Azure Architect

ZipRecruiter; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000

Job description

Job Description

Cloud Architect Virtual Desktop Environments (Azure)

We are seeking an experienced Cloud Architect with specialized expertise in designing, deploying, and managing virtual desktop environments (VDE) with a specific focus on Azure. This is a contract-based role starting in April, where the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in architecting solutions that optimize virtual desktop infrastructure and enhance end-user experiences across the enterprise.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, deploy, and manage Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) solutions to meet organizational needs, ensuring scalability, security, and performance.
• Lead the end-to-end architecture for virtual desktop environments, including the planning, deployment, and management of AVD.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand requirements and provide effective cloud-based virtual desktop solutions.
• Provide subject matter expertise on Azure and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) to drive best practices for optimization, security, and user experience.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance and security policies, including data protection and management within AVD.
• Conduct performance tuning, capacity planning, and troubleshooting to ensure high availability and disaster recovery.
• Drive innovation by exploring emerging cloud technologies and incorporating them into virtual desktop solutions where applicable.
• Offer guidance and mentoring to junior team members on virtual desktop best practices within the Azure ecosystem.
• Provide ongoing support and maintenance for virtual desktop environments, implementing updates, patches, and system upgrades as necessary.
• Produce high-quality documentation of architecture designs, configurations, and procedures for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Work closely with clients, stakeholders, and project teams to align cloud infrastructure with business objectives.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Proven expertise in Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty (AZ-140) certification is required.
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with Azure Cloud Services (e.g., Virtual Machines, Networking, Storage, and ).
• Expertise in Azure Active Directory and Management for virtual desktop environments.
• Experience in scaling, automating, and optimizing virtual desktop environments.
• Strong understanding of cloud security best practices, including encryption, compliance, and disaster recovery strategies in a virtual desktop context.
• Familiarity with tools for monitoring, reporting, and automating workflows within the virtual desktop environment (e.g., Azure Monitor, PowerShell, etc.).
• Experience with Azure management tools such as Azure Resource Manager (ARM), Azure Automation, and Azure Security Center.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to resolve complex cloud-related issues.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders effectively.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with other Microsoft technologies related to virtual desktop solutions (e.g., Windows Virtual Desktop, Office 365).
• Knowledge of ITIL or other IT service management frameworks.
• Experience working in a multi-cloud environment.
• Ability to lead cloud architecture workshops and design sessions with clients.

Qualifications:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty (AZ-140) certification required.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Minimum of 7 years of experience as a Cloud Architect or similar role, with a focus on Azure Virtual Desktop environments.

Key Attributes:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• A proactive approach to continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends in cloud computing and virtualization.
• Excellent analytical and troubleshooting abilities.