Lead Cloud Architect – Defence & National Security Location : Basingstoke or Bracknell (Hybrid 1–3 Days Per Week) Salary : Up to £94,000 Job Type : Permanent A global leader in digital transformation and trusted IT services is seeking a seasoned Lead Cloud Architect to join its Defence & National Security division. This is a strategic, senior-level role ideal for a cloud expert with hands-on experience designing and implementing secure, scalable solutions across public and hybrid cloud environments. You’ll work at the intersection of architecture, innovation, and national defence—enabling critical transformation programmes that directly support UK security operations. Key Responsibilities: • Lead the design and delivery of secure cloud architectures across AWS, Azure, GCP, or Oracle Cloud Infrastructure • Translate customer requirements into scalable, compliant, and cost-effective cloud solutions • Drive pre-sales activity, contributing to RFI responses, bids, and customer solutioning workshops • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams including applications, infrastructure, security, and delivery functions • Advise customers on cloud transformation, adoption strategy, migration approaches, and integration models • Mentor and support the development of junior architects and engineers across the cloud practice • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of cloud trends, security standards, and automation tools • Create architectural documentation, operational procedures, and reference implementations Required Experience: • 5 years of hands-on experience architecting and delivering cloud solutions in secure, complex environments • Strong knowledge of IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and Infrastructure as Code (e.g., Terraform, Ansible, ARM, CloudFormation) • Familiarity with cloud governance, security frameworks, and regulatory standards (e.g., NCSC, CIS, ISO 27001) • Demonstrated success in designing enterprise-scale cloud platforms and DevOps-enabling architectures • Experience working with Agile teams and cross-functional project stakeholders • Relevant certifications in AWS, Azure, GCP, or OCI (highly desirable) • UK citizenship and eligibility for high-level UK security clearance (essential) Desirable: • Experience in public sector or defence-related cloud programmes • Working knowledge of hybrid environments, software-defined infrastructure, and CI/CD tooling • Experience integrating cloud platforms with legacy systems or private clouds • Ability to lead technical bid responses and shape architectural direction during pre-sales cycles Package Includes: • Up to £94,000 base salary • 15% Performance Bonus • 10% DV Clearance Bonus • £6,000 Car Allowance • Pension (10% company contribution) • Private Healthcare & Life Assurance • Flexible Hybrid Working (Fully remote possible outside of bid activity) Ready to design secure cloud solutions that make a real-world impact? Apply now or contact Declan Bryson at Anson McCade Recruitment on 07529 1612950 quoting the below reference. AMC/DB/CA/94