Principal Cloud Architect

Principal Cloud Architect / Hybrid (Leeds) / up to 100,000 + 10% Bonus + Benefits We’re hiring a Principal Cloud Architect to join a leading organisation’s Technology and Enterprise Architecture function – a key leadership role responsible for maturing architectural capability, governing the cloud estate, and shaping the strategic direction across Cloud, M365, Data & AI, and Digital Workplace platforms. You’ll act as a trusted right‑hand to the Principal Enterprise Architect, helping define and deliver strategic direction while leading a small team of Cloud Architects. This is a pivotal opportunity to influence enterprise‑level transformation, establish architectural standards, and ensure cloud platforms are automated, secure, scalable, and future‑ready. What do we need from you? Strong architectural background (TOGAF‑aligned), with deep experience in Azure or AWS architecture Proven experience leading and developing teams – coaching Solution and Platform Architects to grow capability and maturity. Ability to translate business goals into actionable architectures and artefacts (HLDs, reference architectures, MVAs). Excellent communication and stakeholder skills, capable of bridging business and technology. Proven experience within an Agile, product‑centric environment. Experience maturing architecture operating models or governance frameworks in large, complex organisations. Nice to have: Exposure to Data & AI or Digital Workplace domains. Understanding of SaaS and product architecture evolution. Experience with evidence‑based architecture review or cloud fitness assessments. Role Overview: As Principal Cloud Architect, you’ll set and steer the organisation’s cloud direction, ensuring architectural integrity and alignment with business goals. You’ll oversee and mature a small team of Cloud Architects, guiding how solutions are designed, governed, and implemented across the enterprise. Acting as a key influencer across multiple domains, you’ll ensure architecture drives measurable business outcomes, partnering closely with Product, Platform, and IT leadership. This is both a strategic and hands‑on role ideal for a leader who enjoys balancing forward‑looking strategy with the technical depth to shape delivery. Key Focus Areas: Define, govern, and mature the organisation’s Cloud Architecture strategy. Lead and mentor a team of Cloud Architects building capability and consistency. Collaborate with Product and Platform teams to align technology to business priorities. Develop artefacts including reference architectures, high‑level designs, and MVAs. Introduce evidence‑based architecture governance, identifying and remediating technical debt. Drive automation and measurement of architecture performance and benefit realisation. Stay ahead of industry and cloud trends, guiding how new technologies (e.g., AI, Co‑Pilot, Agentive AI) are embedded within the business. What’s in it for you? Influence enterprise‑wide technology direction and shape how architecture evolves. Work at the forefront of cloud and SaaS transformation. Hybrid working in Leeds. Salary up to 100,000 + 10% bonus, 6% employer pension, PMI, and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ holiday. Join a culture that values collaboration, professional growth, and innovation. Be part of strategic projects impacting wider industry‑level initiatives from AI integration to industry‑shaping digital solutions. Applications for the role will close by Friday 31st October. If this role is of interest and you’d like to find out more, please get in touch with Dominic Brown / send your CV. #J-18808-Ljbffr