Senior Cloud Architect
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
This Senior Cloud Solution Architect role is a strategic and hands-on position within our Digital Services team. You will join the Architect Practice at the Open University and work across Azure and AWS and provide hands on expertise and support to teams.
As a proactive and forward-thinking expert, you will bridge the gap between architecture and engineering. You will be expected to personally build, deploy, and maintain secure and scalable cloud solutions, including those leveraging the latest AI services. You will ensure all work aligns with our stringent privacy, security, and governance requirements, working alongside our development teams to build the foundational infrastructure that empowers them. This is a 'player-coach' role for an expert who is passionate about both high-level design and hands-on-keyboard execution., * Design, build, and deploy core components of the solution architecture on Azure, ensuring they are secure, scalable, and resilient.
- Take hands-on responsibility for writing, testing, and deploying high-quality Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Azure Bicep templates to automate and standardise our environments.
- Actively implement and configure robust security controls and networking solutions that adhere to our privacy and governance frameworks, including VNet integration and Private Endpoints.
- Not just architect, but actively build and deploy the infrastructure required for Azure AI and Data services, ensuring they are integrated securely and are ready for production use.
- Build, manage, and maintain scalable production CI/CD pipelines in Azure DevOps for both infrastructure and application deployments.
- Balance strategic architectural planning with practical, hands-on implementation, troubleshooting, and operational support.
- Mentor development teams by demonstrating best practices through code and direct collaboration, in addition to creating reference architectures and documentation., At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window). Flexible working
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it's a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.
It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We'd expect this to be on average 2 times per week. Next steps in the Recruitment process
Following the initial review of applications submitted for this role, we will be in contact with some candidates to conduct an online screening call. This may take place before the advert for the role closes. The next stage in the process, should you be shortlisted, will be a face-to-face interview that will take place on-site at our Milton Keynes campus. We anticipate that these interviews will likely take place during the week commencing 9 February 2026. Early closing date notification
Requirements
Do you have experience in Terraform?, * Extensive hands-on experience in a senior cloud role (e.g. Solution Architect, Cloud Engineer) with extensive specialisation in Microsoft Azure.
- Proven ability to design, build, and deploy Azure infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code, particularly Azure Bicep.
- Strong practical knowledge of Azure security services (e.g. Azure Policy, Defender for Cloud) and networking configurations (VNets, NSGs, Private Link).
- Experience deploying Azure AI and data services (e.g. OpenAI, AI Search, AI Foundry) in production environments.
- Skilled in building and troubleshooting CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps.
- Proficient in scripting languages like PowerShell or Bash for automation and operations.
- Excellent troubleshooting skills across the full stack, from infrastructure to application deployment.
- Comfortable switching between high-level architecture and hands-on technical implementation.
- Strong communication, leadership, and mentoring abilities, with a focus on stakeholder engagement and team development.
- High attention to detail with a commitment to security, code quality, governance, and equality and diversity principles.
Desirable:
- Microsoft Azure certification (e.g. AZ-305: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions or AZ-400: Azure DevOps Expert).
- Experience with containerisation and orchestration (Docker, Azure Kubernetes Service - AKS).
- Familiarity with other IaC tools like Terraform.
- Experience working in a regulated environment or an organization with strict data privacy requirements.
