Cloud Engineer / Architect - Azure

We're currently looking for an experienced Cloud Engineer / Architect - Azure to join our IT team on a full-time, permanent basis to help deliver our Modern Workplace strategy.

This role can be based in Newcastle, Plymouth or Bristol and falls under our hybrid working policy. We would ask that you reside close enough to one of our office locations so that you can visit weekly/a few days a fortnight as per current working practices.

The team

First-class IT systems are absolutely key to the success of any business in today's commercial world and the legal sector is no exception. Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP prides itself on being at the forefront of technological advancements within the legal profession, something we've become well known for. To remain competitive in our markets, and to continue supporting our growth strategies, our team of dedicated IT professionals have a key role to play, ensuring the integrity of the IT infrastructure, development of new and existing systems and excellent support to all of our employees, and clients.

The role

Reporting directly to the Head of IT Infrastructure and Operations, this is a senior position that will act as the subject matter expert for Azure and Cloud technologies. The Cloud Engineer / Architect will take ownership of the implementation, configuration, development, security and operational support of the Firm's Microsoft Azure Cloud platform. Provide technical expertise and hands-on support for deploying and managing Cloud Services, Microsoft 365, Azure Stack, and integrations with third-party enterprise applications. Ensure solutions align with best practices, internal standards and cybersecurity requirements.

Duties include:

• Leads the implementation and support of Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 solutions, with a strong focus on security, scalability, and operational excellence.
• Provides expert-level engineering support for cloud migrations, hybrid integrations, and enterprise deployments across Azure and M365.
• Adhere to Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework.
• Maintains deep technical knowledge of Azure services, Microsoft 365 workloads, and third-party integrations, staying current with roadmap updates and new features.
• Authors and maintains comprehensive technical documentation including detailed system configurations, governance models, and operational procedures.
• Acts as a senior escalation point for Level 3/4 support, performing root cause analysis and driving long-term resolution of complex issues.
• Manages the technical scope, delivery timelines, and risk mitigation strategies for cloud engineering initiatives.
• Tracks and reports on engineering KPIs, system performance, and project milestones to stakeholders.
• Facilitates technical workshops and solution design sessions to align engineering efforts with business goals.
• Communicates and defends technical decisions, ensuring alignment with security, compliance, and operational standards.
• Collaborates with project delivery teams to plan and execute regular roadmaps for Azure and M365 service enhancements.
• Identifies opportunities to optimize business processes using Microsoft cloud tools and promotes their adoption across the organization.
• Designs and enhances solutions using SharePoint Online and Power Platform, enabling automation and collaboration.
• Champions the adoption of Microsoft roadmap features and integrates them into the cloud environment.
• Applies ITIL-aligned practices for change management, incident response, and service governance across cloud and hybrid infrastructure.
• Mentor junior engineers and develop proof-of-concepts to demonstrate the value of Azure and M365 technologies.
• Support Microsoft Dynamics technologies to assist with integration of 3rd party applications.

What we are looking for?

We're open to different industry backgrounds, so you do not necessarily need to have worked within the legal sector. What's most important is your expert knowledge, approach, attitude and ability to communicate your ideas and contribute to improving the future direction of our infrastructure journey.

• To be considered you must meet the minimum requirements of:
• You have a degree in Computer Science, Engineering, related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• You hold multiple Microsoft Cloud Architecture qualifications (Including AZ-305) and have demonstratable equivalent experience.
• You are certified in areas of Microsoft Cloud including Azure and M365.
• You have 8+ years of expertise in IT-engineering and system support.
• Previous experience in a specific Cloud based role around Azure stack and Office 365 focussed role.
• Azure architecture experience together with practical implementation skills
• Azure IaaS, SaaS and PaaS
• Ancillary applications (lists, planner, etc.)
• M365 Apps for Enterprise
• Azure, M365 tenant and cost centre monitoring
• Security & Compliance centre
• PowerShell and Bicep scripting (Infrastructure as code) skills required

In addition to your technical skills, we are looking for a candidate who has the right attitude, mindset and is driven, hungry to learn and able to excel in their area of expertise and is eager to contribute with a desire to be successful.

We are looking for a proactive and self-motivated individual who takes ownership of their work and understands its impact on business success. Organized and forward-thinking, you bring a 360-degree mindset to drive positive change while maintaining a team player attitude. With strong interpersonal and communication skills, you foster relationships at all levels, responding effectively to the needs of fee earners and key stakeholders. You collaborate closely with Business Analysts to identify, prioritize, and implement solutions that align with the firm's strategic goals. Additionally, you provide training, coaching, and mentoring, ensuring the continuous growth and development of IT team members