Role Description The Azure Cloud Architect owns the design, security, governance, cost and reliability of Apollo's Azure cloud platforms, which host 80%+ of enterprise applications including MedMantra and the modernisation programme. The role defines cloud architecture standards, leads migrations, establishes governance, and ensures the cloud estate meets business-mandated uptime, security and cost objectives.

Detailed Job Responsibility & Accountabilities

- Define cloud strategy, migration approach and governance framework for Azure.
- Design and implement architecture for high availability and disaster recovery across availability zones and regions.
- Drive containerization using Docker and Kubernetes (AKS); standardise AKS cluster topologies and deployment patterns.
- Design and implement CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps in partnership with the DevOps Manager.
- Configure monitoring, logging and cost governance; establish guardrails through Azure Policy, Azure Purview, Entra and Defender for Cloud.
- Implement auto-scaling, load balancing and performance optimization strategies.
- Drive cost optimization right-sizing, Reserved Instances, Savings Plans, FinOps practices.
- Partner with Security and Network teams to implement Zero Trust architecture on Azure.
- Maintain Git repositories, branching strategies and IaC libraries.
- Implement security best practices for identity, data, network and compute in Azure.




- Support 24x7 cloud operations model through architecture that is operable, observable and auto-healing.
- Evaluate new Azure services and recommend adoption where beneficial.

Desired Skills & Competencies

- Must have 10+ years in cloud architecture with 5+ years deep on Microsoft Azure.
- Must have certifications: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305), Azure Administrator (AZ-104); DevOps Engineer (AZ-400) preferred.
- Must have deep hands-on experience with AKS, App Services, API Management, Functions, Event Hub, Cosmos DB, Azure SQL, PostgreSQL, Storage, Networking.
- Must have experience with IaC (Terraform, Bicep, ARM), Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions.
- Must have experience with cloud security (Defender for Cloud, Key Vault, Entra ID) and FinOps.
- Preferred exposure to healthcare compliance on cloud (DPDP, HIPAA, HITRUST).

Job Performance Parameters

- Availability SLO attainment for Azure-hosted applications
- Azure Secure Score improvement quarter-over-quarter
- Cloud cost optimization (% savings)
- Successful migration and modernisation milestones
- Architecture standards compliance for current workloads
- DR readiness and tested RTO/RPO

Managerial and Behavioral Competencies

- Long term effective decision making
- Should have very good leadership and influential skills
- Effective Communication
- Team Building & Leadership
- Continuous learning on evolving cloud services

📌 Azure Cloud Architect - Information Technology (Chennai)
🏢 Apollo Hospitals
📍 Chennai