Cloud Architect

Function

We’re looking for a Senior Cloud Architect to join our client’s organization and shape the strategic direction of its cloud and hosting landscape. This is a senior advisory role focused on defining how cloud and hosting technologies can be used securely, sustainably, cost-effectively and in line with regulatory requirements. You will determine, together with key stakeholders, where different types of data and workloads should reside across on-premise infrastructure, private cloud, IaaS, PaaS and SaaS. The role is strategic rather than implementation-focused: solution architecture and technical delivery remain with the relevant architecture, platform and engineering teams.

• Analyze the current cloud and hosting landscape and define target architectures and migration pathways.

• Develop a multi-year cloud and hosting roadmap, cloud operating model and strategic architecture principles.

• Establish reference architectures, governance frameworks and practical guardrails at both high and detailed levels.

• Define a framework for workload and data placement across on-premise, private cloud, IaaS, PaaS and SaaS environments.

• Translate regulatory requirements, data classification and organizational security requirements into actionable architecture principles.

• Assess SaaS solutions, including data location, access rights, contractual considerations, exit strategies and vendor dependencies.

• Establish minimum requirements for logging, auditability, encryption, key management and data residency.

• Apply FinOps principles to cloud cost management and establish KPIs covering cost, security, availability and migration progress.

• Prepare and support risk-acceptance decisions for relevant governance bodies.

• Work closely with IT, security and operational teams to translate their needs into sustainable architecture decisions.

• Proactively engage partners and stakeholders and facilitate collaboration between different architecture disciplines.

• Produce clear, non-technical advisory documents to support investment, sourcing, risk and prioritization decisions.

The ideal candidate combines strong cloud architecture expertise with a solid understanding of security, governance and operational considerations:

• Azure cloud architecture, including IaaS/PaaS, landing zones, subscriptions, management groups and resource governance.

• Hybrid infrastructure, including ExpressRoute/VPN, WAN, networking and on-premise data centers.

• SaaS and cloud service models, including shared-responsibility principles, data residency, access management, contractual considerations and exit strategies.

• Cloud security concepts such as Zero Trust, Security by Design, IAM, Entra ID, RBAC and PIM.

• Encryption, key management, logging, auditability and security governance.

• FinOps, Infrastructure as Code, automation, monitoring, containers and business continuity/disaster recovery.

• Data sovereignty, vendor lock-in, exit strategies and data classification.

• General understanding of GRC, NIS2 and GDPR requirements in relation to cloud and hosting architecture.

• Senior strategic profile with extensive experience in cloud architecture, operating models and technology governance.

• Strong expertise across both cloud architecture and cybersecurity, with the maturity to balance infrastructure, security, operational and business considerations.

• Proven ability to operate autonomously under broad direction and provide trusted strategic advice to decision-makers.

• Strong analytical and pragmatic approach, with the ability to translate complex technical subjects into clear recommendations for non-technical stakeholders.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across both strategic and technical audiences.

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build trust with engineering teams, partners, security specialists and other architects.

• Dutch or French is required; bilingual proficiency is a strong advantage. English is also required.

• Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience.

• Certifications such as Azure Solutions Architect Expert, TOGAF, SABSA, FinOps or cloud security certifications are considered an advantage.

• Reference #: INW28272
• Marilyn Weytens
• marilyn.weytens@i4m.be