Cloud Hosting Architect (Azure)

Thatcham Research; Thatcham; Hybrid; GBP 64,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive research organization in the UK is seeking a Cloud Hosting Architect to design and maintain Azure cloud solutions. You will ensure the reliability and cost-effectiveness of critical systems while collaborating with developers and stakeholders. The ideal candidate has significant experience with Azure, communication skills to engage various stakeholders, and knowledge of cybersecurity standards. This is a hybrid role based in Thatcham, offering competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

10% non-contributory pension

29 days holiday + public holidays

Group Life Assurance

Health Cash Plan

Discounted gym membership

Subsidised on-site restaurant

Qualifications

• Significant hands-on experience with Azure hosting and cloud technologies.
• In-depth knowledge of cloud platforms, particularly Azure.
• Experience with IT transformation or cloud migration projects.

Responsibilities

• Architect and deliver scalable hosting solutions on Azure.
• Lead technical discovery sessions with stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus.

Skills

Azure hosting and cloud technologies

Cloud platforms knowledge

Enterprise architecture principles

Excellent communication skills

Knowledge of cybersecurity standards

Job description

Cloud Hosting Architect (Azure) | Circa£70,000 negotiable + excellent benefits|Permanent|Hybrid

We’re Hiring!

As our new Cloud Hosting Architect, you will lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of our Azure cloud and on-site hosting solutions.

You’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring the availability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of our critical business systems, including data platforms and public services.

Working closely with developers, data teams, and external partners, you’ll translate business requirements into secure, scalable, and innovative cloud solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architect and deliver scalable, secure, and sustainable hosting solutions on Azure (with some AWS).
• Lead technical discovery sessions, workshops, and site assessments with stakeholders.
• Develop technology roadmaps and frameworks, embedding InfoSec, SecOps, and data privacy principles.
• Oversee solution development and collaborate with engineers to deliver robust, automated implementations.
• Produce clear technical documentation and reusable assets to support MVPs and POCs.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus, and internal security policies.
• Drive continuous innovation by staying ahead of emerging technologies in Azure, AWS, AI/ML, and InfoSec.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Significant hands on experience with Azure hosting and cloud technologies.
• In depth knowledge of cloud platforms (Azure essential, AWS desirable).
• Strong understanding of enterprise architecture principles and frameworks.
• Experience delivering IT transformation or cloud migration projects.
• Excellent communication skills for engaging both technical and non technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity standards (ISO27000, Cyber Essentials Plus).

About You:

You are a hands on Cloud Architect or Engineer with a passion for technology and innovation. You thrive in a collaborative environment and have a proven track record of delivering secure, scalable cloud solutions. You don’t shy away from stakeholder communications and have proven experience with Azure hosting and cloud technologies.

Did you know... Research tells us that men are more likely to apply to jobs if they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women often hesitate or don’t apply unless they meet all of the criteria. This difference in application behaviour can contribute to the gender gap in career advancement and opportunities.

We know the perfect candidate doesn't exist! If you think you have what it takes but don’t tick every box, we’d still encourage you to apply - it could be a perfect fit!

Perks & Benefits

Salary - Circa £70,000 negotiable dependent on skills & experience.

• 10% non-contributory pension
• 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays
• Group Life Assurance (equal to 4 x basic salary)
• Group Income Protection (after 6 months’ service)
• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)
• Enhanced and competitive parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender or family structure
• Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform
• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)
• Benenden Health Care (opt-in benefit)
• Reward & Recognition Programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Sports & Social club
• Payroll charitable giving
• Subsidised on-site restaurant
• Free on-site parking

When we work

Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, early finish on Friday - 8:30 - 15:45 (Talk to us about flexible working if this doesn’t quite suit you – we take work-life balance seriously!)

How we work

We understand the benefits of remote and in-person collaboration and therefore have a hybrid working model – you’ll be expected to work from our office in Thatcham at least two days per week.

What we do

At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry.

Our Gamston facility is one of the UK’s leading sites for active safety, trialling and assessing the latest crash avoidance and driver assistance technologies.

Our Values

As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual’s authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit. Our journey of growth and understanding is continuous as we actively invest in diversity training, workshops, and partnerships to ensure positive change.

Beyond our partnerships with the Automotive 30% Club and Women in Data (WiD), we collaborate with various organisations to advance equity not only in gender but also across ethnicity, age, disability, social mobility, LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and thinking. Our aspiration is to create an environment where everyone thrives, achieves, and experiences a genuine sense of belonging.

Recruitment process

We’re proud to manage our recruitment in-house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application! We’re continuously striving to improve the candidate journey, and transparency (or communication) is a key area of focus – yes, even with salary & benefits.

What can you expect from our recruitment process?

• Regular updates on the progress / outcome of your application
• An initial telephone screening call with our Recruitment Business Partner
• First interview with the hiring manager, usually via Teams
• Second/Final interview, in-person at our office (we may give you a role specific task to present on!)
• Personalised feedback following your interview – because everyone deserves that!
• An opportunity to give us your honest feedback in a short survey on all of the above

We’re committed to removing barriers. If there are any adjustments we can make to better support you, please let us know when you apply.

All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.

If you’re experiencing any issues with our career site or application from, please let us know here: [e-mail]