Cloud Architect - GCP - National Security Programme - SC Cleared - Hybrid (London)

Cloud Architect - National Security Programme - SC/DV Cleared - Hybrid (London)

A major government-backed technology programme is seeking an experienced Cloud Architect to help shape the future of a highly secure cloud capability operating within a SECRET environment. This is a rare opportunity to join a greenfield programme delivering a modern, secure, cloud-first platform designed to enable collaboration across a complex multi-supplier ecosystem. Working as part of a growing architecture team, you will help define the target cloud architecture, operating model and technical standards that will underpin critical national capability for years to come. The role will focus on cloud strategy, architecture governance, supplier engagement and the design of resilient cloud platforms capable of operating across connected and disconnected environments. This is an architecture and design-led position, requiring strong technical depth alongside excellent stakeholder engagement skills. The successful candidate will work closely with suppliers, platform engineering teams, security architects and senior stakeholders to define cloud capabilities, provide design assurance and shape future technology direction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and shape enterprise cloud architecture strategy and target operating models.
• Design secure, scalable and resilient cloud platforms for highly secure environments.
• Develop cloud reference architectures, standards and governance frameworks.
• Design approaches for disconnected, air-gapped and bandwidth-constrained operating environments.
• Lead technical engagement with suppliers, delivery partners and third-party technology providers.
• Review solution designs and provide architectural assurance across cloud-enabled projects.
• Evaluate cloud technologies and platform capabilities supporting sovereign and secure cloud requirements.
• Facilitate technical workshops with engineering teams, suppliers and business stakeholders.
• Maintain roadmaps for future cloud capability development.
• Represent architecture interests within strategic technology discussions.

Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience designing enterprise-scale cloud architectures.
• Strong Google Cloud Platform (GCP) expertise.
• Experience defining cloud strategy, governance and architecture standards.
• Strong understanding of cloud networking, identity, security, resilience and platform engineering.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code, automation and cloud-native technologies.
• Knowledge of disconnected or air-gapped cloud environments.
• Ability to discuss technical trade-offs around security, networking, identity and developer enablement.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and supplier management experience.
• Experience operating within multi-supplier delivery environments.
• Strong communication and technical leadership capability.

Desirable Experience:

• Defence, National Security or Central Government experience.
• Experience supporting highly regulated or secure environments.
• Knowledge of DevSecOps and platform engineering practices.
• Experience working with large systems integrators and strategic technology partners.
• Awareness of cloud accreditation and Secure by Design principles.
• Google Professional Cloud Architect certification.
• Experience designing cloud services at SECRET classification or above.

TL;DR
Job Title: Cloud Architect
Location: Hybrid (East London/Remote)
Contract Length: Initial 12 Months
Clearance: Active SC Clearance Required - DV preferred
Start: ASAP

Daily rate: £950 to £1350
Environment: National Security/SECRET Cloud Programme
Technology: GCP, Cloud Architecture, IaC, DevSecOps, Secure Cloud