Cloud Architect (Azure, AWS or GCP) - Gov

Cloud Architect (Azure, AWS or GCP)

Duration: 6-12 months
Location: Remote - UK Based
Clearance: Must be eligible for SC
Rate: Competitive (Inside IR35)

A major UK Government programme is seeking an experienced Cloud Architect to support a large-scale cloud transformation covering secure, modern, and resilient digital services. You will play a key role in shaping cloud strategy, designing secure architectures, and guiding technical delivery across critical programmes.

This role is ideal for a Cloud Architect with strong experience working in regulated, high-security environments and who can lead end-to-end cloud design while influencing technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver secure, scalable and resilient cloud architectures for government digital services.
• Work closely with engineering, product and security teams to translate requirements into robust cloud solutions.
• Assess existing cloud environments and drive improvements in performance, resilience, and cost efficiency.
• Ensure all cloud services align with security, governance, compliance and operational standards.
• Lead cloud migration activities, ensuring minimal impact on live operations.
• Produce technical documentation including HLDs, LLDs, reference architectures, and decision records.
• Provide architectural leadership and technical oversight across cloud initiatives.
• Stay up to date with emerging cloud technologies and advise on their applicability.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong background designing and implementing cloud solutions in secure or regulated environments (public sector experience beneficial).
• Expertise with at least one major cloud platform: AWS, Azure or GCP.
• Hands-on experience with IaC tools such as Terraform, ARM or CloudFormation.
• Knowledge of containerisation, modern DevOps practices, Kubernetes, CI/CD.
• Deep understanding of cloud security, IAM, encryption, monitoring and compliance frameworks.
• Ability to simplify complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving ability, with a focus on performance, resilience and operational excellence.
• SC eligibility is required.

Desirable

• Experience working with identity/access control systems or automated compliance.
• Cloud certifications (AWS SA, Azure Architect Expert, etc.).
• Degree in a related technical field.