Senior Cloud Architect (Azure)

Praesignis; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1 000 000 - 1 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology consultancy in Durban is looking for a Senior Azure Cloud Architect who will be responsible for designing secure and scalable cloud solutions. This role involves direct engagement with stakeholders, translating business needs into architectural designs, and guiding engineering teams throughout the delivery process. The ideal candidate should have more than 8 years in IT, with significant experience in cloud architecture, particularly in Azure, and hold relevant certifications. A collaborative mindset and excellent communication skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in Azure cloud architectures and components.
• Strong hands-on experience designing Azure solutions at enterprise scale.
• Experience in regulated environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of secure, scalable cloud solutions.
• Review and approve solution designs and implementations.
• Translate complex cloud concepts into business-friendly language.

Skills

Azure Virtual Networks

Azure AD / Entra ID

Infrastructure as Code

Hybrid connectivity

Networking and security architecture

Education

8+ years in IT with 5+ years in cloud architecture

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

Azure Security Engineer Associate

Tools

Bicep

ARM

Terraform

Azure SQL

Job description

Job Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Application Deadline: February 28, 2026

Job Description

• We are seeking a Senior Azure Cloud Architect to lead the design and delivery of secure, scalable, and enterprise-grade cloud solutions. This role requires a technically strong architect who is equally confident engaging with senior stakeholders, translating business requirements into cloud architecture, and guiding engineering teams through delivery.
• The ideal candidate is hands-on where needed, but primarily operates at architecture, design, and decision-making level.

Key Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end Azure cloud architectures aligned to business and technical requirements
• Define cloud landing zones, network topology, identity, and security models
• Produce architecture diagrams, standards, and reference models
• Review and approve solution designs and implementations

Cloud Architecture & Design

• Design end-to-end Azure cloud architectures aligned to business and technical requirements
• Define cloud landing zones, network topology, identity, and security models
• Produce architecture diagrams, standards, and reference models
• Review and approve solution designs and implementations

Azure Platform & Core Services

Deep expertise in:

• Azure Virtual Networks, VPN, ExpressRoute
• Azure AD / Entra ID, RBAC, Conditional Access
• Compute (VMs, App Services, AKS, Functions)
• Storage (Blob, Files, Disk, Backup)
• Azure SQL, Managed Instance, Cosmos DB
• Design high availability, disaster recovery, and resilience strategies

Security, Governance & Compliance

• Embed security-by-design principles into all architectures
• Implement governance using:
• Azure Policy
• Management Groups
• Blueprints / Landing Zones
• Ensure alignment with enterprise security and compliance standards

DevOps & Automation

• Guide teams on Infrastructure as Code using:
• Bicep, ARM, or Terraform
• Work closely with DevOps teams to align CI/CD pipelines to architecture standards
• Promote automation, consistency, and cost optimisation

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication (Critical)

• Act as a trusted advisor to business and technical stakeholders
• Translate complex cloud concepts into clear, business-friendly language
• Lead architecture workshops, design sessions, and technical reviews
• Influence decision-making across teams and leadership

Required Experience & Skills

Technical

• 8+ years in IT, with 5+ years in cloud architecture
• Strong hands-on experience designing Azure solutions at enterprise scale
• Proven experience with:
• Azure Landing Zones
• Hybrid connectivity (on-prem to Azure)
• Identity & access management
• Networking and security architecture
• Experience in regulated or enterprise environments (finance, insurance, telco, government preferred)

Communication & Leadership

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Confident presenting to senior stakeholders
• Ability to challenge designs constructively and defend architectural decisions
• Comfortable working across business, security, and engineering teams

Preferred Certifications

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• Azure Security Engineer Associate
• TOGAF or equivalent architecture framework (advantageous)