Solutions Director, Analytics

Solution Director, Analytics & AI   Rackspace 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.   Responsibilities   Strategic 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: o   Generative AI Solutions: Amazon Bedrock implementations, Amazon Q deployments, QuickSight with Q capabilities, RAG architectures, and custom LLM solutions o   Data 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 patterns   Customer 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: o   Executive Level: Amazon Q demonstrations, QuickSight analytics with generative BI, art-of-the-possible sessions o   Technical 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 needs   Technical Excellence & Market Awareness · Maintain deep expertise across both solution domains: o   Generative AI**: Amazon Bedrock, Amazon Q, QuickSight Q, SageMaker JumpStart, prompt engineering, RAG architectures, vector databases o   Data 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 components   Qualifications   Required Experience   · Dual Expertise Required: o   Deep experience with generative AI technologies: Amazon Bedrock, Amazon Q, LLM architectures, RAG implementations o   Proven 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: o   AI/ML: Generative AI, foundation models, LLMs, traditional ML, prompt engineering, fine-tuning o   Data 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 audiences   Preferred Qualifications · Experience with AWS professional services or AWS partner ecosystem across both AI and data domains · Hands-on experience with: o   Multiple Lakehouse platforms: Databricks, Snowflake, AWS-native (Glue + Athena + Redshift) o   Multiple AI platforms: AWS Bedrock, Azure OpenAI, Google Vertex AI · Industry certifications: o   AWS: Solutions Architect Professional, Machine Learning Specialty, Data Analytics Specialty o   Platform 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 architectures   Educational 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 preferred   What 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 package   Travel · As per business requirements · This role requires occasional travel (up to 25%) to customer sites and AWS events   Sponsorship · This role is not sponsorship eligible. · Candidates need to be legally allowed to work in the US for any employer       The 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 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 package

Travel

• As per business requirements
• This role requires occasional travel (up to 25%) to customer sites and AWS events

Sponsorship

• This role is not sponsorship eligible.
• Candidates need to be legally allowed to work in the US for any employer

$202,100 - $355,410 a year The 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 benefits offered is here.
#LI-VM1 #LI-USA #rackspace We 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. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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