Cloud Platform Specialist
Location: Remote within UK time zone (GMT/BST) or (CET/CEST)
Working hours: 37.5 hours, 5 days a week
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Cloud Platform Specialist to join our IT department. The successful candidate will play a critical role in implementing, maintaining, and optimizing our Azure-based cloud infrastructure and services. Reporting to the Cloud Platform and FinOps Architect, this position will focus on operational excellence, automation, and cost optimization within the Azure ecosystem. The Specialist will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver secure, scalable, and cost-efficient cloud solutions that align with business objectives.
Key responsibilities
o Design, deploy, and manage Microsoft Azure infrastructure and services, ensuring high availability, scalability, security, and compliance with regulations like GDPR, PIPEDA, and SOC 2
o Utilize tools like Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates, Bicep, and Terraform for Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC), and develop automation workflows using Azure DevOps for streamlined provisioning and management
o Monitor and optimize the performance, health, and availability of Azure resources using tools like Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Application Insights, while implementing automated scaling and recovery mechanisms
o Enhance and maintain CI/CD pipelines within Azure DevOps to support seamless application deployments and integrations across development teams
o Support FinOps practices by monitoring cloud costs with Azure Cost Management, identifying cost-saving opportunities (eg, rightsizing resources, optimizing storage), and providing recommendations to the Cloud Platform and FinOps Architect
o Implement Azure-native security features such as Azure Security Center, Azure Defender, Azure Key Vault, and enforce access controls using Zero Trust models, RBAC, and MFA
o Troubleshoot and resolve Azure-related performance and operational issues while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure solutions align with organizational goals and best practices
o Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for Azure infrastructure, automation processes, and workflows while providing technical support and guidance to internal.
Key skills & Requirements
o Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
o 2-4 years of experience managing Azure cloud infrastructure or working in a similar cloud-focused role
o Strong knowledge of Microsoft Azure services, including Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Azure App Services, and Azure Storage
o Proficiency in Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools like Bicep or ARM templates
o Hands-on experience with Azure DevOps for CI/CD pipelines and workflow automation
o Familiarity with Azure monitoring tools, such as Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Application Insights
o Knowledge of cloud cost management tools, including Azure Cost Management and Azure Advisor
o Scripting experience with PowerShell, Python, or Bash for task automation
o Knowledge of relevant security, privacy, and data protection regulations, and best practices for cloud security and data management
o Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on Azure technologies
o Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams
o Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment
o Experience with agile development methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban, is a plus
o Certifications in either Microsoft or AWS, such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals.