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
15
Salary range
£65k – £129k
Hiring companies
11

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

£65k – £129k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 42 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
21% of listings advertise a salary.
By seniority
£k base
Senior
60
120
24 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

15 live roles

See all 15 roles
Adecco logo

Cloud Architect x2 Manchester

Design and oversee enterprise cloud and infrastructure architecture primarily on Azure, ensuring secure, scalable integration of cloud services, databases, identity platforms, and SaaS solutions. Provide technical leadership across cloud, identity, and end-user computing while supporting large-scale cloud adoption and transformation initiatives. Collaborate with technical teams, vendors, and stakeholders to guide strategic technology decisions.

Adecco Manchester, United Kingdom £80,000 – £88,000 pa

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 Systems Architect

As a Cloud Solutions Architect, you will lead the technical vision and delivery of cloud solutions across Azure, AWS, and hybrid environments. You'll work closely with stakeholders to design scalable, secure, and resilient cloud architectures, manage infrastructure provisioning, and support cloud transformation initiatives.

BIOMETRIC TALENT Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8RE, United Kingdom £100,000 – £120,000 pa

Cloud Infrastructure Architect

Job Title: Cloud Infrastructure ArchitectLocation: Liverpool City Centre on a Hybrid working basisSalary: Up to £75,000 per annum DOEJob Type: Permanent, Full TimeWorking Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday 9.00am - 5.30pmAcorn is looking for a passionate Cloud Infrastructure Architect...

Acorn Insurance Liverpool, United Kingdom
Permanent
Experis logo

Private Cloud Architect

This role involves hands-on software engineering to build and maintain backend services, APIs, and automation tools for enterprise cybersecurity and data platforms. The engineer will work in a cloud environment using AWS or Azure, applying DevOps and SRE practices to ensure reliability, security, and scalability. Development is focused on production-grade systems using Go, Python, Java, or C#, with strong emphasis on automated testing, infrastructure as code, and CI/CD pipeline optimization.

Experis Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom £411 pd

Senior Architect Private Cloud

This role involves leading the design and evolution of a secure, scalable private cloud platform, with a focus on Kubernetes, event-driven architectures using Kafka, and infrastructure automation. The architect will establish technical standards, drive platform engineering practices like GitOps and IaC, and collaborate across security, SRE, and product teams. It requires deep expertise in distributed systems and hands-on leadership in enterprise cloud environments.

Randstad Technologies Recruitment Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom £500 – £550 pd
Hybrid Contract

AWS Security & Cloud Architect

Design and implement cloud-native security controls, observability, and automation for a high-volume enterprise platform using AWS services and Infrastructure as Code. Focus on defensive AI, bot mitigation, traffic analytics, and AI-assisted operational capabilities at scale.

Third Nexus Group Limited London, United Kingdom £400 – £450 pd

Principal AWS Cloud Architect - London, Manchester or Newcastle

AWS Principal Cloud Architect, Technology Consulting - London, Leeds, Manchester or Newcastle (3 days per week onsite)A leading technology consulting firm are recruiting for an experienced Principal Cloud Architect with expertise in AWS and cloud-native infrastructure working for different public...

Tenth Revolution Group London, United Kingdom £95,000 – £115,000 pa
Top hirers

Companies hiring cloud architects

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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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