Cloud Architect (Contract)

Our prestigious client is seeking a Cloud and Infrastructure Architect to provide infrastructure architecture and technical direction across the Modernisation workstream. The role will support the design and delivery of cloud, network, data protection, cyber resilience and infrastructure modernisation initiatives, ensuring that project-level solutions align with enterprise strategy, architecture principles, security requirements and operational standards.
The role will initially support activity including the Cato Cloud to Cloud and Cloud to Datacentre (C2C and C2DC) proof of concept and wider connectivity transformation, alongside work involving Cato Networks, and cloud technologies. The role holder will guide technical options, analyse dependencies and risks, and help translate Proof of Concept outcomes into clear recommendations, designs, roadmaps and deliverable work packages.

Start Date: ASAP
Duration: 100 Days
Paye: £538.45 p/d – £615.37 p/d (PLEASE NOTE: Employer NI is paid for by the client)
Holiday Pay: £72.91 – £83.32 (includes rolled up holiday)
Total Paye: £611.35 – £698.69
IR35 Status: Inside
Location: Remote

Responsibilities:

• Deliver high-level cloud and infrastructure models, architecture patterns, roadmaps and building blocks in line with business requirements and organisational and industry standards.
• Ensure proposed solutions align with Target Architecture, architecture principles, security standards, service requirements and relevant technology roadmaps.
• Maintain architectural integrity across the Modernisation workstream and identify dependencies or impacts across related programmes and services.
• Create and assess infrastructure solution options, clearly setting out benefits, risks, costs, constraints and recommended approaches.
• Provide design authority and direction from discovery and Proof of Concept through detailed design, delivery, testing, transition and operational acceptance.
• Ensure deviations from standards are identified and managed through the appropriate architecture governance process.
• Maintain a current understanding of cloud, network, cyber resilience, backup and infrastructure technologies and their strategic application.
• Provide architectural leadership for the C2C and C2DC Proof of Concept, including test scope, success criteria, technical dependencies, findings and recommendations for wider adoption.
• Support modernisation initiatives where necessary involving cloud platforms, Cato Networks, secure connectivity, Zero Trust Network Access and cyber resilience.
• Help shape realistic project phases, work packages, technical milestones and transition activities, with clear entry and exit criteria.
• Identify architecture decisions, assumptions, risks, issues and dependencies early and ensure they are visible to the Project Manager and appropriate governance forums.
• Assess the impact of business or technical change requests and support prioritisation based on value, risk, strategic alignment and delivery feasibility.
• Support the development of technical roadmaps and future-state designs that move beyond immediate project delivery needs.

Skills/Experience:

• Experience working in complex enterprise IT environments and across major infrastructure change or modernisation programmes.
• Understanding of how infrastructure architecture supports business outcomes, service operations, security, resilience and regulatory obligations.
• Experience working with internal delivery teams and external technology or managed-service suppliers.
• Energy-sector knowledge is helpful but broad infrastructure experience in another regulated or complex sector is acceptable.
• Strong infrastructure architecture experience across hybrid cloud, on-premises platforms, networks, connectivity, security and service integration.
• Knowledge of cloud technologies, preferably Microsoft Azure and/or Amazon Web Services.
• Experience of datacentre and cloud connectivity, including cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-datacentre patterns.
• Ability to define high-level architecture, non-functional requirements, Proof of Concept scope, test success criteria and technical roadmaps.
• Awareness of architecture frameworks and governance. TOGAF and relevant Azure, AWS, Microsoft, networking or security certifications are useful but not essential.
• Knowledge of Agile delivery practices and the ability to work effectively across discovery, design, delivery and service transition.
• Knowledge or practical experience of Cato Networks, SASE, SD-WAN and Zero Trust Network Access is highly desirable.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication, with a proven ability to explain technical subjects in clear, plain English.
• Comfortable with advising Project Managers and senior stakeholders while retaining credibility with engineers and technical specialists.
• Strategic and forward-looking, while remaining pragmatic and delivery focused.
• Confident in providing direction, challenging assumptions and making recommendations where information is incomplete.
• Collaborative, approachable, self-driven and able to manage priorities across several related initiatives.
• Strong facilitation, influencing, stakeholder management, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• No direct budget management is assumed unless separately assigned.
• This role will influence investment decisions, solution costs, supplier proposals and business cases across assigned initiatives.

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Job Reference: RL8316