Cloud Architect

Job Overview

We are looking for an experienced Azure Cloud Architect to design, implement and evolve our cloud platforms and services on Microsoft Azure. As part of Paragon's Brand Services Division, you will act as a key technical leader, bridging business needs and cloud architecture, and ensuring our solutions are secure, scalable and cost‐efficient.

This is a Remote/ Hybrid opportunity within commutable distance of either Paragon's Sheffield or London locations.

Your main duties would include

• Design and own end‐to‐end cloud architectures on Microsoft Azure (IaaS, PaaS, networking, identity, security).
• Lead technical discussions with stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into Azure solutions.
• Define and drive cloud migration strategies from on‐premises or legacy environments to Azure (re‐host, re‐platform, re‐factor).
• Establish and promote best practices for cloud security, governance, compliance and cost optimization (policies, tagging, FinOps).
• Work closely with infrastructure, security, data and application teams to ensure consistent architectures and smooth delivery.
• Produce clear architecture artefacts: high‐level and low‐level designs, diagrams, standards and guidelines.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and developers on Azure services, tools and patterns.
• Monitor and continuously improve performance, reliability and cost of existing Azure environments.
• Stay current with Microsoft Azure roadmap and cloud industry trends, and propose innovations and improvements.

Skills and Attributes we are looking for

• 5+ years of hands‐on experience with Microsoft Azure, including design and implementation of production workloads.
• Solid background in infrastructure or cloud engineering (systems, networking, security, automation).
• Strong knowledge of Azure core services: Compute (VMs, AKS), Storage and databases, Networking & Identity and access (Azure AD / Entra ID).
• Experience designing secure and compliant architectures (Zero Trust principles, encryption, backup & DR, monitoring).
• Experience with infrastructure‐as‐code and DevOps practices (Terraform, Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions).
• Proven track record in leading or contributing to cloud migration projects and transformation initiatives.
• Strong communication skills, able to explain complex technical topics to non‐technical stakeholders.
• Fluent in English, written and spoken.

What we offer

• The opportunity to shape and drive our Azure cloud strategy and platforms.
• A role with high visibility, working closely with IT and business leaders.
• A collaborative international environment and strong focus on learning and certification.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, based on experience and UK market standards.

Other benefits include

• Employee Benefits Platform
• Reimbursements
• Bupa Cash Plan
• Cycle to work Scheme
• Financial Health Check
• Wellbeing, Legal, Personal finance support
• Employee Assistance Programme

Please note that due to the high volume of responses we receive, only successful applicants will be contacted.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status.