Azure Cloud Architect 0187

Shape the future of a mission driven Azure platform

Aurora is undergoing a major digital transformation and is seeking an experienced Azure Cloud Architect to lead the design and evolution of our Azure cloud platform. This is a senior role with real influence, shaping architecture across infrastructure, security, identity, integration and data to support a complex, multi-site organisation.

Reporting to our IT, Systems and Data Director, you will be the technical authority for Azure across the Group, working closely with engineers, cyber security, data teams, partners and senior stakeholders. This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys hands on architectural leadership with genuine social impact.

What you will do

You will own the Azure target state architecture and roadmap, ensuring alignment with Aurora's wider technology strategy and growth plans. You will lead migrations and modernisation, embedding security, resilience and cost control by design.

Key responsibilities include:

• Governing Azure landing zones, subscriptions, networking, Microsoft Entra ID and security baselines
• Ensuring compliance with GDPR, Cyber Essentials Plus and safeguarding requirements
• Establishing strong FinOps, governance and platform engineering practices
• Providing architectural assurance across major IT and data initiatives
• Acting as senior Azure advisor to stakeholders, suppliers and delivery partners
• Identifying opportunities to use Azure and AI services to deliver business value
• Coaching engineers to build long term internal Azure capability

What we are looking for

You will be a senior cloud architect with strong experience designing and operating Azure platforms in regulated, multi-site environments. You are confident balancing technical, commercial and operational priorities and presenting to senior audiences.

Key experience includes:

• Deep, hands on knowledge of Azure across infrastructure, identity, integration and data
• Designing secure, compliant platforms aligned to GDPR, Cyber Essentials Plus and ISO 27001
• FinOps, cloud cost management and supplier governance
• Leading Azure migrations, modernisation and complex integrations
• Clear communication of complex technical decisions to non-technical audiences
• A collaborative leadership style with a passion for mentoring
• Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ 305) or equivalent experience

Why Aurora

Since 2015, Aurora has grown into one of the UK's largest providers in the SEND sector, supporting over 1,500 children, young people and adults across schools, colleges, residential homes and alternative provision, backed by nearly 2,000 staff.

We are values led, committed to safeguarding, equality and positive outcomes. In return, you will have genuine ownership, strong leadership support and the opportunity to shape a modern, secure cloud platform at scale.

What you can expect:

• A senior role with visibility and influence
• Meaningful, large scale transformation work
• Home based working with UK travel as required
• A supportive culture that values learning and continuous improvement

If you want to lead Azure architecture with purpose and autonomy, we would love to hear from you.

How to apply?

For candidates that haven't worked in this sector before please be aware that for regulatory reasons the application process is far more detailed and thorough compared to other sectors.

Please complete the online application form in full, including all employment and education details, and provide a personal statement that makes us keen to speak to you.

If you need any assistance or would like any more information, please contact Liz in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team at

Important:

• Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check. 
• The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children. 
• The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer. 
• This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled.?
• Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.