Lead Cloud Azure Architect – Harnham – Almere

Job Description: Lead Azure Cloud architect

Position: Azure Data Architect/IT operations manager

Location: Amsterdam

Employment Type: [Full-time/Contract]

This company is looking for an experienced hire: an IT operations manager who is broad on infrastructure, has leadership experience and has also worked as an architect.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Microsoft’s Cloud Adoption Framework (CAF), enterprise-scale landing zone design, and the ability to navigate the complexities of large-scale, multi-region environments.

• Architect and implement enterprise-scale Azure data landing zones that support global operations, ensuring scalability, performance, and security across multiple regions.
• Collaborate with global business and IT stakeholders to design data platforms aligned to corporate strategy and industry best practices.
• Define and enforce governance, compliance, and security standards (e.g., RBAC, encryption, data residency, privacy regulations).
• Establish repeatable frameworks and patterns for data ingestion, transformation, storage, and analytics in large-scale environments.
• Partner with engineering teams to deliver end-to-end data solutions using Azure services (Data Lake, Synapse, Databricks, Data Factory, Purview, Event Hubs, Azure SQL).
• Lead data modernization initiatives, including cloud migrations from legacy and hybrid environments.
• Optimize for global scale and performance, including multi-region replication, disaster recovery, and cost management.
• Mentor teams and provide architectural leadership across multiple business units and time zones.
• Stay at the forefront of Azure innovations, driving adoption of new features and services to improve enterprise capabilities.

• 10+ years of experience in data architecture, with at least 5+ years building solutions on Azure.
• Leadership knowledge preferred.
• Proven experience designing and deploying Azure Landing Zones at enterprise scale.
• Hands‑on expertise with Azure Data Services: Data Lake, Synapse, Databricks, Data Factory, Event Hub, Azure SQL/MI, and Purview.
• Strong knowledge of global-scale architecture, including data residency, sovereignty, and compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.).
• Experience managing large, multi-region cloud environments in a global enterprise.
• Proficiency with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform/Bicep/ARM) and DevOps practices for data platform deployment.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and communicate complex technical concepts clearly.
• Preferred certifications: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure Data Engineer Associate, Azure Security Engineer Associate.

• Play a strategic role in shaping a global Azure data platform at enterprise scale.
• Work with cutting‑edge cloud, data, and AI technologies in a complex, international environment.
• Collaborate with a diverse team across multiple regions, impacting business decisions worldwide.
• Competitive compensation, global career growth opportunities, and a culture of innovation.