Azure Platform Engineer - £100K, Hedge Fund, Fully On-site

About the Role We're seeking an experienced Azure Cloud Infrastructure Engineer to join our team and play a critical role in designing, deploying, and managing secure, reliable, and scalable Azure infrastructure for a high-performing financial services environment. If you have a strong infrastructure background and hands-on expertise with Microsoft Azure and cloud automation, we'd love to hear from you. This role is ideal for someone who began their career in infrastructure or desktop support, later specialising in cloud and infrastructure engineering, and who is comfortable in dynamic, fast-paced settings. Your deep understanding of Microsoft ecosystems (Azure, M365, MS Exchange) and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) practices will help us transform our IT operations. Key Responsibilities Azure Infrastructure Management: Build and maintain a robust Azure environment, ensuring scalability, security, and reliability across our cloud platforms. Microsoft Ecosystem Expertise: Leverage your strong knowledge of Microsoft Azure, M365, and Exchange Online to support and enhance the organization's cloud services. Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Utilise IaC and Configuration-as-Code (CaaC) practices, working with tools like Terraform, Ansible, and GitHub Actions to streamline deployments and ensure configuration consistency. Automation and Monitoring: Implement automated workflows and monitoring solutions, ensuring peak performance and quick incident response. Core Cloud Services: Manage essential cloud components, including virtual networks, storage solutions, load balancers, VMs, databases, containers, messaging systems, serverless services, and logging/monitoring setups. Security & Compliance: Configure and manage security controls (firewalls, policies, IAM, encryption) to uphold security standards across Azure and Microsoft 365. Scripting: Develop and maintain scripts using PowerShell to automate tasks and streamline operations. Directory Services: Design, deploy, and support Active Directory and Azure AD solutions, including SSO, SCIM, and Intune integrations. Framework & Best Practices: Champion the Azure Cloud Adoption Framework and ensure best practices across Microsoft 365 and Exchange Online. Required Experience Microsoft Solutions: Extensive hands-on experience with deploying and managing Microsoft solutions. Cloud Transformation: Proven track record in transitioning traditional IT services to cloud environments, ideally within Microsoft Azure. Infrastructure Management: 5+ years of specialisation in Azure infrastructure, with a background in managing Microsoft Cloud and Exchange. Financial Services Experience: Background in investment management, hedge funds, or similar high-stakes industries is preferred. Essential Skills and Qualifications Certifications: Azure Administrator Associate certification and relevant M365 Identity/Security certifications are highly valued. Technical Proficiency: Core IaaS components (compute, storage, networking, hybrid environments) PaaS solutions like Azure App Services and SQL Services Identity and access management (Active Directory, ADFS, Azure AD, Conditional Access, and SSO) Operating Systems: Extensive knowledge of Windows Server and client operating systems; MCSA certification is a plus. Scripting and Automation: Proficient in PowerShell and Terraform. Networking: Experience with the full networking stack is beneficial, with CCENT and VCP preferred. What We're Looking For We're seeking a self-motivated, solution-driven professional who can work independently and effectively with minimal supervision. The ideal candidate would have: Strong communication skills, able to liaise across teams and with external providers. A proactive approach, taking full ownership of issues and driving them to resolution. A commitment to staying current with technology trends, especially within the Microsoft ecosystem. Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills. Interested parties please submit your application by uploading your up-to-date CV. Alternatively, please reach out to Brian Law at for a confidential discussion. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited 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 at (url removed)