Azure Cloud Architect

Azure Cloud Architect – 12 Months Contract - Remote

Inside of IR35

There may be the odd on-site visit to London

Essential - Lead the design & implementation of the cloud-first digital platform. Degree. Professional certifications such as Azure Solutions Architect Expert, TOGAF, or Certified Kubernetes Administrator. Cloud architecture & solution design (Azure). Hybrid infrastructure & edge computing. Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Bicep, ARM).  DevOps, CI/CD, & automation frameworks. Data architecture, analytics, & integration. OT/IT convergence & industrial IoT. Security architecture & zero trust principles. Cost optimisation & cloud governance. Network architecture & connectivity (VPN, ExpressRoute). Enterprise architecture standards & documentation. Technical leadership & stakeholder engagement. Creative thinking & architectural innovation.  Ethical decision-making & accountability.

Azure Cloud Architect Job Overview

The Cloud Architect is a key role reporting to the CIO, responsible for designing & governing the Azure-based digital infrastructure platform underpinning KPOD’s cloud-first strategy. This role requires a deep understanding of cloud-native architecture, hybrid edge deployments, & enterprise IT & OT integration. The Cloud Architect will ensure that all systems are scalable, secure, & aligned with strategic objectives for digital transformation, operational resilience, & performance.

Azure Cloud Architect key responsibilities:
 

• Lead the design & implementation of the cloud-first digital platform, ensuring alignment with business & technical goals.
• Develop, maintain, & govern KPOD’s cloud architecture standards & reference models across infrastructure, applications, data, & security.
• Architect hybrid cloud solutions incorporating on-site edge compute, IoT integration, & resilient site-to-cloud connectivity.
• Drive the deployment of core Azure services, including Landing Zones, Azure AD, Virtual Networks, Kubernetes, App Services, & PaaS platforms.
• Ensure robust integration of OT & IT systems with appropriate segmentation, security, & operational controls.
• Establish the architecture for the unified data platform, enabling real-time analytics, machine learning, & enterprise insights.
• Collaborate with internal teams & external vendors to ensure cloud solutions follow best practices, including zero trust, defence-in-depth, & cost optimisation.
• Oversee Azure governance, automation (IaC), & CI/CD practices to ensure consistent, compliant, & scalable deployments.
• Provide architectural leadership across project teams, reviews, & change advisory boards.
• Maintain architectural documentation, diagrams, & decisions (ADRs) to support transparent governance & knowledge transfer.
• Act as the principal technical advisor to the CIO, Infrastructure & Operations Manager & Programme Manager on digital infrastructure matters.

Cloud Architect Key requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. Professional certifications such as Azure Solutions Architect Expert, TOGAF, or Certified Kubernetes Administrator are preferred.
• Extensive experience architecting cloud platforms on Microsoft Azure, including hybrid & edge deployments.
• Strong background in networking, cloud security, infrastructure-as-code (Terraform/Bicep), & DevOps automation.
• Proven ability to design scalable, resilient systems incorporating real-time data, IoT, & machine learning components.
• Experience in industries with complex operational requirements such as oil & gas, utilities, or critical infrastructure.
• Familiarity with industrial protocols (e.g. OPC UA, MQTT) & edge computer technologies (e.g. Azure Stack Edge, IoT Edge).
• Demonstrated capability in cloud governance, including RBAC, policy enforcement, & cost control.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to a broad range of stakeholders including OT, IT, & executive teams.
• Strong leadership & collaboration skills to work across multidisciplinary teams & external vendors.
• Commitment to high standards of security, compliance, & operational excellence.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK


With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.