Cloud Platform Consultant

Simpson Associates transforms raw data into actionable insights that drive positive change.

Our Microsoft data expertise, our specialist sector knowledge, plus our innovative and trusted advice and guidance are just some of the reasons clients choose to work with us.

Our mission is to help purpose-led organisations across the public and private sectors harness data as a lever for change and realise business value more quickly. We provide the full range of services to support organisations on their data transformation journey. From advisory support and data strategy, to developing Data & AI solutions, right through to providing a range of managed services.

We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner, holding Specialisations in AI Platform on Microsoft Azure, Analytics on Microsoft Azure, Data Warehouse Migration to Microsoft Azure and Migrate Enterprise Applications to Microsoft Azure, as well as holding Solutions Partner designations in Data & AI (Azure); Digital & App Innovation (Azure); Infrastructure (Azure) and Security.

But it's not just about the badges. We are proud to be recognised as the winner of the 2024 Microsoft Community Response Partner of the Year award, reflecting our dedication to using technology for positive change. We are also a Databricks partner, and an IBM Gold Partner, specialising in Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics.

With offices in York and Sheffield, and a team based throughout the UK – we champion creativity, innovation and collaboration in the workplace.

The Role

As a Cloud Platform Consultant within the Cloud Platform and Security Team, you will be responsible for designing, deploying, and managing cloud infrastructure solutions on the Microsoft Azure platform. Your role will involve architecting cloud environments, implementing infrastructure as code and optimising cloud resources for performance and cost-efficiency. You will also develop a growing awareness of security best practices across cloud workloads, working alongside our security specialists to ensure solutions meet our clients’ security and compliance requirements.

You will provide expert guidance on cloud strategy, assist in cloud migration and modernisation projects, and ensure that our clients’ needs are met with the highest standards of service. You will collaborate closely with our Cloud Platform and Security Team colleagues, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing. Excellent stakeholder management skills are essential as you will interact with a broad spectrum of customers and internal team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement Azure cloud infrastructure solutions, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security.
• Manage and optimise Azure resources for cost and performance efficiency.
• Support cloud migration projects, including planning, execution, and post-migration support.
• Implement and manage a range of Azure services such as Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Storage, Azure Databricks, Microsoft Sentinel and more.
• Automate deployment and management processes using Azure Bicep (infrastructure as code) and by utilising tools such as Azure CLI and Azure DevOps.
• Monitor and troubleshoot cloud infrastructure to ensure high availability and performance.
• Ensure compliance with security best practices and policies in the cloud environment, working in partnership with the security specialists within the Cloud Platform and Security Team.
• Provide ongoing support and maintenance for cloud infrastructure.
• Participate in the on-call rota, supporting our managed service customers.
• Develop and maintain internal policies, procedures, standards, baselines, and guidelines where applicable.

Technical Requirements

• Experience with Cloud networking, including Virtual Networks and Azure Firewall.
• Experience with Azure DevOps and infrastructure as code, such as Azure Bicep and Terraform.
• Experience in deploying a broad range of Azure resource types, including (not limited to) Storage accounts, Virtual machines, Synapse Databricks.
• Strong scripting skills in PowerShell, Python, or similar.
• Hands-on experience with continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines.
• Working knowledge of Azure services.
• Familiarity with version control systems, especially Git.
• Experience with monitoring tools such as Azure Monitor, Application Insights, or similar.
• Knowledge of security best practices in cloud environments.
• Understanding of network setup and configuration in Azure.
• Working familiarity with Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender services, and an interest in developing deeper security skills as part of the Cloud Platform and Security Team.
• Familiarity with the Cloud Adoption Framework and the Azure Landing Zone conceptual architecture.
• Experience configuring and administrating Identity and Access Management tooling such as Active Directory and EntraID.

Skills and Attributes Required

• A natural problem solver with excellent troubleshooting skills.
• The ability to prioritise workload under pressure and deliver to tight deadlines.
• Strong team player with excellent communication skills.
• Enthusiastic, confident, and proactive.
• Pleasant, friendly, and approachable manner, with empathy for customers.

Advantageous Qualifications and Skills

• Microsoft 365 and related services.
• Microsoft Defender suite.
• Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Sentinel.
• Atlassian Jira.
• Microsoft certifications AZ-104, AZ-400, AZ-305, AZ-500 and SC-200.
• Presenting Skills and Confidence, speaking in front of an audience

Due to the nature of our work, successful applicants will need to successfully complete the relevant security clearance.

Simpson Associates reserves the right to close the recruitment process at any time.