Senior Azure Cloud Governance Architect

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Azure Cloud Governance Architect to lead enterprise-wide cloud governance initiatives across complex Microsoft Azure environments. This role will be responsible for defining cloud governance strategy, security controls, operational standards, and compliance frameworks to support large-scale cloud transformation programs.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Azure architecture, governance automation, security, identity management, and enterprise cloud operating models. This position requires strong leadership, stakeholder management, and hands-on technical capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of enterprise-scale Azure Cloud Governance frameworks
• Define and enforce standards for:
  • Azure Management Groups
  • Subscription strategy
  • RBAC and IAM governance
  • Tagging and resource organization
  • Policy and compliance management
• Architect and implement scalable Azure Landing Zones aligned with Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework (CAF)
• Drive governance automation using:
  • Azure Policy
  • ARM Templates
  • Bicep
  • Terraform
  • PowerShell
• Establish cloud security guardrails and compliance controls across Azure environments
• Collaborate with Security, Infrastructure, DevOps, and Application teams to ensure secure cloud adoption
• Lead initiatives related to:
  • FinOps and cloud cost optimization
  • Resource standardization
  • Risk mitigation
  • Operational governance
• Design governance strategies for hybrid and multi-subscription Azure environments
• Implement enterprise identity governance using Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)
• Support cloud audit readiness and compliance initiatives including SOC2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and ISO standards
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to cloud engineering and operations teams
• Participate in cloud architecture reviews and strategic planning sessions

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of IT Infrastructure / Cloud experience
• 7+ years of hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure
• 5+ years specifically focused on Azure Governance and Cloud Architecture
• Strong expertise in:
  • Azure Policy
  • Azure Blueprints
  • Management Groups
  • RBAC / IAM
  • Azure Landing Zones
  • Governance at enterprise scale
• Advanced experience with Infrastructure as Code:
  • Terraform
  • ARM Templates
  • Bicep
• Strong understanding of:
  • Cloud security architecture
  • Zero Trust principles
  • Governance automation
  • Compliance and audit frameworks
• Experience implementing and managing:
  • Microsoft Defender for Cloud
  • Azure Monitor
  • Log Analytics
  • Sentinel (preferred)
• Experience working within large enterprise or highly regulated environments
• Strong scripting and automation experience using PowerShell, Python, or Bash
• Excellent communication, documentation, and stakeholder management skills

Preferred Certifications

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
• Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400)
• Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator (SC-300)
• CISSP, CCSP, or equivalent cloud/security certifications preferred

Preferred Experience

• Multi-cloud governance exposure (AWS/Google Cloud Platform)
• Experience leading cloud transformation programs
• Experience with enterprise FinOps strategy and governance
• Experience establishing Cloud Center of Excellence (CCOE)