Cloud Architect Jobs

Design and optimise cloud infrastructure to support scalable, secure, and efficient applications. A critical role in driving digital transformation and innovation.

Open roles
11
Salary range
£64k – £122k
Hiring companies
10

Cloud Architects are the visionaries behind the design and implementation of cloud infrastructure. They work closely with development teams, stakeholders, and clients to create robust, scalable, and secure cloud solutions. In the UK, Cloud Architects are in high demand, particularly in tech hubs like London, Manchester, and Cambridge, where they are hired by scaleups, research-heavy startups, and the larger consultancies. Their work involves a deep understanding of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP, and they play a crucial role in driving digital transformation and innovation.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Cloud Architect

A typical week for a Cloud Architect is a mix of strategic planning, technical design, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

  1. 01
    Design and optimise cloud infrastructure for scalability and security.
  2. 02
    Collaborate with development teams to integrate cloud services.
  3. 03
    Conduct architecture reviews and provide technical guidance.
  4. 04
    Monitor and improve cloud performance and cost efficiency.
  5. 05
    Stay updated with the latest cloud technologies and best practices.
Salary on the board

£64k – £122k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 39 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
20% of listings advertise a salary.
By seniority
£k base
Senior
60
120
23 jobs
Lead
74
118
5 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 28 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

AWS
68%
Azure
54%
CI/CD
39%
Terraform
36%
Cloud Architecture
36%
Infrastructure as Code
32%
Kubernetes
25%
DevOps
21%
GCP
18%
Cloud Governance
18%
Cloud Security
18%
Technical Governance
18%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for cloud architects. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Cloud Architect

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in the design and implementation of cloud solutions, working under the guidance of senior architects.

  2. Level 2

    Cloud Architect

    3–5 yrs

    Lead the design and implementation of cloud infrastructure, ensuring scalability, security, and performance.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Cloud Architect

    6–8 yrs

    Oversee multiple cloud projects, provide strategic direction, and mentor junior architects.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Cloud Architect

    9+ yrs

    Drive the overall cloud strategy, influence organisational direction, and lead a team of cloud architects.

Pathway

How to become a Cloud Architect

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Learn cloud fundamentals

    Start with foundational courses and certifications in cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP.

  2. 2

    Gain practical experience

    Work on cloud projects, either in a junior role or through personal projects, to build hands-on skills.

  3. 3

    Specialise in cloud architecture

    Focus on advanced cloud architecture concepts, such as design patterns, security, and cost optimisation.

  4. 4

    Lead cloud projects

    Take on leadership roles in cloud projects, guiding teams and ensuring successful delivery.

  5. 5

    Influence cloud strategy

    Shape the cloud strategy for your organisation, providing strategic direction and thought leadership.

  6. 6

    Mentor and train others

    Share your expertise by mentoring junior architects and contributing to the broader cloud community.

Live jobs

11 live roles

See all 11 roles

Cloud Architect

Design and implement scalable Azure cloud solutions while driving adoption of the Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework. Develop Infrastructure as Code using Terraform, support CI/CD automation, and establish cloud governance and security standards in collaboration with engineering teams. Focus on modern deployment practices and organisational cloud strategy.

Hays Technology Cardiff, South Glamorgan, CF10 2AF, United Kingdom £500 – £600 pd

Cloud Architect (Azure/GCP)

This role involves designing and implementing cloud architectures across Azure and GCP as part of a major cloud transformation in a financial services organisation. The Cloud Architect will lead application modernisation, drive adoption of infrastructure-as-code, Kubernetes, and CI/CD, and define standards for security, networking, and resilience. The position requires strong technical leadership and experience in regulated banking environments.

Synapri London, United Kingdom £1 pa

Cloud Architect - eDV Cleared

Design and implement secure, scalable cloud architectures for national security environments, focusing on compliance, resilience, and integration within high-side IT systems. Lead technical decision-making and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver cloud-native solutions using Infrastructure as Code and DevSecOps practices. Work in a highly regulated setting with complex, mission-critical infrastructure challenges.

Searchability NS&D London, United Kingdom £65,000 – £100,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Cloud Infrastructure Architect

This role involves designing and implementing cloud architectures across compute, storage, networking, and identity, while leading the development of cloud standards and governance frameworks. You will work closely with engineering, security, and platform teams to drive infrastructure modernization and support the migration of on-premise workloads to the cloud, ensuring secure, scalable, and cost-optimized environments.

Zachary Daniels Recruitment Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom £70,000 – £75,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent
Experis logo

Private Cloud Architect

This role involves providing technical leadership for a private cloud platform, focusing on virtualisation, Kubernetes, and Kafka-based event streaming. The architect will define engineering standards, drive platform evolution, and enable secure, scalable microservices. Emphasis is placed on automation, operational excellence, and improving developer experience through self-service and reusable patterns.

Experis United Kingdom £525 – £550 pd
Hybrid Contract

Lead Cloud Architect

As a Lead Cloud Architect, you will play a pivotal role in a major enterprise-wide digital transformation programme, focusing on Azure-based cloud transformations. You will champion cloud adoption, build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, and provide architectural leadership across multiple programmes and platforms.

TRIA London, United Kingdom £750 – £900 pd
Hybrid Contract

GCP Cloud Architect (Banking Domain)

Design and lead the implementation of secure, scalable cloud architectures on GCP and Azure for major banking clients in highly regulated environments. Drive cloud-native transformation using Infrastructure as Code, Kubernetes, and modern DevOps practices. Collaborate with stakeholders to define cloud strategy, governance, and platform resilience.

83zero London, City And County Of the City Of London, United Kingdom £90,000 – £100,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

GCP Cloud Architect

Design and lead the delivery of secure, scalable GCP cloud platforms within a highly regulated banking environment, shaping cloud strategy and automation standards. Focus on enterprise-scale Landing Zone design, infrastructure as code using Terraform, and container orchestration with GKE and AKS. Collaborate on CI/CD pipelines and enforce governance through policy-as-code frameworks.

83zero London, City And County Of the City Of London, United Kingdom £90,000 – £110,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

FAQs

Common questions

  • A degree in computer science or a related field is beneficial, along with relevant certifications and practical experience.

  • Key skills include cloud platform expertise, system design, security, cost optimisation, and strong communication and leadership abilities.

  • The typical progression is from Junior Cloud Architect to Cloud Architect, Senior Cloud Architect, and finally Principal Cloud Architect.

  • Salaries vary based on experience and location. For more detailed information, refer to the salary section on this page.

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