Sr Cloud Architect
Summary
As a Senior Cloud Architect on our Cloud Engineering team, you will lead the design and implementation of complex cloud solutions for our clients across multiple cloud platforms. You will serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert, providing strategic guidance on cloud architecture, security, cost optimization, and the secure adoption of enterprise AI capabilities. You will mentor junior team members while driving innovation and best practices across the organization.
The Senior Cloud Architect designs complex, enterprise-grade cloud solutions that address sophisticated business requirements across multi-cloud and hybrid environments. Through expert-level understanding of cloud architecture and emerging technologies, you will lead architectural reviews, optimize cloud costs, and ensure solutions meet the highest standards of security, scalability, and reliability. This role requires deep expertise in multiple major cloud platforms and the ability to align technical solutions with business strategy, including the secure and well-governed integration of enterprise AI services into client environments.
Responsibilities (including, but not limited to the following)
Lead the design and implementation of complex cloud solutions for clients with sophisticated requirementsProvide expert-level strategy and technical guidance on cloud architecture across multiple platformsDesign and architect complex cloud solutions that span multi-cloud and hybrid environmentsLead architectural reviews and provide authoritative guidance on design decisionsImplement and optimize complex cloud security controls and compliance frameworksConduct cloud cost optimization assessments and provide strategic recommendations to maximize ROIMentor and provide technical leadership to junior cloud engineers and architectsLead client engagements as the primary technical authority on cloud solutionsDrive the adoption of cloud best practices and emerging technologies across the organizationGuide clients on the secure adoption and integration of enterprise AI platforms (such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, Claude Enterprise, or ChatGPT Enterprise), including governance and data handling considerationsAdvise on data readiness for AI, including sensitivity labeling, permissions hygiene, and oversharing remediation in Microsoft 365 and related platformsArchitect multi-region solutions with sophisticated disaster recovery and business continuity planningDevelop and maintain cloud architecture standards, patterns, and governance frameworksTranslate complex business objectives into comprehensive technical architecturesEvaluate and recommend new cloud services and technologies to solve advanced business challengesLead proof-of-concept initiatives for emerging cloud technologiesProvide thought leadership on cloud strategy and roadmap development
Skills
Must be able to articulate complex technical architectures to executive leadership and diverse stakeholdersAbility to deliver innovative, enterprise-grade technology solutions for clientsAbility to lead projects under pressure and with competing prioritiesHighly analytical thinker with advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skillsMust have availability to occasionally work nights and some weekendsExpert knowledge of multiple major public cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, and/or Google Cloud) including advanced networking, compute, security, IAM, and cost optimizationExpert technical skills with Windows Server Technologies, including Active Directory and hybrid identity solutionsProficiency with git and version control in conjunction with Azure DevOps repositoriesDeep familiarity with containerization, Kubernetes, and cloud-native application architecturesExpert understanding of Windows and Linux environments at the enterprise scaleExpert understanding of deploying to Azure using Terraform and other Infrastructure as Code toolsAdvanced understanding of deploying to Azure using CI/CD processes with complex pipelinesAdvanced experience with administering Microsoft FabricAbility to align cloud solutions to complex business needs and strategic objectivesSolid proficiency in PowerShell and/or Python with working familiarity in Bash and other scripting languagesAbility to read, understand, and optimize complex code and infrastructure configurationsDeep understanding of cloud economics and ability to optimize costs at enterprise scaleExpert knowledge of security frameworks, compliance requirements, and risk managementFundamental understanding of how generative AI and large language models work, including their limitations (hallucination, prompt injection, non-determinism) and practical mitigations for production useWorking knowledge of enterprise AI platforms such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, Claude Enterprise, and ChatGPT Enterprise, including their security, governance, and data handling considerationsUnderstanding of AI skills and agentic behavior, including tool use, orchestration patterns, and failure modesWorking knowledge of Microsoft Purview, particularly Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Information Protection, and Insider Risk Management, and how these underpin safe enterprise AI adoptionFamiliarity with Azure AI Foundry, Amazon Bedrock, or Amazon SageMaker; Google Vertex AI experience a bonusUnderstanding of data readiness principles for AI, including permissions hygiene, oversharing remediation, and sensitivity labelingAwareness of AI regulatory considerations in the US or UK, particularly data residency and auditability (helpful, not required)
Qualifications
5+ years of experience in cloud engineering and architectureProven track record designing and implementing complex, enterprise-scale cloud solutionsSenior-level certifications in multiple cloud platforms (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect Professional, GCP Professional Cloud Architect, AZ-305)Demonstrated experience leading cloud architecture for organizations or major clientsExpert understanding of multi-cloud and hybrid cloud architecturesProven experience with cloud migration strategies and execution at scaleKnowledge of industry standard security frameworks and compliance requirements (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIST, HIPAA, PCI-DSS)Expert problem-solving, troubleshooting, and analytical skillsDemonstrated leadership abilities including mentoring junior team membersAdvanced automation capabilities with Infrastructure as Code and CI/CD pipelinesExpert understanding of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and serverless architecturesUnderstanding of enterprise AI deployments (e.g., Microsoft 365 Copilot rollouts, Copilot Studio agents, Azure AI Foundry, Amazon Bedrock, Amazon Q Business, Google Vertex AI, or Gemini for Google Workspace)Strong project management and stakeholder communication skillsExperience architecting solutions in highly regulated industries (financial services, healthcare) strongly preferredExperience in the financial sector a plusExperience working at an MSP a plus
The Benefits Of Working For Abacus
Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time working hours apply)Gym discountLife insuranceComprehensive travel insurance for you and your family in line with scheme rulesConfidential well-being and counselling supportCompetitive CompensationRobust benefits package: medical, dental, vision, disability, life insuranceContributory pension schemeCompany eventsPrivate Medical and Dental Insurance
As a Senior Cloud Architect on our Cloud Engineering team, you will lead the design and implementation of complex cloud solutions for our clients across multiple cloud platforms. You will serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert, providing strategic guidance on cloud architecture, security, cost optimization, and the secure adoption of enterprise AI capabilities. You will mentor junior team members while driving innovation and best practices across the organization.
The Senior Cloud Architect designs complex, enterprise-grade cloud solutions that address sophisticated business requirements across multi-cloud and hybrid environments. Through expert-level understanding of cloud architecture and emerging technologies, you will lead architectural reviews, optimize cloud costs, and ensure solutions meet the highest standards of security, scalability, and reliability. This role requires deep expertise in multiple major cloud platforms and the ability to align technical solutions with business strategy, including the secure and well-governed integration of enterprise AI services into client environments.
Responsibilities (including, but not limited to the following)
Lead the design and implementation of complex cloud solutions for clients with sophisticated requirementsProvide expert-level strategy and technical guidance on cloud architecture across multiple platformsDesign and architect complex cloud solutions that span multi-cloud and hybrid environmentsLead architectural reviews and provide authoritative guidance on design decisionsImplement and optimize complex cloud security controls and compliance frameworksConduct cloud cost optimization assessments and provide strategic recommendations to maximize ROIMentor and provide technical leadership to junior cloud engineers and architectsLead client engagements as the primary technical authority on cloud solutionsDrive the adoption of cloud best practices and emerging technologies across the organizationGuide clients on the secure adoption and integration of enterprise AI platforms (such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, Claude Enterprise, or ChatGPT Enterprise), including governance and data handling considerationsAdvise on data readiness for AI, including sensitivity labeling, permissions hygiene, and oversharing remediation in Microsoft 365 and related platformsArchitect multi-region solutions with sophisticated disaster recovery and business continuity planningDevelop and maintain cloud architecture standards, patterns, and governance frameworksTranslate complex business objectives into comprehensive technical architecturesEvaluate and recommend new cloud services and technologies to solve advanced business challengesLead proof-of-concept initiatives for emerging cloud technologiesProvide thought leadership on cloud strategy and roadmap development
Skills
Must be able to articulate complex technical architectures to executive leadership and diverse stakeholdersAbility to deliver innovative, enterprise-grade technology solutions for clientsAbility to lead projects under pressure and with competing prioritiesHighly analytical thinker with advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skillsMust have availability to occasionally work nights and some weekendsExpert knowledge of multiple major public cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, and/or Google Cloud) including advanced networking, compute, security, IAM, and cost optimizationExpert technical skills with Windows Server Technologies, including Active Directory and hybrid identity solutionsProficiency with git and version control in conjunction with Azure DevOps repositoriesDeep familiarity with containerization, Kubernetes, and cloud-native application architecturesExpert understanding of Windows and Linux environments at the enterprise scaleExpert understanding of deploying to Azure using Terraform and other Infrastructure as Code toolsAdvanced understanding of deploying to Azure using CI/CD processes with complex pipelinesAdvanced experience with administering Microsoft FabricAbility to align cloud solutions to complex business needs and strategic objectivesSolid proficiency in PowerShell and/or Python with working familiarity in Bash and other scripting languagesAbility to read, understand, and optimize complex code and infrastructure configurationsDeep understanding of cloud economics and ability to optimize costs at enterprise scaleExpert knowledge of security frameworks, compliance requirements, and risk managementFundamental understanding of how generative AI and large language models work, including their limitations (hallucination, prompt injection, non-determinism) and practical mitigations for production useWorking knowledge of enterprise AI platforms such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, Claude Enterprise, and ChatGPT Enterprise, including their security, governance, and data handling considerationsUnderstanding of AI skills and agentic behavior, including tool use, orchestration patterns, and failure modesWorking knowledge of Microsoft Purview, particularly Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Information Protection, and Insider Risk Management, and how these underpin safe enterprise AI adoptionFamiliarity with Azure AI Foundry, Amazon Bedrock, or Amazon SageMaker; Google Vertex AI experience a bonusUnderstanding of data readiness principles for AI, including permissions hygiene, oversharing remediation, and sensitivity labelingAwareness of AI regulatory considerations in the US or UK, particularly data residency and auditability (helpful, not required)
Qualifications
5+ years of experience in cloud engineering and architectureProven track record designing and implementing complex, enterprise-scale cloud solutionsSenior-level certifications in multiple cloud platforms (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect Professional, GCP Professional Cloud Architect, AZ-305)Demonstrated experience leading cloud architecture for organizations or major clientsExpert understanding of multi-cloud and hybrid cloud architecturesProven experience with cloud migration strategies and execution at scaleKnowledge of industry standard security frameworks and compliance requirements (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIST, HIPAA, PCI-DSS)Expert problem-solving, troubleshooting, and analytical skillsDemonstrated leadership abilities including mentoring junior team membersAdvanced automation capabilities with Infrastructure as Code and CI/CD pipelinesExpert understanding of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and serverless architecturesUnderstanding of enterprise AI deployments (e.g., Microsoft 365 Copilot rollouts, Copilot Studio agents, Azure AI Foundry, Amazon Bedrock, Amazon Q Business, Google Vertex AI, or Gemini for Google Workspace)Strong project management and stakeholder communication skillsExperience architecting solutions in highly regulated industries (financial services, healthcare) strongly preferredExperience in the financial sector a plusExperience working at an MSP a plus
The Benefits Of Working For Abacus
Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time working hours apply)Gym discountLife insuranceComprehensive travel insurance for you and your family in line with scheme rulesConfidential well-being and counselling supportCompetitive CompensationRobust benefits package: medical, dental, vision, disability, life insuranceContributory pension schemeCompany eventsPrivate Medical and Dental Insurance