Cloud Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Senior Cloud Operations Engineer to play a key role in the design, implementation, and ongoing management of a modern cloud infrastructure environment, with a strong focus on Microsoft Azure. This position is ideal for a highly skilled cloud professional who thrives in a hands‑on technical role and is passionate about driving cloud transformation initiatives. You will be responsible for ensuring cloud services are secure, resilient, scalable, and cost-effective while supporting the adoption of cloud‑native technologies and operational best practices. Working closely with architecture, security, development, and operations teams, you will help shape cloud strategy, implement automation, and support the transition from traditional infrastructure to modern platform‑based services.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, configure, and maintain Azure cloud environments across IaaS, PaaS, networking, storage, and identity services.
• Deploy and manage Azure Landing Zones aligned with enterprise architecture and governance standards.
• Support the migration from infrastructure‑based services to modern cloud‑native and platform‑based solutions.
• Monitor cloud environments to ensure optimal performance, availability, security, and reliability.

Operations & Automation

• Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using technologies such as Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates.
• Develop and maintain automation solutions using PowerShell, Azure CLI, CI/CD pipelines, and DevOps practices.
• Proactively monitor systems, investigate incidents, perform root cause analysis, and implement improvements to enhance operational stability.

Security, Governance & Compliance

• Apply cloud security best practices, including identity management, RBAC, encryption, and secure networking.
• Implement governance controls, policies, and guardrails to ensure compliance with organisational and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with security and compliance teams to address vulnerabilities and audit findings.
• Support cloud cost management initiatives through resource optimisation and waste reduction.
• Monitor, analyse, and forecast cloud expenditure using Azure Cost Management tools.
• Provide reporting and recommendations to stakeholders regarding cloud consumption and efficiency.

Documentation & Process Improvement

• Produce and maintain technical documentation, runbooks, standard operating procedures, and architectural records.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and promote operational consistency across teams.

Collaboration & Technical Support

• Work closely with architects, developers, platform teams, and project stakeholders to deliver cloud solutions.
• Act as a senior escalation point for cloud‑related incidents, requests, and changes.
• Support knowledge transfer activities and assist operational teams during service transitions.

Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity

• Support the implementation, testing, and maintenance of disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities.
• Ensure cloud services meet agreed Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs).
• Collaborate with relevant teams to maintain recovery procedures and execute resilience testing.
• Stay up to date with Azure technologies, cloud architecture trends, and industry best practices.
• Participate in training, certifications, and knowledge‑sharing initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve cloud services through innovation and emerging technologies.

Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline (or equivalent industry experience).
• Extensive hands‑on experience with Microsoft Azure cloud services across both IaaS and PaaS environments.
• Strong understanding of Azure Landing Zone architecture and cloud governance frameworks.
• Proven experience designing and implementing cloud infrastructure standards and best practices.
• Expertise in Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Bicep, ARM Templates).
• Experience with containerisation and orchestration technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Strong scripting and automation skills using PowerShell, Python, Azure CLI, or similar technologies.
• Solid understanding of cloud security principles, identity and access management, encryption, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of cloud networking concepts, including virtual networks, subnets, VPNs, load balancers, and network security controls.
• Experience applying DevOps principles to improve deployment speed, reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Practical experience with FinOps methodologies and cloud cost optimisation.

Key Capabilities

• Deep expertise in Microsoft Azure services and cloud operations.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to resolve complex technical issues.
• Experience optimising cloud performance, scalability, and resource utilisation.
• Excellent documentation and technical communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Experience mentoring and supporting team development.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and staying current with emerging cloud technologies.

Benefits include: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, performance and company bonus scheme, pension contributions up to 11% (subject to employee contribution levels), life assurance (4x annual salary), health cash plan, digital GP service, employee assistance programme (EAP), occupational health support, electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, cycle to work scheme, two paid volunteering days per year, sports and social club membership opportunities, retail discounts across hundreds of leading brands, free annual flu vaccinations and eye test vouchers, study support for relevant professional qualifications, enhanced maternity, paternity, and family‑friendly policies.