Azure Platform Analyst in Manchester

The Azure Infrastructure Engineer is responsible for the design, build, operation, and continuous improvement of the organisation’s Microsoft Azure infrastructure. The role supports the ongoing transformation and modernisation of the technology estate following the migration of servers and services to Azure. Working closely with architecture, infrastructure, and third‑party service providers, the role focuses on maintaining a secure, resilient, and efficient Azure environment, while driving automation, standardisation, and operational excellence across the platform.

Responsibilities will include:

• Azure Infrastructure Engineering
  • Design, implement, and support Azure infrastructure services to meet business and technology requirements.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of the Group’s server and Azure architecture.
  • Support the modernisation and simplification of the Azure environment, reducing technical debt and improving efficiency.
  • Work closely with architecture teams to deliver infrastructure roadmaps aligned to business strategy.
• Operational Support & Service Management
  • Provide 2nd/3rd line support for Azure infrastructure incidents and problems.
  • Monitor Azure platform health and respond to alerts and incidents in line with operational processes.
  • Participate in incident, problem, and root cause analysis activities.
  • Ensure infrastructure services meet availability, performance, and resilience expectations.
• Automation & Infrastructure as Code
  • Work with internal teams and third‑party providers to deliver Infrastructure‑as‑Code (IaC) solutions using tools such as Terraform.
  • Support automated deployment, configuration, and lifecycle management of Azure resources.
  • Contribute to improving consistency, repeatability, and efficiency through automation.
• Change & Release Management
  • Follow established change control processes for Azure infrastructure changes.
  • Prepare, submit, and manage changes through Change Advisory Board (CAB) processes.
  • Ensure changes are well‑planned, documented, tested, and communicated.
• Third‑Party & Vendor Management
  • Work closely with managed service providers and third‑party vendors supporting the Azure platform.
  • Oversee and validate changes and support activities delivered by third parties.
  • Ensure third‑party services align with internal standards, controls, and operational expectations.
• Security, Governance & Documentation
  • Ensure Azure infrastructure is configured in line with security policies and best practice.
  • Support governance, audit, and compliance requirements by maintaining accurate documentation and evidence.
  • Contribute to operational documentation, standards, and runbooks.

Qualifications Skills and Experience

• Hands‑on experience designing and supporting Microsoft Azure infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of Azure IaaS services and platform components.
• Experience with Infrastructure‑as‑Code tools (e.g. Terraform).
• Experience with Windows and Linux server administration.
• Strong understanding of incident, problem, and change management processes.
• Scripting experience using PowerShell and/or Python.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.
• Microsoft Azure certification (e.g. AZ‑104 Azure Administrator).
• Windows Server Hybrid experience (e.g. AZ‑800 / AZ‑801).
• Experience working in enterprise or regulated environments.
• Experience supporting cloud transformation or migration programmes.