At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a comprehensive hosting strategy across diverse environments.
- Company: Dynamic organisation seeking innovative minds in cloud architecture.
- Benefits: Flexible freelance role with hybrid working options and competitive pay.
- Other info: Join a transformative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of hosting architecture and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in infrastructure architecture, particularly with Azure and AWS.
The organisation operates a fragmented hosting estate comprising on-premises data centres (Hitachi and Cisco UCS compute), legacy cloud deployments (Azure), co-location facilities, and external service provider connectivity (Bloomberg, Refinitiv, FX platforms). There is no overarching hosting strategy or defined landing zones. This role will develop and own the hosting architecture strategy across all categories, rationalising the current estate and defining scalable, repeatable patterns for future service deployment.
Key responsibilities
- Define a comprehensive hosting strategy spanning on-premises, hyperscaler (Azure, AWS), co-location, and managed service environments.
- Design and implement standardised cloud landing zones by service category, enabling repeatable, governed deployment patterns.
- Assess the existing Azure environment (built during COVID) and determine appropriate target architecture and integration with on-premises systems.
- Develop a hosting rationalisation roadmap, identifying workloads for migration, consolidation, or retirement.
- Define ISP and external connectivity architecture, rationalising current fragmented peering arrangements.
- Evaluate market data and financial services connectivity requirements (Bloomberg, Refinitiv, Trade Point, FX platforms).
- Work with network and security architects to ensure hosting design aligns with network and security standards.
- Produce total cost of ownership models and capacity plans across the hosting estate.
- Evaluate suitability of Hitachi and NTT infrastructure offerings in the context of the broader strategy.
Requirements
Technical requirements
- Broad infrastructure architecture experience across on-premises and cloud platforms.
- Azure architecture: landing zones, hybrid connectivity, governance frameworks.
- AWS architecture experience desirable.
- Compute platforms: Cisco UCS, Hitachi, HPE or equivalent.
- Virtualisation: VMware vSphere / NSX, Citrix (evaluation and rationalisation experience).
- Storage and data centre infrastructure design.
- Understanding of financial services connectivity: co-location, proximity hosting, market data feeds, ISP connectivity, BGP peering, and internet edge design.
- Cloud migration methodologies and workload assessment frameworks.
Advantageous
- Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect (AZ-305) or equivalent.
- Experience with Oracle Cloud or other tier-2 hyperscalers.
- Knowledge of offshore delivery model integration.
- FinOps practices and cloud cost management.
Soft skills
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business requirements into architectural decisions.
- Strong written and verbal communication — able to produce clear architecture documentation and present to senior stakeholders.
- Commercial awareness: able to build business cases and challenge incumbent vendor pricing.
- Comfortable operating in an environment undergoing significant organisational change.
Infrastructure / Cloud Hosting Architect - freelance - hybrid, London, UK employer: Comgent
As a freelance Infrastructure / Cloud Hosting Architect in London, you will join a dynamic organisation that values innovation and strategic thinking. The company fosters a collaborative work culture, offering flexible hybrid working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. With a focus on developing comprehensive hosting strategies, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their cloud architecture while enjoying the benefits of working in one of the world's leading financial hubs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Infrastructure / Cloud Hosting Architect - freelance - hybrid, London, UK
✨Make Your Portfolio Shine
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We think you need these skills to ace Infrastructure / Cloud Hosting Architect - freelance - hybrid, London, UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your GitHub Projects:When applying for a freelance software engineering gig at Comgent, make sure to include your GitHub link in your application. Highlighting your code repositories, contributions to Open Source, and any personal projects can really set you apart and give us insight into your skills and coding style.
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Skills:In software development, the specifics matter! Make sure your CV lists the programming languages and technologies you excel at. Focus on the ones that align with the projects Comgent is working on. Listing your tech stack clearly will help us understand how you fit into our team.
Include a Portfolio of Your Work:A solid portfolio is a must when applying for freelance roles. Include links to any apps, websites, or software you've developed. Highlight any projects that reflect a strong user experience, efficiency, or innovative solutions—this is your chance to shine and show us what you can bring to the table!
Mention Your Availability and Rates:Since this is a freelance role, we want to know when you’re available and what your rates are like! Be upfront about your typical work hours and project timelines. This transparency will help us see if we can sync up for future projects at Comgent.
How to prepare for a job interview at Comgent
✨Showcase Your Code Wizardry
Since you're going for a freelance role in software engineering, have a solid portfolio ready to flaunt your best work. Include projects that highlight your coding skills, frameworks you excel in, and any problem-solving feats you've pulled off. This is your chance to shine, so choose pieces that reflect your unique style and expertise!
✨Prepare for Technical Challenges
Freelance gigs often involve tech assessments or coding challenges, so be ready to tackle some hands-on problems. Brush up on common algorithms, data structures, and any languages/frameworks relevant to the role at Comgent. Being comfortable with platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode can give you an edge and showcase your skills under pressure!
✨Be Clear About Your Rates and Flexibility
As a freelancer, be prepared to discuss your rates upfront. It's crucial to communicate your pricing structure clearly and whether you're open to negotiation. Do your homework on industry standards to ensure you pitch a fair and competitive rate that reflects your skills and experience!
✨Understand Their Tech Stack
Before the interview, get familiar with the tools and technologies used at Comgent. Whether it's a particular framework or a specific coding methodology, being knowledgeable about their tech stack not only shows your interest but also helps you present how you could fit seamlessly into their existing projects. Demonstrating you’ve done your homework can set you apart from other candidates!
