Lead Architect, Cloud
The Lead Architect, Cloud at WPP Media is a senior technical authority responsible for designing and implementing modern data platform solutions on Microsoft Azure. This role involves establishing CI/CD practices and guiding engineering teams to adhere to reference architectures and standards. The position is part of the Cloud Architecture team, collaborating closely with Data Engineering, Platform/DevOps, Security, and Client Delivery teams to ensure resilient, cost-effective, and compliant implementations.
Key responsibilities include leading the architecture and end-to-end delivery of Azure data platforms for clients, encompassing landing zones, networking, identity, and data platform services such as Azure Data Lake Storage, Synapse, and Databricks. The role also involves designing and implementing Azure Data Factory pipelines for data ingestion, transformation, and orchestration, as well as establishing CI/CD processes for data and infrastructure using Azure DevOps or GitHub. Additionally, the Lead Architect is tasked with defining and delivering infrastructure-as-code using Bicep and/or Terraform, implementing secure configurations, optimizing performance and cost, introducing DataOps practices, and defining monitoring and observability for pipelines and platforms.
The ideal candidate possesses hands-on experience in cloud data engineering and architecture with a focus on Microsoft Azure. Proven leadership as a lead or principal engineer or architect delivering Azure data platforms in client environments is essential. Expertise with Azure Data Factory and at least one of Synapse Analytics or Azure Databricks (Spark) is required. Strong CI/CD experience using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions for both infrastructure-as-code and data workloads is necessary, along with proficiency in infrastructure-as-code with Bicep and/or Terraform. Solid data engineering fundamentals, secure Azure configuration knowledge, and experience with observability and operations tools are also important. Excellent client-facing communication, architecture documentation, and stakeholder management skills are crucial.
WPP Media offers a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and connection. Employees have access to the global WPP network to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. The company provides a variety of employee resource groups and hosts frequent in-office events showcasing team achievements, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestones. Benefits include competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days. WPP Media is committed to fostering a culture of respect and equal opportunity, ensuring that all employees have the same opportunities to progress in their careers.