Functional Solution Architect – AI

Role Summary

We are seeking a Functional Solution Architect – AI for Microsoft Business Applications & Industry Verticals to drive AI-enabled business transformation across Finance, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Life Sciences, and Robotics/Industrial Automation. This is a highly client-facing role with strong emphasis on pre-sales, solutioning, and executive demos.

The ideal candidate can confidently demonstrate out-of-the-box D365 F&O and CE agents, Agent 365, and Copilot experiences, shape solution designs that include MCP (Model Context Protocol) server deployments, and translate complex business problems into AI-powered process solutions that clients can operationalize.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Sales, Demos & Client Engagement

• Lead client discovery sessions, solutioning workshops, and executive briefings focused on AI for BizApps and industry-specific processes.

• Design and deliver high-impact demos showcasing:

  • Default (OOTB) D365 F&O and CE agents

  • Agent 365 capabilities

  • Copilot experiences embedded in Dynamics 365 and Power Platform

  • End-to-end AI scenarios across Finance, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Life Sciences, and Robotics

• Partner with sales teams to create AI solution narratives, proposals, value propositions, and business cases.

• Support RFPs/RFIs, PoC design, and technical-functional solution storytelling for AI-driven transformation programs.

Functional Architecture & Business Process Design

• Lead functional architecture for AI-enabled business processes across:

  • Finance: R2R, P2P, O2C, FP&A, close and compliance automation

  • Supply Chain: demand planning, inventory optimization, logistics, supplier collaboration

  • Manufacturing: production planning, quality management, asset maintenance, MES integration

  • Life Sciences: quality, regulatory documentation, batch traceability, GxP processes

  • Robotics & Industrial Automation: IoT-enabled operations, predictive maintenance, digital twins

• Map current-state processes and define future-state AI-augmented workflows leveraging D365 F&O/CE and non-Microsoft platforms.

• Define functional requirements for AI agents, copilots, and intelligent workflows embedded into daily operations.

AI Agents, MCP Server Design & Solutioning

• Drive functional design and use-case definition for:

  • OOTB D365 F&O and CE agents

  • Agent 365

  • Copilot Studio and custom business process agents

• Shape solution designs that include MCP server deployments to securely connect AI agents with enterprise systems, tools, and data sources.

• Collaborate with technical architects to:

  • Define MCP server architecture, deployment patterns, and integration touchpoints

  • Ensure MCP servers support secure tool access, data grounding, and agent orchestration across BizApps and non-Microsoft platforms

• Contribute to design decisions around agent governance, context management, security boundaries, and operational support models for MCP-based architectures.

Advisory, Transformation & Change Leadership

• Act as a trusted functional AI advisor to business leaders and process owners.

• Lead AI transformation discussions, operating model design, and value realization planning.

• Support organizational change management and adoption strategies for AI agents and copilots.

• Contribute to Responsible AI adoption from a business and operating model perspective (governance, controls, user enablement).

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in functional consulting, business process transformation, or enterprise applications

• Deep functional expertise in two or more of the following:

  • Finance

  • Supply Chain

  • Manufacturing

  • Life Sciences

  • Robotics / Industrial Automation

• Strong experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O and/or CE

• Proven experience leading client demos, pre-sales workshops, and solutioning engagements

• Hands-on familiarity with:

  • Out-of-the-box D365 F&O and CE agents

  • Agent 365 and Copilot experiences

  • MCP server concepts and deployment patterns (or equivalent agent integration frameworks)

• Ability to collaborate with technical teams on MCP server architecture and operational support models

Preferred Qualifications

• Consulting or SI background with AI-focused pre-sales leadership

• Experience designing or supporting agent orchestration platforms

• Familiarity with RAG pipelines, vector search, and enterprise AI grounding patterns

• Industry experience in Manufacturing, Life Sciences, or Industrial Automation

• Microsoft certifications in Dynamics 365 Finance, Supply Chain, or Industry Solutions

What You’ll Deliver

• Client-ready AI demos and solution blueprints including MCP server-based architectures

• Industry-specific AI agent use case catalogs for BizApps

• Functional designs for AI-enabled future-state processes

• Business cases that link AI adoption to measurable operational outcomes

Full Time Benefits:

• Columbus offers a competitive benefits package to all full-time employees. This package includes Health, Life, Vision and Dental Insurance, Short- and Long- Term Disability, in addition to, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays and 401(k).

Why join Columbus?

People always come first at Columbus. We’re a global digital consultancy with a local presence, helping businesses transform and thrive through technology, data, and human insight. Just as importantly, we’re a workplace where careers are nurtured and development is supported through clear, structured career paths.

Our culture is built on trust, collaboration, curiosity, and a shared commitment to delivering customer success. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out, you’ll find the freedom to explore ideas, challenge convention, and shape your own path.

With over 1,500 colleagues across more than 10 countries, we bring global perspectives and local understanding. What unites us is our belief in creating meaningful impact — for our people, our customers, and the journey ahead.

Let’s thrive, grow, and shape the future together.

Disclaimer: The use of any AI Tools or assistance during the interview process is not permitted.