Cloud Architect

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. Role & Responsibilities
• 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. Technical Profile 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. Experience & Profile
• 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. Contactperson & Reference
• Reference #: INW28272
• Marilyn Weytens
• marilyn.weytens@i4m.be