Azure Cloud Architect - Information Technology

Role Description

The Azure Cloud Architect owns the design, security, governance, cost and reliability of Apollo's Azure cloud platforms, which host 80%+ of enterprise applications including MedMantra and the modernisation programme. The role defines cloud architecture standards, leads migrations, establishes governance, and ensures the cloud estate meets business-mandated uptime, security and cost objectives.

Detailed Job Responsibility & Accountabilities

• Define cloud strategy, migration approach and governance framework for Azure.
• Design and implement architecture for high availability and disaster recovery across availability zones and regions.
• Drive containerization using Docker and Kubernetes (AKS); standardise AKS cluster topologies and deployment patterns.
• Design and implement CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps in partnership with the DevOps Manager.
• Configure monitoring, logging and cost governance; establish guardrails through Azure Policy, Azure Purview, Entra and Defender for Cloud.
• Implement auto-scaling, load balancing and performance optimization strategies.
• Drive cost optimization right-sizing, Reserved Instances, Savings Plans, FinOps practices.
• Partner with Security and Network teams to implement Zero Trust architecture on Azure.
• Maintain Git repositories, branching strategies and IaC libraries.
• Implement security best practices for identity, data, network and compute in Azure.
• Support 24x7 cloud operations model through architecture that is operable, observable and auto-healing.
• Evaluate new Azure services and recommend adoption where beneficial.

Desired Skills & Competencies

• Must have 10+ years in cloud architecture with 5+ years deep on Microsoft Azure.
• Must have certifications: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305), Azure Administrator (AZ-104); DevOps Engineer (AZ-400) preferred.
• Must have deep hands-on experience with AKS, App Services, API Management, Functions, Event Hub, Cosmos DB, Azure SQL, PostgreSQL, Storage, Networking.
• Must have experience with IaC (Terraform, Bicep, ARM), Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions.
• Must have experience with cloud security (Defender for Cloud, Key Vault, Entra ID) and FinOps.
• Preferred exposure to healthcare compliance on cloud (DPDP, HIPAA, HITRUST).

Job Performance Parameters

• Availability SLO attainment for Azure-hosted applications
• Azure Secure Score improvement quarter-over-quarter
• Cloud cost optimization (% savings)
• Successful migration and modernisation milestones
• Architecture standards compliance for new workloads
• DR readiness and tested RTO/RPO

Managerial and Behavioral Competencies

• Long term effective decision making
• Should have very good leadership and influential skills
• Effective Communication
• Team Building & Leadership
• Continuous learning on evolving cloud services