At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of secure, scalable cloud architectures on Microsoft Azure.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking tech company focused on cloud innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and stay ahead of emerging cloud trends.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cloud technology while making a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in cloud architecture, especially with Microsoft Azure, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Cloud Architect is responsible for defining and assuring the organisation’s cloud architecture, with a primary focus on Microsoft Azure. Reporting to the Head of IT Infrastructure, the role provides architectural leadership to support the ongoing transformation, modernisation, and optimisation of the technology estate.
The role ensures cloud solutions are secure, resilient, scalable, and cost‑effective, and that they align with infrastructure strategy, enterprise architecture principles, and operational standards. It acts as the bridge between strategy and delivery, working closely with infrastructure operations, engineering teams, security, and third‑party partners.
Responsibilities will include:
- Cloud Architecture & Strategy
- Define and maintain cloud architecture standards, patterns, and reference architectures in line with the infrastructure strategy.
- Support the Head of IT Infrastructure in shaping the cloud roadmap, target architecture, and modernisation priorities.
- Design architectures that simplify the technology estate by reducing legacy complexity and technical debt.
- Ensure cloud architectures are aligned with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and risk appetite.
- Solution Design & Assurance
- Design and review cloud and hybrid solutions, producing clear solution architecture documentation.
- Provide architectural assurance for infrastructure and application initiatives involving cloud services.
- Conduct architecture reviews and assessments, identifying risks, gaps, and improvement opportunities.
- Ensure solutions meet non‑functional requirements including security, resilience, performance, and cost efficiency.
- Cloud Transformation & Modernisation
- Analyse existing infrastructure and application landscapes to inform cloud migration, transformation, and modernisation approaches.
- Define migration and modernisation patterns (e.g. rehost, refactor, re‑architect).
- Support delivery teams through the full lifecycle from design to go‑live, ensuring architectural intent is realised.
- Guide teams through the technical and organisational challenges of cloud adoption.
- Governance, Security & Cost Management
- Define cloud governance models covering security, identity, networking, automation, and cost control.
- Ensure architectures align with security standards and work closely with Information Security teams on secure‑by‑design solutions.
- Support Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis and cloud cost optimisation initiatives.
- Promote best practices in automation, Infrastructure‑as‑Code, and operational readiness.
- Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
- Work closely with Infrastructure Operations, Platform Engineers, Senior Virtualisation Engineers, DBA teams, and Service Management.
- Provide architectural guidance and mentorship to engineers and technical leads.
- Engage with third‑party vendors and partners to evaluate and assure proposed solutions.
- Act as a trusted advisor to technology and business stakeholders on cloud architecture matters.
- Continuous Improvement & Thought Leadership
- Maintain awareness of emerging cloud technologies, patterns, and industry best practice.
- Contribute to the evolution of cloud standards, tooling, and ways of working.
- Promote a culture of architectural discipline, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Skills and Experience
- Strong experience designing and delivering cloud architectures, ideally within Microsoft Azure.
- Proven experience working in complex, enterprise‑scale environments.
- Strong understanding of cloud security, resilience, networking, and identity design.
- Experience with Infrastructure‑as‑Code and automation approaches (e.g. Terraform).
- Ability to produce high‑quality architecture documentation and communicate complex designs clearly.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
- Experience with hybrid cloud and integration with on‑premise platforms.
- Knowledge of container, serverless, and modern application architectures.
- Experience supporting cloud migration and transformation programmes.
- Relevant cloud or architecture certifications.
Cloud Architect in Manchester employer: Canopius
Canopius is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where data governance plays a crucial role in driving the organisation's success. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages growth and learning, particularly in the dynamic insurance sector. Located in a vibrant area, Canopius offers unique advantages such as flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cloud Architect in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local tech events. You never know who might be looking for a Cloud Architect just like you!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your cloud architecture projects, especially those involving Microsoft Azure. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply blindly! Tailor your approach for each role. Research the company’s cloud strategy and mention how your experience aligns with their goals when you reach out. It shows you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Use our website to apply! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your talents. Plus, it helps us get to know you better right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Cloud Architect in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with Microsoft Azure and cloud architecture. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Documentation Skills:Since producing high-quality architecture documentation is key for this role, include examples of your previous work. We love seeing clear, concise documentation that communicates complex designs effectively.
Highlight Collaboration Experience:This role involves working closely with various teams, so share your experiences in collaborative environments. Let us know how you've engaged with stakeholders and contributed to team success in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the Cloud Architect position. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canopius
✨Know Your Cloud Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft Azure and cloud architecture principles. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've designed or implemented cloud solutions, focusing on security, resilience, and cost efficiency.
✨Showcase Your Documentation Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to produce clear architecture documentation. Bring examples of your previous work that highlight how you communicate complex designs effectively, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've collaborated with different teams in the past. Be ready to share experiences where you've acted as a trusted advisor, especially in guiding teams through cloud adoption and addressing technical challenges.
✨Stay Ahead of the Curve
Familiarise yourself with emerging cloud technologies and industry best practices. Show your enthusiasm for continuous improvement by discussing how you've contributed to evolving cloud standards or tooling in your previous roles.
