Cloud Architect

Job Description:

• Role: Cloud Architect
• Contract Duration: 6 months (Initial)
• Location: London (Hybrid: 2-3 days per week on-site)
• Rate: Inside IR35
• Clearance: Basic BPSS

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Cloud Architect to lead the target-state architecture, governance, and modernisation of our Microsoft Azure and hybrid enterprise environments. You will play a pivotal role on the Technology Design Authority, driving high-impact initiatives across cloud infrastructure, security, networking, and emerging AI technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Azure & Hybrid Architecture: Define reference architectures, landing zones, management groups, and reusable patterns. Steer Infrastructure as Code (Terraform) and automated delivery via Azure DevOps.
• Security & Zero Trust: Architect robust technical guardrails using Entra ID (PIM, RBAC, Conditional Access), Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, Azure Firewall, Key Vault, and encryption standards.
• Hybrid & Network Connectivity: Oversee secure integration across on-premises, cloud, and SaaS platforms using Cisco, Zscaler, private connectivity, and advanced network segmentation.
• Resilience & DR: Establish patterns for high availability, replication, backup, and disaster recovery to meet strict operational resilience requirements.
• Architecture Governance: Serve as a key member of the Technology Design Authority (TDA), assuring design alignment, assessing technical debt, and maintaining Architecture Decision Records (ADRs).
• Strategy & Innovation: Build technology roadmaps, evaluate emerging services (including AI integration), and guide cloud migration and modernisation programmes.

Key Requirements

• Experience in regulated environments (e.g., Financial Services) is highly advantageous.
• Extensive experience as a Cloud Architect delivering enterprise-scale Microsoft Azure and hybrid solutions.
• Deep technical expertise in Azure landing zones, core hybrid services (Active Directory, DNS, PKI), and IaC tooling (Terraform).
• Strong background in Zero Trust security architecture and Microsoft security tooling (Entra ID, Defender, Sentinel).
• Proven track record on Design Authority / Governance boards, providing technical assurance for major transformation programmes

£650.00 - £700.00 / day

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