WMCA is modernising it's ways of working, and with it we are delivering significant advancements in our digital services – Cloud technologies being one of our focusses. 
As our Azure Cloud Specialist, you'll help to manage and develop the cloud environment, ensuring compliance, best practice, and transformation of the Digital and Data services from legacy systems to a modern cloud platform.
What you will be doing. 

• Deliver services in line with the Digital and Data Strategy and drive change throughout the business and its partners.
• Ensure the architecture of cloud solutions align with business requirements and enterprise architecture policies, procedures and frameworks.
• Manage the delivery of the Azure Development, Infrastructure and Public services on our cloud platform.
• Design, build, configure and deploy complex cloud environments using IaaS or PaaS.
• Work with development and infrastructure teams to optimise solutions into high performing, scalable cloud solutions.
• Troubleshoot Azure and On-Prem infrastructure, including network performance and security.
• Recommend improvements to existing processes and products.
• Identify and manage risks, issues, dependencies, and opportunities for cloud services.
• Responsible for the performance of cloud systems and generation of dashboards to monitor the environments.
• Work with external suppliers and agencies in implementing solutions utilising best practice and compliance with WMCA standards and policies.
• Work with new and emerging cloud technologies to provide a modern, scalable cloud architecture.

What’s essential.

• Degree Level or equivalent in an IT discipline. 
• Experience of Cloud technologies for IaaS and/or Paas. 
• Ability to understand business needs and offer working solutions. 
• Proven ability in troubleshooting complex issues, often under pressure and to tight deadlines. 
• Transforming an on-promise infrastructure architecture into a hybrid cloud infrastructure. 
• Experience in alignment of cloud architecture against enterprise standards and principles.
• Experience within a Cloud/ DevOps team. 
• Extensive experience in using Microsoft Server and Cloud technologies. 

How to apply. On clicking ‘apply for this job’, you will be prompted to register for an account, which you can do using your name and email address. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV when registering. Uploading your CV will auto-populate the employment and education sections of your profile. Please note, we do not see your CV once you have submitted your application. Our shortlisting decisions are based on what you tell us in your profile - and so it is important to check the information is correct and format your profile so that it really stands out. 
You will be asked to provide a supporting statement which should evidence (using examples) how your skills and experience match the essential criteria of the role that you are applying for. You will be asked to type your statement into the portal directly. If you have already prepared a supporting statement, then you can simply copy and paste this directly into the application form. For more information on how to apply, please visit the FAQ page on our career site.
Reasonable adjustments.If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Recruitment Team. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.
Salary and benefits.We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered. 
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK), 28 days paid annual leave (plus an option to purchase more!), ethical saving options and healthcare plans, paid volunteering days, free financing for the latest technology, discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.
Hybrid working and location. We believe hybrid working is the best way for our organisation to fulfil our commitment to a modern, agile workplace while continuing to provide a great service to our customers. Hybrid working means having flexibility between working in the office and at home on agreed days, where a role allows. 
The location for this role is 2 days a week. It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 2 days a week spent in the office. Please note, this is the minimum expectation. 
Creating an inclusive workplace.We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We believe that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.
WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria. 
We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.
We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future that we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.
Right to Work in the UK

This role is eligible for sponsorship by WMCA. Your individual circumstances must meet the criteria set out by UKVI. This includes meeting the English Language requirement and earning a salary that meets the highest of either the going rate for the SOC code or the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£38,700 per annum).

If the role is eligible, but the offered salary is less that the going rate for the role, you may still be able to apply for a Skilled Worker visa if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• You’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training.
• You have a PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job.
• The job offer is in a UK Regulated Profession, and you are working towards a recognised professional qualification for that profession.

Please note that WMCA cannot confirm your eligibility for sponsorship until an offer is made and your individual circumstances have been considered.

Attached documents
Azure Cloud Specialist JD.docx