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Micro Interview with Saskia Lall

Micro Interview from our Micro lesson series with Saskia Lall, HR Director, HSO

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Saskia Lall
HR Director, HSO UK

Always foster a positive and collaborative environment; recognise effort and tasks achieved, listen and show empathy.

Saskia joined HSO-UK almost 3 years ago as our HR Director.  She is known for her authentic challenge and will find the ‘win: win’.  Saskia's personal values are joy, kindness and integrity.

What’s your work routine?

I start my day with tea - as long as I have two cups before 10 am; I'm ready for anything! I finish my day writing my "must-dos" for the next day. 

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

That technology will change how a business operates. It still needs people to use the technology accurately.

What metrics matter most in a tech project?

Time to value. Then you know the investment in £ and time is worth it.

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

Systems and governance aren't scary; they make a significant difference to achieving consistent quality results.

What did your biggest professional failure teach you?

No one wants a colleague to fail.  Ask for help early on.

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

Over-communicating what you are doing and why.  

Your parting piece of advice?

Always foster a positive and collaborative environment; recognise effort and tasks achieved, listen and show empathy.

Check out our vacancies

GB Manchester

Sales & Business Development

Cloud Solutions Sales Executive

Cloud Services Business Development Manager About HSO HSO is a business transformation partner with deep industry expertise and global reach. We help organisations unlock the full value of the Microsoft Cloud by combining Azure, Data, AI, Copilot, Security, and Business Applications to deliver intelligent, scalable digital platforms. Founded in 1987, HSO has more than 2,500 professionals across Europe, North America, and Asia and is a member of Microsoft’s Inner Circle representing the top one percent of partners worldwide. HSO’s market credibility is reinforced by independent analyst recognition. In The Forrester Wave: Microsoft Business Application Services Q1 2026, HSO was recognised as a Strong Performer and positioned among the largest global systems integrators in the market, reflecting our enterprise delivery capability, industry solutions, and deep Microsoft expertise. While this recognition highlights our heritage in transformation programmes, HSO’s strategic focus is centred on intelligent cloud platforms, strong data foundations, and next generation AI. Our innovation roadmap is evolving from Copilot enabled productivity to agentic AI solutions supported by dedicated AI innovation capabilities and joint initiatives with Microsoft. This positions HSO as a partner not only for digital transformation but for building more intelligent, automated, and data driven organisations. Purpose of the Role As a Cloud Services Business Development Manager, you will drive new business growth across HSO’s Microsoft Cloud portfolio. This is a commercially focused role responsible for generating pipeline, winning new logos, expanding existing accounts, and positioning HSO as a strategic cloud and AI partner. You will engage senior stakeholders in value led conversations, identify commercial opportunities across workloads, and shape multi service line propositions that maximise client impact and revenue growth. This role plays a key part in expanding HSO’s presence across Cloud, Data, AI, and platform modernisation. Job Function Commercial strategy and opportunity creation Develop and execute a go to market strategy across HSO’s Cloud, Data, and AI portfolio Identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities Build strong commercial relationships with CIOs, CTOs, CDOs, and senior business leaders Create and maintain a robust, high quality pipeline aligned to growth targets Solution portfolio positioning You will position HSO’s standard cloud workloads including: Data and AI Application modernisation Integration Infrastructure and security Custom application development You will align these capabilities to client priorities and business outcomes, ensuring clear commercial value articulation. Multi service line collaboration Collaborate with other sellers across Business Applications and Industry teams to shape multi service line deals Support cross sell opportunities, for example where a client enters via Finance but broader Cloud and Data opportunities exist Work collectively to optimise client budget allocation and maximise HSO’s overall account growth Sales execution Lead complex sales cycles from qualification through to closure Shape compelling commercial proposals and business cases Work closely with architects, industry experts, and delivery teams to ensure credible and competitive solutions Maintain strong pipeline discipline and accurate forecasting Partner with Microsoft on joint pursuits and co sell initiatives Leadership contribution Demonstrate leadership capability with the potential to build and support a cloud sales team over time Provide mentorship and commercial guidance to peers where required Contribute to shaping the future growth model of the Cloud business Market and thought leadership Represent HSO at events and executive forums Contribute to positioning HSO in Cloud, Data, and AI conversations in the market Track emerging technology and commercial trends The Internal Environment for Sellers HSO provides a collaborative and well enabled environment designed to support success in complex, multi workload sales. Access to technology expertise You will work alongside experienced cloud architects, data specialists, AI experts, security professionals, and industry consultants who bring deep capability across Microsoft technologies. Industry led selling Sector focused teams and industry accelerators support value led commercial conversations and help position HSO as a strategic partner. Microsoft alignment Our close relationship with Microsoft provides access to co sell opportunities, product insights, funding programmes, and innovation initiatives aligned to Azure, Copilot, and AI. Proven delivery capability HSO combines strategic consulting with strong delivery credibility supported by accelerators, templates, and AI driven automation that reduce risk and speed time to value. Market credibility Independent analyst recognition and enterprise references reinforce HSO’s reputation as a trusted partner, helping open doors with senior stakeholders. Qualifications Essential Proven success selling cloud, data, AI, or digital transformation services Strong understanding of Microsoft Azure and the Microsoft cloud ecosystem Experience leading complex, multi stakeholder sales cycles Strong commercial acumen and deal structuring capability Experience collaborating across service lines to shape multi workload propositions Ability to engage senior executives and influence strategic decisions Desirable Experience selling Data or AI platform solutions Experience in a leadership or sales management capacity Background working for a Microsoft partner, hyperscaler, or consultancy Experience with consumption based cloud commercial models Relevant Microsoft certifications   Personal Qualities Commercially driven and outcome focused Collaborative and comfortable in a matrix sales environment Strategic thinker with strong business acumen Credible communicator at senior executive level Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build and scale capability Curious and future focused  

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GB Manchester

Customer Success / Support

Systems & Maintenance Hub Engineer

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 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.   Role Overview  Joining our Internal Systems team, you will act as the technical and operational engineer for our UK team and our Global Maintenance Hub.  You will manage the "health" of our IT systems, proactively identifying opportunities to consolidate vendors and services. While our Manchester footprint is evolving toward a cloud-hybrid model, you will ensure local business continuity and provide a vital support anchor for our junior team members. We are looking for someone with a drive to continuously improve, and we are happy to support you if you have the core technical experience and the aptitude to grow into these broader responsibilities.    Key Responsibilities  Global Maintenance & Strategic Optimization Service Consolidation: Proactively identify opportunities to streamline services, consolidate 3rd-party suppliers, and reduce technical debt across the Global IT Framework.  Global Collaboration: Participate in the Hub Owner Collaboration Forum to ensure Manchester’s local practices align with (and influence) global standards.  Proactive Maintenance: Move beyond reactive fixes to manage systemic health—including rigorous backup management, patch cycles, and lifecycle planning.  Mentorship: Act as the technical anchor for the local team, providing "on-the-job" coaching to junior staff during complex troubleshooting.     Systems & Infrastructure Ownership Core Infrastructure: Oversee the remaining physical footprint, including firewalls, access points, switches, and virtual servers (VMs).  Vendor Management: Act as the primary interface for 3rd-party specialists. You will manage these relationships to ensure project delivery and performance standards are met.  Asset Lifecycle: Oversee IT assets, including laptop provisioning, mobile contracts, and hardware warranties, ensuring the inventory is optimized for cost and performance.  Scheduled Maintenance: Execute necessary out-of-hours updates (e.g., server patching) to minimize impact. (Note: No formal 24/7 on-call rotation).     Compliance, Security & Documentation Security & Incidents: Investigate and resolve security-related incidents in collaboration with the Information Security Manager.  Audit Participation: Support ISO/Audit activities by ensuring all managed systems and controls are documented and followed correctly. Technical Documentation: Maintain and update critical environment records, including network diagrams (LAN/WAN/WLAN), IP ranges, and VLAN configurations.  Disaster Recovery: Ensure backup and DR protocols are documented, regularly tested, and updated.    Required Experience  Technical Knowledge Expert-level administration of Active Directory and Microsoft 365 (including SharePoint and Azure AD).  Strong grasp of networking fundamentals, such as: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPN, and Firewall administration.  Experience with server virtualization and backup solutions (SAN/NAS).  Familiarity with Windows deployment automation and mobile platforms (iOS/Android) is a plus.    Skills & Qualities  You will have the ability to solve complex problems independently within agreed timeframes.  You will be able to apply best practice to align the Maintenance Hub’s activities with wider organizational goals and business growth.  You will be able to explain high-level technical concepts to non-technical users and build strong relationships with global stakeholders.   Location This is an office-based role with expected attendance in our Manchester office in Sale 2-3 days per week.   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.   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 great 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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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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GB London

Sales & Business Development

Senior Public Sector Business Development Manager

About HSO HSO is a Business Transformation Partner with deep industry expertise and global reach. We leverage the full power of the Microsoft Cloud to help organisations modernise operations, adopt data-driven intelligent automation, deliver real-time insights, and accelerate digital impact. By utilising Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Azure, Microsoft 365, AI/Copilot and Data & AI capabilities, HSO empowers organisations to innovate faster, improve how their people work, and enhance citizen and customer experiences. Founded in 1987, HSO has more than 2,500 professionals across Europe, North America, and Asia. We are one of the world’s top Microsoft business applications and cloud transformation partners, and a proud member of Microsoft’s elite Inner Circle, representing the top 1% of partners worldwide. We specialise in sectors such as Public Sector, Retail, Manufacturing, Professional Services, and Financial Services. As an award-winning partner, HSO has been recognised as the global winner of the Microsoft Partner of the Year Award for D365 Finance, and a Finalist for D365 Sales & Marketing. We have also been ranked among the Best Companies to Work For, reflecting our culture of care, innovation, and growth. At HSO, we are large enough to deliver enterprise-scale transformation, yet small enough to care. Our culture encourages entrepreneurship, collaboration, and personal development — where your voice is heard, and your impact is felt. Purpose of the role As a Public Sector Business Development Manager, you will lead on developing strategic relationships and securing new business within the UK public sector. You will identify opportunities and position Microsoft business applications and cloud services to help public sector organisations transform how they operate, improve citizen services, enhance efficiency, and achieve compliance and policy objectives. Working closely with our Delivery, Pre-Sales, and Microsoft teams, you will shape compelling propositions and navigate complex public sector procurement processes including frameworks, tenders, and competitive bids. This is a high-impact role that will play a key part in building HSO’s growing footprint in the public sector and driving long-term growth. Reporting Line This role reports to the Sales Director. Job Function Develop and execute a go-to-market strategy for the UK public sector, identifying target accounts and growth opportunities across central government, local authorities, healthcare/NHS, housing associations, and not-for-profit organisations. Build strong relationships with key public sector stakeholders, including C-Suite, Digital Transformation leaders, and Commercial/Procurement functions. Qualify opportunities, lead full sales cycles, and manage bids and proposals through to closure, including through frameworks such as G-Cloud, Digital Outcomes & Specialists, and others. Shape and present tailored value propositions aligned to client goals, drawing on Microsoft technologies including Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Microsoft 365, Azure, and AI/Copilot. Collaborate with internal teams (Pre-Sales, Architects, Delivery, Legal) to create compelling solutions and commercial proposals. Maintain a high-quality pipeline and accurate forecasting in CRM, contributing to regular reporting and leadership reviews. Stay informed on public sector policy, digital trends, funding streams, and procurement developments to support account planning. Represent HSO at public sector industry events, thought-leadership sessions, and Microsoft community engagements. EXPERIENCE Essential Proven track record in business development, account management or consultative sales within the UK public sector. Strong understanding of public sector procurement processes, frameworks, and budget cycles. Experience positioning Microsoft Cloud solutions or business applications (e.g., Dynamics 365, Azure, M365, Power Platform). Commercially astute with the ability to shape and negotiate complex deals. Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and influencing skills. Self-driven with a strong sense of ownership and accountability. Able to lead virtual teams and collaborate across functions to advance deals. Desirable Familiarity with frameworks such as G-Cloud, DOS, NHS SBS, or similar. Experience working for a Microsoft partner or digital transformation consultancy. Understanding of public sector challenges such as data governance, digitisation of services, legacy system modernisation, and citizen experience improvement. Experience using CRM systems (ideally Dynamics 365) for pipeline management and forecasting. Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience. Personal Qualities Passion for public sector improvement and service transformation. Resilient, outcome-orientated, and motivated by delivering results. Highly collaborative and able to build trust quickly. Excellent communicator with strong written and verbal presentation skills. Analytical mindset with the ability to spot trends and opportunities. Energetic, proactive, and solutions-focused. Location HSO offices are located in Manchester, Glasgow, and Reading.This is a hybrid role, with flexibility to work remotely. Travel to client sites and HSO offices will be required for relationship building and key meetings. Salary We offer a competitive, market-aligned salary that reflects the skills and experience of each candidate. The salary package will be discussed during the interview process and will be based on current market benchmarks for similar roles, as well as the individual’s qualifications and experience. Eligible employees may also receive performance-based bonuses and can participate in our extensive benefits programme. Benefits Included: Paid Holidays Pension Healthcare Dental Life Insurance Tonic Wellbeing HSO Perkz Flexible working (when required and agreed)

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