Cloud Architect Lead

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Cloud Architect to design and implement cloud-based solutions that meet our organization's evolving needs. Collaborate with various stakeholders to understand business requirements, architect scalable and secure cloud infrastructure, and lead the implementation efforts in-line with approved objectives and strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

Cloud Strategy and Architecture

• Develop and maintain the organization's cloud architecture, ensuring it supports current and future business needs while adhering to best practices, scalability, and security requirements.
• Collaborate with relevant teams to define and execute a comprehensive cloud strategy that aligns with business goals and industry trends.
• Drive the evaluation and selection of appropriate cloud services platforms and tools to optimize performance, cost-efficiency, and reliability.

Solution Design and Implementation

• Lead the design and implementation of complex, large-scale cloud-based solutions, considering factors such as scalability, availability, security, and performance.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to development teams to ensure consistent application of cloud best practices throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Transform the DevSecOps culture to a more mature best-in-industry model.

Infrastructure Management

• Oversee the management and optimization of cloud infrastructure, including provisioning, monitoring, and scaling of resources as needed.
• Implement effective strategies for resource allocation, capacity planning, and cost optimization in the cloud environment.

Performance and Reliability

• Monitor and analyze system performance, identifying and addressing potential bottlenecks, vulnerabilities, and areas for improvement.
• Implement strategies to enhance system reliability, fault tolerance, and disaster recovery in the cloud environment.

Shared Activities

• Ensure effective cascading of the functional strategy into business plans to ensure vertical alignment and horizontal integration with other interfacing sectional strategies.
• Lead the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes, and practices considering global standards, productivity improvement, and cost reduction.
• Carry out any other duties and responsibilities related to the role at the request of the direct manager.
• Manage and ensure effective implementation of functional policies, procedures, and controls covering all areas of assigned section activity so that all relevant procedural/legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost-effective service.
• Follow all relevant departmental policies, processes, standard operating procedures, and instructions so that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner.
• Demonstrate compliance to organization's values and ethics at all times to support the establishment of a value-driven culture within the organization.
• Contribute to the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes, and practices considering global standards, productivity improvement, and cost reduction.

Communication and Business Relationships

Internal: Technology Internal Sections and DCT Relevant Sectors / Departments

External:

• Service Provider & Consulting firms

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (Master's degree preferred) in Computer Science, Information Security, or equivalent.
• Relevant certifications such as TOGAF, Azure Solutions Architect is a plus.
• Proven 3-5 years of experience with/in:
• Cloud architecture and design.
• Containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.

Skills

• Language: Full professional English and Arabic proficiency both in speaking and writing.
• Skilled in MS Office (PowerPoint, Word, and Excel).
• Proficient in security policy management and rule configurations.
• Strong expertise in Azure cloud platforms with deep understanding of various cloud services and capabilities.
• Knowledge of FinOps practices and tools for cloud cost optimisation.
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Strong understanding of security principles, including encryption, identity, and access management, and network security in the cloud.
• Self-motivated with a proven ability to complete work in a timely manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - including appropriate stakeholder alignment.
• Ability to multi-task and to prioritise work effectively.
• Ability to work under own direction and high degree of initiative.

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