Lead Azure Cloud Architect London

FDM is a global business and technology consultancy seeking a Lead Azure Cloud Architect with active SC to work for our client within the public sector. This is initially a 6 month contract with the potential to extend and will be a hybrid role that will be based in London.

We are looking for an experienced Lead Azure Cloud Architect to lead the design and delivery of a major cloud transformation programme. The organisation is seeking to consolidate multiple existing platforms into a secure, scalable and well-governed Microsoft Azure environment.

The architect will define the target architecture, establish the required frameworks and guide the organisation through the transition from the existing estate to the new cloud model. This role will also provide technical leadership across the programme and work closely with Business Analysts, infrastructure teams, senior stakeholders and delivery colleagues.

The successful candidate will need a strong combination of Azure architecture expertise, strategic thinking, delivery experience and stakeholder-management skills.

Responsibilities:

• Define and own the target Azure cloud architecture.
• Lead the design of the Azure platform, associated frameworks and technical standards.
• Develop the architectural strategy for consolidating and migrating existing platforms.
• Assess the current technology estate, including platforms, integrations, dependencies and infrastructure services.
• Design secure, scalable and resilient Azure solutions aligned with business and technical requirements.
• Establish architecture principles covering governance, security, networking, identity, data, monitoring and operational management.
• Lead the design and implementation of the Azure landing zone and supporting cloud foundations.
• Create architecture roadmaps and transition plans covering the move from the current environment to the future-state platform.
• Provide technical leadership throughout discovery, design, migration and adoption.
• Work closely with Business Analysts to ensure requirements are translated into practical architectural solutions.
• Present architecture options, recommendations and decisions to senior stakeholders.
• Act as the technical authority for the programme and provide guidance to engineering and infrastructure teams.
• Identify technical risks, dependencies and constraints, recommending appropriate mitigation.
• Support cloud adoption and the introduction of the new operating model.
• Help teams work effectively across existing services during the transition period.
• Ensure appropriate architectural governance is in place throughout delivery.
• Support knowledge transfer and the development of internal Azure capability.

• Active SC
• Significant experience working as an Azure Cloud Architect, Lead Architect or Design Architect.
• Strong practical experience designing and delivering enterprise-scale Microsoft Azure environments.
• Experience leading cloud migration, platform consolidation or infrastructure transformation programmes.
• Strong knowledge of Azure landing zones, cloud governance and enterprise-scale architecture.
• Experience designing Azure networking, identity, security, monitoring and management services.
• Ability to create architectural frameworks, standards, design documentation and technical roadmaps.
• Experience assessing existing infrastructure and defining a clear future-state architecture.
• Strong understanding of hybrid cloud environments and migration dependencies.
• Experience leading technical teams and providing architectural assurance throughout delivery.
• Ability to communicate complex technical designs to senior non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder-management, influencing and decision-making skills.
• Experience working with Business Analysts, programme teams and senior technology leadership.

FDM is an award-winning global leader in tech and business talent solutions, backed by more than 35 years of industry experience. We have centres across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, and a global workforce of over 2500 employees. FDM has shown exponential growth throughout the years, firmly establishing itself as an award-winning employer, currently listed on the FTSE4Good Index and as a 2026 Financial Times UK ‘Best Employer’.

Diversity and Inclusion

FDM Group is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, provincial or local laws.

Why join us

• Career coaching, mentoring and access to upskilling throughout your entire FDM career
• Assignments with global companies and opportunities to work abroad
• Opportunity to re-skill and up-skill into new areas, develop non-linear career paths and build a skillset within your field
• Annual leave and work-place pension