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 requirements • Provide expert-level strategy and technical guidance on cloud architecture across multiple platforms • Design and architect complex cloud solutions that span multi-cloud and hybrid environments • Lead architectural reviews and provide authoritative guidance on design decisions • Implement and optimize complex cloud security controls and compliance frameworks • Conduct cloud cost optimization assessments and provide strategic recommendations to maximize ROI • Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior cloud engineers and architects • Lead client engagements as the primary technical authority on cloud solutions • Drive the adoption of cloud best practices and emerging technologies across the organization • Guide 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 considerations • Advise on data readiness for AI, including sensitivity labeling, permissions hygiene, and oversharing remediation in Microsoft 365 and related platforms • Architect multi-region solutions with sophisticated disaster recovery and business continuity planning • Develop and maintain cloud architecture standards, patterns, and governance frameworks • Translate complex business objectives into comprehensive technical architectures • Evaluate and recommend new cloud services and technologies to solve advanced business challenges • Lead proof-of-concept initiatives for emerging cloud technologies • Provide thought leadership on cloud strategy and roadmap development Skills • Must be able to articulate complex technical architectures to executive leadership and diverse stakeholders • Ability to deliver innovative, enterprise-grade technology solutions for clients • Ability to lead projects under pressure and with competing priorities • Highly analytical thinker with advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skills • Must have availability to occasionally work nights and some weekends • Expert knowledge of multiple major public cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, and/or Google Cloud) including advanced networking, compute, security, IAM, and cost optimization • Expert technical skills with Windows Server Technologies, including Active Directory and hybrid identity solutions • Proficiency with git and version control in conjunction with Azure DevOps repositories • Deep familiarity with containerization, Kubernetes, and cloud-native application architectures • Expert understanding of Windows and Linux environments at the enterprise scale • Expert understanding of deploying to Azure using Terraform and other Infrastructure as Code tools • Advanced understanding of deploying to Azure using CI/CD processes with complex pipelines • Advanced experience with administering Microsoft Fabric • Ability to align cloud solutions to complex business needs and strategic objectives • Solid proficiency in PowerShell and/or Python with working familiarity in Bash and other scripting languages • Ability to read, understand, and optimize complex code and infrastructure configurations • Deep understanding of cloud economics and ability to optimize costs at enterprise scale • Expert knowledge of security frameworks, compliance requirements, and risk management • Fundamental understanding of how generative AI and large language models work, including their limitations (hallucination, prompt injection, non-determinism) and practical mitigations for production use • Working knowledge of enterprise AI platforms such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, Claude Enterprise, and ChatGPT Enterprise, including their security, governance, and data handling considerations • Understanding of AI skills and agentic behavior, including tool use, orchestration patterns, and failure modes • Working knowledge of Microsoft Purview, particularly Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Information Protection, and Insider Risk Management, and how these underpin safe enterprise AI adoption • Familiarity with Azure AI Foundry, Amazon Bedrock, or Amazon SageMaker; Google Vertex AI experience a bonus • Understanding of data readiness principles for AI, including permissions hygiene, oversharing remediation, and sensitivity labeling • Awareness 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 architecture • Proven track record designing and implementing complex, enterprise-scale cloud solutions • Senior-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 clients • Expert understanding of multi-cloud and hybrid cloud architectures • Proven experience with cloud migration strategies and execution at scale • Knowledge of industry standard security frameworks and compliance requirements (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIST, HIPAA, PCI-DSS) • Expert problem-solving, troubleshooting, and analytical skills • Demonstrated leadership abilities including mentoring junior team members • Advanced automation capabilities with Infrastructure as Code and CI/CD pipelines • Expert understanding of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and serverless architectures • Understanding 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 skills • Experience architecting solutions in highly regulated industries (financial services, healthcare) strongly preferred • Experience in the financial sector a plus • Experience 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 discount • Life insurance • Comprehensive travel insurance for you and your family in line with scheme rules • Confidential well-being and counselling support • Competitive Compensation • Robust benefits package: medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance • Contributory pension scheme • Company events • Private Medical and Dental Insurance