Solutions Director, Analytics

Solution Director, Analytics & AIRackspace is seeking a highly accomplished Solution Director, Analytics & AI to lead the design and sales of two critical solution portfolios: Generative AI/LLM solutions and Data modernization/Lakehouse architectures on AWS. This pivotal role requires mastery of both domains - leveraging generative AI capabilities (Amazon Q, Amazon Bedrock, QuickSight) to drive executive conversations and opportunity creation, while delivering enterprise data modernization through Lakehouse architectures using AWS native services (Glue, SageMaker Unified Studio) and leading platforms (Databricks on AWS, Snowflake on AWS). The position demands cross-functional experience with proven ability to engage C-level stakeholders, drive top-of-funnel opportunity creation, and maintain comprehensive account ownership across the entire customer lifecycle.ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Opportunity Development·Drive top-of-funnel opportunity creation through two parallel tracks: engaging C-level stakeholders with generative AI demonstrations (Amazon Q, Amazon Bedrock) and identifying data modernization needs for Lakehouse transformations·Lead the design and architecture of dual solution portfolios: oGenerative AI Solutions: Amazon Bedrock implementations, Amazon Q deployments, QuickSight with Q capabilities, RAG architectures, and custom LLM solutions oData Modernization: Enterprise Lakehouse architectures using AWS Glue, SageMaker Unified Studio, Databricks on AWS, and Snowflake on AWS·Act as the trusted advisor positioning generative AI as the transformational vision while grounding delivery in robust data platform modernization·Develop compelling business cases that connect AI aspirations with practical data foundation requirements, demonstrating ROI across both portfolios·Stay current with advancements in generative AI (foundation models, LLMs) and modern data architectures (Lakehouse patterns, data mesh, unified analytics)·Contribute to Rackspace intellectual property through reference architectures covering both generative AI implementations and Lakehouse design patternsCustomer Engagement & Solution Delivery·Serve as the primary technical executive orchestrating both generative AI discussions and data modernization programs for strategic accounts·Build strategic relationships using two engagement models: oExecutive Level: Amazon Q demonstrations, QuickSight analytics with generative BI, art-of-the-possible sessions oTechnical Level: Lakehouse architecture workshops, platform assessments (Databricks vs Snowflake vs AWS-native), migration planning·Lead comprehensive consultative engagements that begin with generative AI vision (Amazon Q, Bedrock) and translate into concrete data modernization roadmaps·Develop Statements of Work (SOWs) that balance innovative AI capabilities with foundational data platform requirements·Guide customers through parallel journeys: generative AI adoption (POCs to production) and data platform modernization (legacy to Lakehouse)·Collaborate with sales teams positioning both solution portfolios strategically based on customer maturity and needsTechnical Excellence & Market Awareness·Maintain deep expertise across both solution domains: oGenerative AI**: Amazon Bedrock, Amazon Q, QuickSight Q, SageMaker JumpStart, prompt engineering, RAG architectures, vector databases oData Platforms**: AWS Glue, SageMaker Unified Studio, Databricks on AWS, Snowflake on AWS, Redshift, EMR, Apache Iceberg, Delta Lake·Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of how generative AI solutions depend on modern data foundations·Position AWS solutions effectively against other cloud platforms' offerings in both generative AI (Azure OpenAI, Vertex AI) and data platforms (Azure Synapse, BigQuery)·Guide architectural decisions on build vs. buy for both AI capabilities and data platform componentsQualificationsRequired Experience·Dual Expertise Required: oDeep experience with generative AI technologies: Amazon Bedrock, Amazon Q, LLM architectures, RAG implementations oProven track record delivering data modernization: Lakehouse architectures, Databricks and/or Snowflake implementations, AWS Glue/EMR deployments·At least 5 years as a senior-level architect or solutions leader with hands-on experience in both AI/ML and data platform modernization·Demonstrated success engaging C-level executives using generative AI demonstrations while delivering complex data platform transformations·Strong understanding across the full spectrum: oAI/ML: Generative AI, foundation models, LLMs, traditional ML, prompt engineering, fine-tuning oData Platforms**: Lakehouse architectures, data mesh, ETL/ELT, streaming, data governance, data quality·Proficiency in Python, SQL, and Spark with hands-on experience in:·Generative AI: LangChain, vector databases, embedding models·Data Engineering: PySpark, Apache Iceberg/Delta Lake, orchestration tools·Proven ability to articulate both visionary AI possibilities and practical data platform requirements to diverse audiencesPreferred Qualifications·Experience with AWS professional services or AWS partner ecosystem across both AI and data domains·Hands-on experience with: oMultiple Lakehouse platforms: Databricks, Snowflake, AWS-native (Glue + Athena + Redshift) oMultiple AI platforms: AWS Bedrock, Azure OpenAI, Google Vertex AI·Industry certifications: oAWS: Solutions Architect Professional, Machine Learning Specialty, Data Analytics Specialty oPlatform specific: Databricks Certified, Snowflake SnowPro·Experience with regulated industries requiring governance for both AI and data platforms·Track record building practices that deliver both generative AI solutions and data modernization programs·Published thought leadership in generative AI applications and/or modern data architecturesEducational Requirements·Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical field·Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a relevant field is highly preferredWhat We Offer·Opportunity to lead dual portfolios at the intersection of generative AI innovation and data platform modernization·Direct engagement with C-level executives on transformational initiatives·Access to latest AWS technologies across AI and data services·Work with leading platforms: Databricks, Snowflake, AWS native services·Comprehensive professional development and certification support·Competitive compensation and benefits packageTravel·As per business requirements·This role requires occasional travel (up to 25%) to customer sites and AWS eventsSponsorship·This role is not sponsorship eligible.·Candidates need to be legally allowed to work in the US for any employerThe ideal candidate will excel at both selling the vision of generative AI transformation and delivering the reality of enterprise data modernization, combining deep technical expertise with exceptional business acumen and executive presence.What We OfferOpportunity to lead dual portfolios at the intersection of generative AI innovation and data platform modernizationDirect engagement with C-level executives on transformational initiativesAccess to latest AWS technologies across AI and data servicesWork with leading platforms: Databricks, Snowflake, AWS native servicesComprehensive professional development and certification supportCompetitive compensation and benefits packageTravelAs per business requirementsThis role requires occasional travel (up to 25%) to customer sites and AWS eventsSponsorshipThis role is not sponsorship eligible.Candidates need to be legally allowed to work in the US for any employer$202,100 - $355,410 a yearThe following information is required by pay transparency legislation in the following states: CA, CO, HI, NY and WA. This information applies only to individuals working in these states. The anticipated starting pay range for California, New York City and Washington is: $202,100 - $355,410.Based on eligibility, compensation for the role may include variable compensation in the form of bonus, commissions, or other discretionary payments.These discretionary payments are based on company and/or individual performance, and may change at any time.Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. Information on offered is here.#LI-VM1#LI-USA#rackspaceWe may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. 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