Azure Technical Specialist

SUMMARY:
PURPOSE:

We are looking for a highly skilled Azure Technical Specialist to join our team. This role is ideal for a technical professional who excels in deploying Azure Landing Zones, Azure migrations, and modernization initiatives while having a strong grasp of security best practices. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and optimize Azure solutions. Experience with Azure AI services is a plus.

POSITION INFO:
EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of hands-on experience with Azure cloud services.
• Expertise in deploying and managing Azure Landing Zones and cloud-native architectures.
• Strong experience in Azure migration and modernization, including workload assessments and migrations using Azure Migrate, ASR, or other migration tools.
• Solid understanding of Azure security best practices, including Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Sentinel, and Zero Trust.
• Proficiency in Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates.
• Hands-on experience with Azure Networking (VNets, ExpressRoute, VPN Gateway, Firewalls, NSGs, Private Link, and Peering).
• Strong automation skills with PowerShell, Azure CLI, and scripting for cloud operations.
• Familiarity with Azure DevOps for CI/CD pipeline management and automation.
• Knowledge of governance frameworks, cost management, and compliance tools in Azure.
• Exposure to Azure AI services such as OpenAI, Cognitive Services, and Machine Learning is beneficial.

• Matric (NQF 3) compulsory
• Tertiary IT Qualification (NQF5 or higher, i.e. Diploma, Degree)

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102) (Nice to have)
• Terraform Associate (HashiCorp Certified)

• Deploy and configure Azure Landing Zones in line with best practices and governance frameworks.
• Plan, execute, and manage Azure migration projects, including lift-and-shift, re-platforming, and modernization strategies.
• Implement hybrid cloud architectures, integrating on-premises environments with Azure.

• Ensure best practices in identity and access management (IAM), role-based access control (RBAC), and conditional access policies.
• Implement and manage Azure Security Center, Defender for Cloud, and Sentinel to monitor threats and compliance.
• Work on Zero Trust architecture principles and implement security measures for cloud workloads.
• Maintain compliance with Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework (CAF) and industry standards (ISO, NIST, CIS Benchmarks).

• Develop and deploy Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates.
• Automate cloud infrastructure deployment and configuration using PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Azure DevOps pipelines.
• Optimize cloud performance and cost efficiency through proper resource allocation and monitoring.

• Work with Azure OpenAI, Cognitive Services, and Machine Learning to integrate AI capabilities into cloud solutions.
• Assist in Azure Data Services (Synapse, Data Factory, Databricks, or Cosmos DB) deployments if applicable.

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, enterprise environment.
• Excellent communication skills for collaboration with stakeholders.
• Ability to document cloud architectures and deployment processes.
• A passion for continuous learning and staying up to date with Azure innovations.