Associate Director Azure Architect

Posted:
8/5/2024, 9:35:34 PM

Location(s):
Karnataka, India

Experience Level(s):
Expert or higher ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
DevOps & Infrastructure ⋅ Software Engineering

Ready to help shape the future of healthcare?

GSK is a global biopharma company with a special purpose – to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together – so we can positively impact the health of billions of people and deliver stronger, more sustainable shareholder returns – as an organization where people can thrive. Getting ahead means preventing disease as well as treating it, and we aim to impact the health of 2.5 billion people around the world over 10 years. Our success absolutely depends on our people. While getting ahead of disease together is about our ambition for patients and shareholders, it’s also about making GSK a place where people can thrive. We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they can be themselves – feeling welcome, valued and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together

Job Purpose:

The Azure Architect is responsible for designing and implementing scalable, secure, and resilient Azure cloud solutions. This role involves leading a team of Cloud DevOps Engineers, providing architectural oversight, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals and industry best practices. The Azure Architect will collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to drive cloud strategy, optimize infrastructure, and ensure seamless integration of Azure services to support business operations. Additionally, this role will lead the IT/OT integration architecture by adhering to OT architecture principles and work with the OT Security team to integrate Cloud Native services in OT. The ideal candidate will possess an entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrating innovative thinking, proactive leadership, and business acumen.

Why is this job critical?

This job is critical because it provides strategic leadership and architectural expertise to ensure the effective use of Azure cloud technologies. The Azure Architect's role is pivotal in designing robust cloud solutions, optimizing performance, ensuring security and compliance, and implementing cloud governance. By leading the Cloud DevOps Engineers, the Azure Architect ensures that infrastructure and applications are delivered efficiently, reliably, and securely, supporting the organization’s ability to innovate and respond to market demands. Additionally, the Azure Architect plays a crucial role in integrating IT and OT systems, enhancing overall operational efficiency and security.

Responsibilities:

Architectural Design and Strategy:

  • Develop and implement Azure cloud architecture strategies that align with business objectives.
  • Design scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud solutions to meet current and future business needs.
  • Lead the IT/OT integration architecture by adhering to OT architecture principles.
  • Foster innovation and entrepreneurial thinking within the team to drive unique solutions.
  • Design cloud-native architectures leveraging Azure services and best practices.

Leadership and Team Management:

  • Lead and mentor a team of Cloud DevOps Engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of CI/CD pipelines, IaC, and other cloud automation processes.
  • Drive talent development initiatives and continuous learning opportunities within the team.
  • Lead troubleshooting of application issues, working closely with infrastructure teams and application owners.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:

  • Work closely with application owners, IT/OT teams, and other stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into effective cloud solutions.
  • Facilitate collaboration between teams to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues.
  • Act as a strategic advisor to the Application Team on cloud strategy and technology trends.
  • Form and lead the Center of Excellence team for cloud governance, collaborating with other Business Unit Architects and the infrastructure team to drive improvements and address process gaps.

Cloud Cost Optimization:

  • Collaborate with application owners to optimize the current architecture to drive cloud cost optimization.
  • Lead cloud cost optimization by setting up policies and SOPs for cloud cost-saving configurations and policies.
  • Monitor and report on cloud spending, identifying opportunities for cost savings.

Security and Compliance:

  • Ensure all cloud solutions adhere to security best practices and compliance standards.
  • Lead and drive collaboration with the security team to ensure segmentation of security responsibilities.
  • Ensure security and compliance in the integration of IT and OT systems.

Cloud Governance:

  • Develop and enforce cloud governance policies to ensure proper use of cloud resources in collaboration with the central infrastructure team.
  • Implement governance frameworks that include policies for cost management, security, compliance, and operational excellence.
  • Monitor compliance with governance policies and adjust strategies as needed to address any deviations.

Technical Expertise:

  • Provide deep technical expertise in Azure services and tools, guiding the team in best practices and advanced solutions.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for complex technical issues and provide hands-on support when necessary.

Desired Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
  • Total years of experience in 16+ years and minimum of 10+ years of experience in cloud architecture and design, with a focus on Azure.
  • Proven experience in leading and managing technical teams with an entrepreneurial approach.

Technical Skills:

  • Extensive knowledge of Azure services and tools, including Azure DevOps, Azure CLI, ARM templates, and Azure Resource Manager.
  • Expertise in designing and managing CI/CD pipelines and Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
  • Proficient in scripting and automation using Python and Azure Python SDK.
  • Strong experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and orchestration technologies.
  • Advanced understanding of security, compliance, and risk management in cloud environments.

Soft Skills:

  • Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.
  • Proven track record of driving innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Demonstrates an entrepreneurial spirit with a proactive and self-driven mindset.

Certifications:

  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert is highly desirable.
  • Other relevant certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert or Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate are a plus.

At GSK we value diversity (Gender, LGBTQ +, PwD etc.) and treat all candidates equally. We aim to create an inclusive workplace where all employees feel engaged, supportive of one another, and know their work makes an important contribution.

#LI-GSK

Why GSK?

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

GSK is a global biopharma company with a special purpose – to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together – so we can positively impact the health of billions of people and deliver stronger, more sustainable shareholder returns – as an organisation where people can thrive. We prevent and treat disease with vaccines, specialty and general medicines. We focus on the science of the immune system and the use of new platform and data technologies, investing in four core therapeutic areas (infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/ immunology and oncology).

Our success absolutely depends on our people. While getting ahead of disease together is about our ambition for patients and shareholders, it’s also about making GSK a place where people can thrive. We want GSK to be a place where people feel inspired, encouraged and challenged to be the best they can be. A place where they can be themselves – feeling welcome, valued, and included. Where they can keep growing and look after their wellbeing. So, if you share our ambition, join us at this exciting moment in our journey to get Ahead Together.

  
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Glaxosmithkline Plc

Website: https://gsk.com/

Headquarter Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Employee Count: 10001+

Year Founded: 1929

IPO Status: Public

Last Funding Type: Grant

Industries: Biotechnology ⋅ Health Care ⋅ Pharmaceutical