Cloud Lead Architect

Job Description

As the Lead Cloud Architect, you will drive and evolve the architectural vision and strategy for our technology landscape. Reporting to the Head of Architecture, this role will be pivotal in delivering scalable, secure, and high‑performance architecture across cloud services and infrastructure. You will foster a culture of technical excellence and strategic foresight while leading a team of architects and working closely with cross‑functional stakeholders at all levels.

• Define and execute the cloud architecture strategy aligned with business and enterprise objectives.
• Lead the design and governance of scalable, secure, and high‑performance cloud platforms and infrastructure.
• Establish and maintain cloud architecture standards, principles, blueprints, and best practices.
• Translate business requirements into cloud architecture solutions that support strategic roadmaps and value delivery.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing team of architects while promoting technical excellence.
• Drive architectural decision‑making and governance across complex cloud systems, identifying and mitigating architectural risks.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders and cross‑functional teams to align architecture initiatives with business priorities.
• Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and cloud engineering best practices while ensuring scalable and resilient solutions.

• Deep knowledge of AWS services, cloud infrastructure, hybrid cloud environments, networking, monitoring, and observability.
• Expertise in architectural patterns, cloud‑native design, microservices, event‑driven architecture, and designing systems at scale.
• Experience leading architecture teams, mentoring technical staff, and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Ability to define architecture standards, governance frameworks, technology roadmaps, and architectural decision‑making.
• Strong understanding of integration patterns, message brokers, APIs, and familiarity with technologies such as C#, SQL, and Java.

• Industry‑leading maternity and paternity leave, paid time off for caring responsibilities, and flexible leave options.
• Perks and discounts at a range of high‑street retailers.
• Financial compensation, pension, and bonus schemes.
• Health and wellbeing support, including mental health resources and financial education.
• Gym discounts and cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Hybrid working: up to 80% work from home with 20% office time and collaborative sessions.

We prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a welcoming and safe workplace that values all forms of diversity and provides opportunities for growth.