall, Application Gateway/WAF, Private Link, and ExpressRoute/VPN.  Microsoft Entra ID experience: Conditional Access, PIM, hybrid identity, and Zero Trust concepts.  Familiarity with Azure security services: Defender for Cloud, Microsoft Sentinel, Key Vault, and compliance frameworks.  AVD experience: host pool design, FSLogix profiles, Scaling Plans, and monitoring.  Proficiency in PowerShell and Azure CLI; Python is a plus.  Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills Strong client-facing skills, empathy, and the ability to guide clients through complex technical challenges Ability to work independently, take ownership, and translate goals into actionable outcomes Preferred qualifications include:  Experience with tenant-to-tenant Microsoft 365 migrations: Exchange Online, SharePoint/OneDrive, Teams, and Entra ID coexistence and cutover.  Microsoft 365 platform: Intune, Exchange Online, SharePoint/OneDrive, Teams, and Purview.  Copilot readiness/governance, Copilot Studio development, and Microsoft Foundry experience.  AKS/Kubernetes and cloud data platform experience (SQL MI, Cosmos DB, Synapse Analytics, or Fabric).  Pre-sales and consulting delivery: scoping workshops, SOW authoring, and client relationship management.  Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)  Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)  Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) or Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100)  Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400)  Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700)  Microsoft 365 Certified (e.g., Enterprise Administrator Expert) The Perks We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, flexibility, and long-term success. Benefits include generous paid time off, medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending accounts, a health reimbursement account, and a 401(k) plan with company match. You’ll also work alongside collaborative, driven teammates in a dynamic and growing professional services environment. HSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  

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