Security Architect - Azure Focus

Job Title: Security Architect – Azure Focus Contract Type: Contract (Outside IR35)Day Rate: £600/day Location: Hybrid – Remote with occasional travel to London Duration: 6 months (with potential extension) About the Role -  We are looking for a highly skilled Security Architect with deep expertise in Microsoft Azure to join a leading organisation on a contract basis. This role is ideal for someone who can design and implement secure cloud architectures, drive security best practices, and support enterprise-wide Azure security initiatives. Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement secure architectures within Microsoft Azure, ensuring alignment with business and compliance requirements.
• Conduct Azure-specific threat modelling, risk assessments, and security reviews across infrastructure and applications.
• Collaborate with cloud engineering, DevOps, and compliance teams to embed security into the Azure development lifecycle.
• Define and maintain Azure security policies, standards, and best practices (e.g., Azure Security Center, Defender for Cloud, Azure Policy).
• Provide expert guidance on Azure-native security tools including Azure AD, Key Vault, Sentinel, and Microsoft Defender.
• Lead incident response planning and support investigations related to Azure environments.
• Stay up to date with evolving Azure security capabilities, threats, and regulatory requirements.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a Security Architect with a strong focus on Microsoft Azure.
• Deep understanding of Azure security architecture, governance, and compliance.
• Hands-on experience with Azure-native security tools and services.
• Familiarity with security frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, CIS Benchmarks, and Zero Trust principles.
• Azure certifications such as AZ-500 (Azure Security Engineer Associate) or SC-100 (Cybersecurity Architect Expert) are highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.