Head of Cloud Architect at Network Rail, Milton Keynes, 6 Months, £Contract Rate

Job Purpose

Oversee the development, deployment, and management of cloud platform services to maintain scalability, reliability, and security, aligning with Network Rail 's cloud and business strategy. Lead cloud initiatives, manage a team of professionals, and drive innovation and agility within Network Rail.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive cloud platform strategy to align with Network Rail's business goals and technology roadmap, maintaining cohesive cloud operations.
• Provide guidance, as the technical authority on cloud services, to cross-functional teams on best practices, design patterns, and architecture.
• Develop and execute an automation strategy for multiple cloud platforms to maintain efficient deployment, management, and scaling of services, including orchestration workflows.
• Establish and enforce cloud governance policies and procedures to maintain compliance with project requirements and best practices in cloud security and operations.
• Oversee the creation and management of Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines to enable rapid and reliable service delivery and updates, maintaining operational efficiency.
• Employ Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices using tools like Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates, Terraform, or Ansible to manage multiple cloud environments effectively.
• Optimise cloud expenditures by implementing cost-saving measures and securing efficient resource utilisation across cloud services.
• Monitor and optimise the performance and scalability of cloud-based applications and services to maintain high availability and responsiveness.
• Oversee cloud security posture by managing data protection, identity, and access management, and maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Develop a clear understanding of the latest cloud features and technologies to drive innovation and continuous improvement of cloud services, enhancing Network Rail's cloud capabilities.

Essential

• Proven track record with multiple cloud services, including Azure/AWS DevOps, Azure Active Directory, and Azure/AWS Security Center.
• In-depth knowledge of multiple cloud services, including compute, storage, networking, databases, and security.
• Extensive experience in designing and implementing scalable, secure, and resilient cloud architectures.
• Strong knowledge of cloud computing concepts, cloud services, and cloud security best practices.
• Deep knowledge of various cloud services relevant to automation, such as Azure/AWS Automation, Azure Logic Apps, and Azure Functions.
• Understanding of orchestration and its role in managing complex cloud environments.
• Experience in cloud cost optimisation and resource management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills, with experience of managing cross-functional teams.
• Understands, explains and able to present complex concepts in a simple and meaningful manner.

Desirable

• Azure/AWS Solutions Architect Expert or Azure/AWS DevOps Engineer Expert.
• Experience in migrating on-premises infrastructure to various cloud platforms.
• Proficiency with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Azure Resource Manager (ARM), Terraform, and Ansible.
• Strong experience with CI/CD tools like Azure/AWS DevOps, Jenkins, or GitHub Actions.
• Advanced scripting skills in PowerShell, Bash, Python, or other relevant languages for automation scripting.
• Familiarity with monitoring tools and services such as Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Application Insights.
• Knowledge of automated security practices and tools to integrate security into the CI/CD pipeline.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Network Rail is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They welcome applications from everyone.

Disability Confident

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Network Rail guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

Network Rail guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.