Job Overview:

The Cloud Architect Specialist is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining robust cloud architectures that support the organization's operational and strategic goals. This role involves working with public, private, and hybrid cloud solutions, ensuring security, performance, scalability, and business continuity. The ideal candidate will have expertise in Azure, cloud governance frameworks, virtualized environments, and disaster recovery planning, while providing thought leadership for migration and modernization initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and manage cloud architecture and solutions aligned with enterprise technology standards and business requirements.
• Analyze and document “AS-IS” and “TO-BE” architectures, including virtualization of infrastructure components (OS, servers, applications, storage, backup).
• Provide technical leadership for enterprise-class hosting, cloud migration, and modernization projects.
• Develop architecture artifacts, models, blueprints, and roadmaps for cloud deployments.
• Support Microsoft-centric solutions, including Azure IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, M365, AD DS, Azure AD, and Exchange.
• Implement and manage cloud governance frameworks and security best practices across cloud environments.
• Lead migration strategies for applications and infrastructure: lift & shift, VM migration, re-platforming, and re-architecture.
• Formulate business cases, SoW, and assist with IT strategy and budgeting.
• Provide technical expertise on disaster recovery, business continuity, and backup solutions (Azure, OCI Native Backup, Veeam, Commvault).
• Collaborate with cloud and data center providers for troubleshooting and service delivery optimization.
• Train and guide IT teams on cloud tools, governance, and security compliance.
• Ensure compliance with enterprise architecture frameworks, industry standards, and security regulations.

Skills & Competencies:

• Deep knowledge of data center infrastructure and cloud operations.
• Expertise in Microsoft Azure services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), DevOps, and M365.
• Proficient in VMWare, Hyper-V, SAN/NAS storage, and backup technologies (Azure Backup, Veeam, Commvault).
• Strong understanding of cloud security controls, including encryption, tenant isolation, key management, SIEM, and application firewalls.
• Hands-on experience in migration strategies and hybrid cloud solutions.
• Familiarity with cloud networking, Windows clustering, and load balancing.
• Knowledge of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and Linux/Solaris environments.
• Proficiency in Windows Server, MS SQL, Active Directory, Exchange, and PowerShell scripting.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills.

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 8+ years in IT industry with at least 6 years in cloud architecture and resource deployment.
• Minimum 5 years in virtualized infrastructure deployment and support.
• Minimum 4 years in solution architecture and design for public/private cloud environments (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
• Proven experience in Microsoft-centric solutions leveraging Azure capabilities.
• Extensive exposure to cloud migration, high-availability architecture, and DR solutions.
• Strong ability to manage stakeholders and deliver solutions in high-pressure environments.

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent work experience).
• Mandatory Certifications:
• Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• Azure Administrator Associate
• TOGAF (latest version)
• Preferred Certifications:
• MCSA / MCSE
• ITIL
• Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Certification
• Other relevant cloud or security certifications