VP, Cloud Architect (Azure)

Share with your networkCopyLocations: Los Angeles, CA | Chicago, IL (Hybrid: 3 Days On-Site) Level: Vice President / Leadership Department: Enterprise Architecture / Cloud Center of Excellence (CCoE)Position OverviewWe are seeking a visionary and highly technical VP, Cloud Architect to serve as the principal authority for our Microsoft Azure ecosystem. In this pivotal leadership role, you will define the roadmap for our cloud evolution, ensuring our infrastructure is scalable, resilient, and strictly governed.The ideal candidate is a master of the Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework (CAF) and Azure Well-Architected Framework (WAF). You will be responsible for the continuous enhancement of our Azure Landing Zone (ALZ), steering the enterprise toward a "Security-by-Design" philosophy by integrating NIST-CSF and ISO 27001 standards into the fabric of our automated deployments.Key Responsibilities1. Strategic Architecture & VisionServe as the Lead Architect for the Enterprise Azure footprint, defining the 3-year cloud strategy and technical roadmap.Lead the design and evolution of the Azure Landing Zone (ALZ), ensuring multi-subscription management, networking (Hub-and-Spoke/vWAN), and identity (Entra ID) are optimized for global scale.Bridge the gap between business objectives and technical implementation, ensuring cloud investments deliver measurable ROI and operational agility.2. Governance & Security ExcellenceInstitutionalize the Azure Well-Architected Framework (WAF) across all business units, conducting regular architectural reviews to optimize Cost, Security, Reliability, Performance, and Operations.Enforce compliance with NIST-CSF and ISO 27001 through Azure Policy, Blueprints, and automated guardrails.Collaborate with the CISO to implement Zero Trust architecture and advanced threat protection across the cloud estate.3. Operational Maturity & AutomationStandardize "Infrastructure as Code" (Terraform/Bicep) and CI/CD patterns to eliminate manual configuration and "drift."Lead the Cloud Center of Excellence (CCoE), fostering a culture of continuous improvement and mentorship among senior and principal engineers.Oversee FinOps initiatives, implementing tagging policies and cost-management strategies to ensure efficient resource utilization.4. Stakeholder LeadershipAct as a key advisor to the CTO and CIO on emerging cloud technologies (AI/ML integration, Serverless, Containerization/AKS).Negotiate with external vendors and Microsoft account teams to align product roadmaps with enterprise needs.Required QualificationsExperience: 12+ years in Information Technology, with at least 6+ years specifically focused on large-scale Azure Architecture and 3+ years in a senior leadership or principal architectural role.Framework Mastery: Deep, demonstrable expertise in the Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework (CAF) and Azure Landing Zones.Security & Compliance: Professional working knowledge of NIST-CSF and ISO 27001 frameworks as they apply to cloud environments.Technical Depth: * Expertise in Azure Networking (ExpressRoute, Private Links, Firewall, vWAN).Proficiency in Infrastructure as Code (Terraform preferred, or Bicep/ARM).Strong understanding of Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Entra ID Governance.Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.Certifications: (Preferred) Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure Security Engineer Associate, or CISSP/CISM.Preferred SkillsExperience transitioning legacy on-premises environments to a cloud-native or hybrid-cloud model.Familiarity with FinOps practices and cloud cost optimization tools.Strong executive presence with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.Work Environment & BenefitsHybrid Model: This role requires being on-site 3 days a week in our Los Angeles or 5-days in the Chicago hub.Impact: This is a high-visibility role with the authority to shape the digital future of the organization.Growth: Access to executive leadership programs and advanced technical training.Apply for this jobPlease fill out the following job application form completely and accurately. One of our consultants will be in touch shortly after reviewing your application."*" indicates required fields