Cloud Security Architect - 6 months - Reading - £525/day

Cloud Security Architect - 6 months - Reading - £525/day

We are seeking an experienced Cloud Security Architect to join a global technology services organisation on a 6-month hybrid contract based in Reading (3 days per week on-site). The successful candidate will play a crucial role in designing, implementing, and maintaining secure cloud architectures across platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, ensuring cloud environments are resilient against cyber threats whilst meeting regulatory, compliance, and business requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the trusted technical security advisor for all cloud-hosted solutions, guiding teams on secure design, implementation, and risk treatment
• Define, maintain, and evolve Cloud Security Policies, Standards, and Principles, ensuring they translate into preventive, detective, reactive, and forensic controls
• Lead threat modelling for cloud workloads and platforms, driving risk-based security decisions and proportionate countermeasures
• Advise on the security of container platforms, Kubernetes, and microservices, including control design, assurance, and continuous improvement
• Perform independent security design reviews of new third-party cloud, SaaS, and on-premises solutions, identifying control gaps and recommending risk treatments
• Provide security assurance across the entire cloud solution landscape, ensuring consistent security overlay across identity, network, data, workload, and monitoring layers
• Work closely with architecture, DevOps, platform, and engineering teams to advise on secure patterns, reference architectures, and guardrails
• Oversee and assure cloud security compliance throughout the full project life cycle, from early design through build, test, and live operation
• Interpret secure architecture requirements and regulatory obligations into practical, implementable cloud security guidance

What You Will Ideally Bring:

• 7-10+ years of experience in a technical security lead or similar role
• Hands-on experience with at least one major cloud platform (AWS, Azure, or GCP), with strong knowledge of IAM, network security, and data protection
• Proven experience designing secure cloud architectures and translating security frameworks (NIST, ISO, CIS) and compliance standards into practical guidance
• Experience with DevSecOps practices, SIEM tools, and incident response

Desirable:

• Experience in multi-cloud or hybrid cloud environments; knowledge of container, Kubernetes, and serverless security; familiarity with CSPM, CASB, and CNAPP tools; Scripting skills in Python, PowerShell, or Bash; and relevant certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, or AWS/Azure Security

Contract Details:

• Duration: 6 months
• Rate: £525/day
• Location: Reading (Hybrid - 3 days on-site)
• Start Date: ASAP