Hays Talent Solutions
Preston, Lancashire
31/03/2026
Contractor
Experienced SC Cleared Azure Engineer is required to build, operate, and optimise cloud infrastructure and platform services within Microsoft Azure.The role will work closely with architecture, security, and application teams to ensure secure, scalable, and reliable cloud delivery. Start: May Initial Term: 6 months, with a further 6-month extension Location: On-site in Preston for the first 3 months, then remote Inside IR35 Key Responsibilities Cloud Engineering & Delivery Design, deploy, and maintain Azure cloud infrastructure using Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools. Configure and support Azure networking, platform services, and resource provisioning. Drive automation, standardisation, and optimisation across the Azure environment. Operational Support Provide expert operational support, including 3rd-line incident investigation and resolution. Perform routine maintenance such as patching, upgrades, and proactive platform health checks. Security & Governance Implement and manage Azure security controls, including RBAC, Policies, network security, and governance frameworks. Ensure adherence to cloud security standards and best practices. Technical Skills & Experience Strong proficiency with PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Infrastructure-as-Code. Experience managing CI/CD pipelines and supporting AKS (Azure Kubernetes Service) and container registries. Deep understanding of Azure core services: governance, networking, monitoring, identity integrations, and cost management. Professional Skills Strong hands-on engineering capabilities with the ability to troubleshoot and solve complex technical issues. Effective communicator able to collaborate across architecture, security, and application teams. Demonstrated ability to adopt emerging Azure technologies and work within large enterprise cloud environments. Qualifications SC Clearance (mandatory). Azure Administrator Associate certification or equivalent experience. Additional Azure certifications in networking, security, or architecture are highly desirable. Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with Azure platform advancements. Hays Talent Solutions is a trading division of Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited and acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found on our website.