GCP Cloud Architect

Lead Cloud Architect – SC Cleared/Clearable Outside IR35: £550 per dayHybrid – 2-4 days per month in LondonASAP – 6 months initial We are recruiting a Lead Cloud Architect to support a major cloud-transformation programme within central government. The role will lead the assessment of an existing Google Cloud Platform estate and define its future-state architecture, governance framework and target operating model. This is a strategic architecture role focused on establishing an enterprise-scale GCP environment and transitioning its ownership between government organisations. The emphasis is on architecture, governance and operating-model design rather than hands-on engineering delivery. Role responsibilities Lead the current-state assessment of the existing GCP estate, governance and operating arrangements. Define the target landing-zone architecture, GCP organisation hierarchy and folder structure. Design organisation policies, governance controls and role-based access models. Develop a cloud operating model covering ownership, administration, assurance and service management. Define the identity strategy across Cloud Identity, Workforce Identity Federation and Entra ID. Design security architecture aligned with Secure by Design, NCSC guidance and the Cyber Assessment Framework. Establish the FinOps approach, including billing hierarchies, cost controls and chargeback mechanisms. Define the operational transition model for transferring platform ownership and administration. Key experience and requirements Extensive enterprise or lead architecture experience across large-scale GCP environments. Strong experience managing GCP Organisations, folder hierarchies, organisation policies and landing zones. Experience designing enterprise cloud-governance frameworks and target operating models. Strong knowledge of identity and access management, including Cloud Identity, Workforce Identity Federation and Entra ID integration. Experience applying Secure by Design principles, NCSC guidance and CAF requirements. Experience designing FinOps operating models, billing structures and chargeback approaches. Strong stakeholder-management skills across architecture, cyber security, operations and senior leadership. Active SC clearance or eligibility to obtain it; Google Professional Cloud Architect, TOGAF, CISSP or CCSP certification would be advantageous.