Role Summary:

The Cloud Architect / Consultant SME will be responsible for conducting a detailed technical assessment of the client's current cloud deployment(s). Leveraging deep expertise in cloud architecture, services, security, and operational best practices, specifically within Vmware VCD. The SME will analyze the existing environment, identify configurations, evaluate against best practices, pinpoint risks and opportunities, and produce comprehensive documentation detailing the "As-Is" state. The Objective is to recommend an Active Active feasibility, roadmap and recommendation. The role requires a blend of deep technical knowledge and strong consultative & communication skills.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Discovery & Analysis:

o Lead discovery workshops and interviews with technical teams, application owners, finance (FinOps), and security stakeholders to understand the current cloud usage, business drivers, and operational context.

o Perform hands-on review and analysis of existing cloud environments across relevant platform(s) (e.g., Vmware VCD), including subscriptions/accounts, network topology (VPCs/VNets, subnets, routing, peering, load balancers), compute, storage, databases, IAM, security services, and deployed applications.

o Review existing architectural diagrams, technical documentation, security policies, and operational runbooks.

2. Assessment & Evaluation:

o Evaluate existing cloud architectures against established cloud best practices (e.g., Vmware VCD Well-Architected Frameworks) across pillars like operational excellence, security, reliability, performance efficiency, and cost optimization.

o Assess the current security posture, including identity & access management (IAM), network security controls (NSGs, Firewalls), data protection (encryption at rest/transit), vulnerability management integration, logging, and monitoring configurations.

o Evaluate operational practices, including monitoring/alerting setups, backup and recovery procedures and patching strategies.

3. Documentation & Reporting:

o Develop comprehensive "As-Is" assessment documentation, including detailed diagrams, configuration summaries, data flow descriptions, and inventory of key services for the assessed cloud environment(s).

o Clearly document all findings, identified gaps (vs. best practices), potential risks (security, operational, cost), and initial observations or opportunities.

o Prepare and deliver clear, concise reports and presentations summarizing the assessment findings for technical and business stakeholders to reach the ultimate goal Active Active Architecture.

4. Collaboration & Communication:

o Act as the primary technical point of contact for the cloud assessment activities.

o Collaborate effectively with client teams and internal project members.

o Translate complex technical findings into understandable business implications.

Requirements

• Deep Cloud Platform Expertise: Minimum 10+ years of hands-on experience in architecting, implementing, and/or managing solutions on at least one major public cloud platform (Vmware VCD), with significant depth in that platform's core services (compute, storage, networking, database, security, IAM). Experience across multiple clouds is highly advantageous.

• Cloud Architecture & Best Practices: Proven understanding and application of cloud architecture principles, design patterns, and best practices (e.g., Well-Architected Frameworks).

• Cloud Security: In-depth knowledge of cloud security concepts, controls, and best practices across identity, network, data protection, and threat detection/response.

• Cloud Networking: Strong grasp of cloud networking fundamentals (VPC/VNet design, subnets, routing, load balancing, DNS, VPN/Direct Connect/ExpressRoute).

• Cloud Governance & Cost Management: Experience with cloud governance frameworks, policy implementation, and cost optimization strategies/tools.

• Assessment / Consulting Experience: Demonstrable experience performing cloud assessments, readiness reviews, Well-Architected reviews, or similar consultative engagements.

Qualifications:

• Relevant third-level qualification in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or equivalent extensive practical experience.

• Highly desirable: Professional-level certifications on relevant cloud platform(s) (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Google Cloud Certified - Professional Cloud Architect).

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with hybrid or multi-cloud environments.

• Knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and related cloud services (EKS, AKS, GKE).

• Experience with cloud migration projects and methodologies.

• Experience within specific industries relevant to the client (e.g., Financial Services)

• Familiarity with specific compliance regimes (e.g., PCI-DSS, ISO 27001).

#LI-RK1