Director / Distinguished Architect – Enterprise Content Modernization
Title: Director / Distinguished Architect – Enterprise Content Modernization Location : Remote Target Start Date : March 3rd, 2026 Type: Contract- 3 Year engagement Core Mission Own and lead a multi-year, enterprise file share rationalization and modernization program—balancing governance, change, and pragmatism—while moving a highly federated organization from decades of unmanaged file sprawl into a secure, searchable, Microsoft-native content ecosystem without disrupting the business. Experience Profile (Non-Negotiable) Depth & Scale
- 20 years in enterprise IT, with 10 years leading large-scale data/content transformations.
- Proven leadership of multi-year file share or ECM modernization programs (>50TB, >1,000 shares, or >10M files).
- Experience in highly regulated industries (insurance, financial services, healthcare).
- Direct experience working in federated or decentralized orgs (50–100 BUs with different operating models).
Microsoft Ecosystem Mastery This person must deeply understand—not just name-drop:
- SharePoint Online (modern architecture, not lift-and-shift)
- OneDrive (personal vs business boundaries)
- Microsoft Teams (content sprawl implications)
- Purview (Information Protection, DLP, Records, eDiscovery)
- Azure AD / Entra ID (permissions, identity sprawl)
- Microsoft Search (enterprise search strategy & tuning)
- Power Platform (for lightweight metadata, intake, workflows)
They know when NOT to use SharePoint as well. Technical & Architectural Authority Content Strategy & Information Architecture
- Designs enterprise taxonomy metadata models that allow:
- BU-level flexibility
- Enterprise-level search and compliance
- Knows how to rationalize:
- Departmental shares
- Home drives
- Application-generated content
- Deep understanding of unstructured data lifecycles (create → collaborate → retain → dispose).
Migration & Rationalization Approach
- Does not advocate "move everything.”
- Builds decision frameworks:
- What migrates
- What archives
- What deletes
- What stays put
- Comfortable using and governing tools like:
- ShareGate
- AvePoint
- Quest
- Microsoft native migration tooling
- Knows how to run incremental pilots, not big-bang moves.
Leadership & Operating Model Strength Enterprise Influence
- Can credibly sit with:
- CIO / CISO
- Legal & Compliance
- BU Presidents
- Risk Officers
- Translates technical tradeoffs into business risk language.
- Knows how to say "no” diplomatically—and when to compromise.
Change & Adoption Mastery
- Recognizes that this is a change program, not a migration project.
- Designs:
- BU-specific engagement models
- Champions networks
- "Minimum viable governance” frameworks
- Anticipates resistance and plans around it.
Execution Style (This Is Critical) This person:
- Is hands-on, even at seniority:
- Reviews sample file structures personally
- Joins discovery workshops
- Pressure-tests assumptions
- Is pragmatic, not dogmatic.
- Thinks in 5–10 yard gains, not "transformation theater.”
- Knows that enterprise consistency is aspirational, not absolute.
- Builds momentum through early wins with the right pilot BU.
They are comfortable with ambiguity and don't need perfect data to start. Program & Delivery Skills
- Can structure a 3–5 year roadmap with clear phases:
- Discovery & classification
- Pilot migrations
- Governance & standards
- Enterprise rollout
- Optimization & automation
- Sets realistic expectations on:
- * Cost
- Time
- Business disruption
- Manages blended teams:
- * Internal IT
- Business stakeholders
- Systems integrators
- Tool vendors
What They Are Not
- Not a pure SharePoint admin
- Not a migration tool operator
- Not a theoretical enterprise architect
- Not a "lift-and-shift everything” evangelist
Soft Skills That Actually Matter
- Calm under pressure
- Low ego, high accountability
- Exceptional listener
- Willing to get into uncomfortable conversations
- Trusted advisor energy—not salesy, not academic
Bottom Line This role requires a battle-tested enterprise content leader, not a technologist chasing tools. The right person has lived through failed migrations, understands organizational politics, and knows how to quietly win trust across dozens of business units. Welcome to ConsultNet, a premier national provider of technology talent and solutions. Our expertise spans across project services, contract-to-hire, direct search, and managed services onshore, nearshore, and hybrid. For over 25 years, we have connected thousands of consultants with meaningful roles through a personal, communication-driven approach, partnering with a diverse client base to build high-performing teams and create lasting impact. Our comprehensive service offerings cover a wide range of technology and engineering positions across key markets nationwide. Learn more at www.consultnet.com . We champion equality and inclusivity, proudly supporting an Equal Opportunity Employer policy. We welcome applicants regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other status protected by law. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job