Senior Cloud Architect

Job Description

he Japan-based Senior Cloud Architect is responsible for ensuring the operational readiness of all IFS Cloud products hosted in the IFS-NEC shared tenant. This includes hands-on involvement in new GTO (go-to-operations) initiatives that deliver new functionality and new service offerings for NEC to leverage with its customers.  

The Senior Cloud Architect will be the senior authority for the operational architecture of all products and services running within the IFS-NEC tenant. Working closely with the Cloud Architect and senior stakeholders across IFS, your role is to ensure the services deliver high-level of customer satisfaction, meet regulatory requirements, and deliver efficient, cost-optimised cloud services in Japan.  

As a Senior Cloud Architect, you will be responsible for core activities including, but not limited to:        

• Lead the implementation of new cloud solutions, including the configuration of cloud-based services, deployment of applications, and migration of existing systems into operations  

• Ensure that solutions are scalable, secure, cost-efficient and are efficient to support and maintain long-term  

• Ensure all new services leverage automation and AI, minimizing any manual effort where possible  

• Ensure that cloud solutions comply with industry standards and regulations. Implement security best practices to protect data and applications  

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to development and engineering teams on best practices for cloud technologies and architectures  

• Collaborate closely with NEC to help establish new services, identify any gaps in our service and define ways to improve the customer and partnership experience    

• Take ownership and lead critical support issues and customer escalations  

• Provide guidance to the support function on how to resolve customer issues that get escalated to the team   

Qualifications

• 8+ years working in cloud architecture, cloud engineering or a related field  

• Hans-on experience working with Microsoft Azure  

• Practical knowledge of Docker, containerization, and container orchestration tools  

• Familiar with Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and able to manage basic containerized environments independently  

• Proficient in Linux/Unix and Windows Server administration  

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex technical issues and devise effective solutions  

• Hands-on experience with Oracle DB and/or MS SQL Server  

• Strong adoption of AI tools for everyday tasks including; Copilot, Anthropic, OpenAI and similar 

• Understanding of OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, and API security patterns  

• Proficient at using the standard IT service management tooling (ServiceNow, Jira, Confluence, SharePoint etc)   

• Has ownership of the future IFS-NEC operational roadmap for Unified Support and collaborate with the PMO team to ensure new GTOs are planned and delivered on-time with operational readiness 

• Take accountability of the delivery and on-going long-term support for all new products and services delivered through the IFS-NEC partnership 

• Exhibits a leader’s mindset and work effectively at c-level, both internally (IFS) and externally (NEC)  

• Support the NEC stakeholders and IFS Sales representatives to help bring more customers into the platform 

• Identify gaps and opportunities to offer new services for the Japanese market  

• Collaborate between regional IFS teams to build the best-in-class services offered through the new IFS-NEC partnership   

• Keen to learn and adopt new technologies (such as AI) as they arrive in the market  

• Ability to lead solution design workshops with technical and non-technical stakeholders  

• Strong communication and presentation skills both internal (IFS) and external (NEC customers) both remotely and on-site  

• Experience working in regulated compliance frameworks is beneficial, particularly Japan’s Economic Security Promotion Act for Critical Infrastructure Systems and ISMAP guidelines.  

• Fluent in English (preferred) and Japanese (required)  

Additional Information

We embrace flexibility and hybrid work opportunities to support diverse needs and lifestyles, while also valuing inclusive workplace experiences. By fostering a sense of community, we drive innovation, strengthen connections, and nurture belonging. Our commitment ensures you can work in a way that suits you best, while also engaging with colleagues to share ideas and build meaningful relationships.