Senior Azure Architect (cloud landing zones) – London

Senior Azure Architect (cloud landing zones) – Hospitality – London/Hybrid

Day rate: £600 – £800 (inside IR35)

Duration: 6 months

Start: ASAP

My client is looking for a Senior Cloud Infrastructure Architect with deep expertise in the Microsoft Azure stack, particularly in setting up cloud landing zones and establishing DevOps pipelines. This senior-level role is critical to the success of a client-facing project that will modernize our clients marketing and customer relationship management (CRM) capabilities. The successful candidate will play a key role in transforming how data is leveraged to enhance revenue opportunities, guest experiences, and customer services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cloud Landing Zone Architecture: Design, implement, and manage Azure cloud landing zones, ensuring scalability, security, and compliance. This includes setting up Azure resource hierarchies, management groups, subscription management, Azure Policy, and RBAC (Role-Based Access Control).
• Azure Infrastructure: Architect and deploy core Azure services, including Azure Virtual Networks, Azure Active Directory, Azure Storage, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Azure Firewall, and other related Azure infrastructure services.
• Azure DevOps Pipeline Setup: Establish and optimize Azure DevOps pipelines, automating CI/CD processes. This includes configuring build and release pipelines, integrating with Azure Repos, and managing Azure Artifacts.
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Utilize tools such as Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates, Terraform, and Bicep to automate the deployment and management of Azure resources.
• Security and Compliance: Implement Azure Security Centre, Azure Sentinel, and other security tools to ensure the environment adheres to best practices and compliance requirements, such as GDPR or PCI-DSS.
• Technology Integration: Oversee the integration of Microsoft Dynamics 365, Power BI, and an enterprise API suite into the existing Azure cloud environment. Ensure seamless data flow and compatibility with existing on-premises systems and third-party applications.
• Monitoring and Optimization: Set up Azure Monitor, Azure Log Analytics, and Application Insights to track performance, troubleshoot issues, and optimize the environment for cost and performance efficiency.
• Client Management: Act as the primary technical point of contact for client interactions. Understand client needs and translate them into effective cloud solutions, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in cloud architecture, with a strong focus on Microsoft Azure. Proven experience in designing and implementing cloud landing zones and DevOps pipelines in large-scale, enterprise environments.
• Technical Skills:
• Extensive knowledge of core Azure services: Azure Virtual Machines, Azure SQL Database, Azure App Services, and Azure Functions.
• Proficiency with Azure DevOps for CI/CD, including experience with YAML pipelines, Azure Repos, and integrating third-party tools.
• Strong experience with Azure Security services: Azure Security Centre, Azure Defender, Azure Key Vault, and Azure Sentinel.
• Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using ARM templates, Terraform, and Bicep.
• Understanding of networking in Azure: Virtual Networks, ExpressRoute, Load Balancers, and Application Gateway.
• Client Management: Proven experience in a client-facing role, with strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively translate client needs into technical solutions.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage and deliver complex cloud projects, ensuring they meet timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Relevant Azure certifications (e.g., Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure DevOps Engineer Expert) are highly desirable.