The Space, Defence and Intelligence business unit in CGI is a true IT Systems Integrator. We work, build, and operate bespoke, technically complex, mission-critical systems which help our clients keep us all safe and secure. We bring innovation to our clients using proven and emerging technologies, agile delivery processes and our deep expertise across the breadth of space, defence, intelligence, aerospace and maritime, all underpinned by our end-to-end cyber capability. We work collaboratively with global technology companies, cutting edge SMEs and academia to deliver the optimal solution for each client.
CGI was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work List 2024 and has been named one of the ‘World’s Best Employers’ by Forbes magazine. We offer a competitive salary, excellent pension, private healthcare, plus a share scheme (3.5% + 3.5% matching) which makes you a CGI Partner not just an employee. We are committed to inclusivity, building a genuinely diverse community of tech talent and inspiring everyone to pursue careers in our sector, including our Armed Forces, and are proud to hold a Gold Award in recognition of our support of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant. Join us and you’ll be part of an open, friendly community of experts. We’ll train and support you in taking your career wherever you want it to go.
Due to the secure nature of the programme, you will need to hold UK Security Clearance or be eligible to go through this clearance. This position will be 5 days a week on site near Reading or Chippenham.

YOUR FUTURE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Join us as part of CGI’s Secure Business Services growth strategy! We’re building a brand new, cloud focused capability within Space, Defence, & Intelligence to support high profile bids and lead architecture for delivery projects across Defence. As a Senior Cloud Architect, you’ll be instrumental in shaping the future of cloud transformation and higher classification services.

What You’ll Do

• Architect & Design: Create high level and detailed private cloud solutions that are secure, scalable, and resilient driving both bid and delivery phases.
• Bid Development: Partner with sales, capture, and proposal teams to craft winning cloud propositions, develop technical responses, estimate costs, and present strategies in competitive tenders.
• Technical Leadership: Provide hands on governance and quality assurance throughout implementation, guiding multidisciplinary teams through migration of complex legacy systems.
• Client Collaboration: Work closely with MOD stakeholders to understand requirements, translate them into architectural solutions, and ensure delivery aligns with their long term cloud roadmap.
• Security & Compliance: Embed best practices—covering NCSC principles, government standards, and regulatory requirements—into all designs and transition plans.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE

• Cloud Expertise: Deep knowledge of private cloud platforms and public clouds (Azure, AWS), IaC (e.g., Terraform), cloud native patterns, and secure system architecture.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to engage senior technical and business stakeholders, distil complex ideas into clear proposals, and advise on value driven solutions.
• Strategic Solutioning: Experience assessing legacy environments, defining strategic cloud journeys, and balancing innovation, risk, cost, and compliance.
• Delivery Leadership: Proven track record of leading cloud migration projects—resolving technical challenges and maintaining architectural integrity.
• Defence Experience: Delivering cloud solutions within Defence settings.
• Clearance: Already hold—or be eligible for—HLC clearance (UK National; not dual national).

Desired Competencies

• Bid Expertise: Contributing to competitive bids: writing technical responses, designing solutions, cost estimation, and pitching under tight deadlines.
• Senior Architecture: Experience in Defence cloud delivery, with 3+ years as lead architect for legacy to cloud migrations.
• Certifications: Cloud Architect Expert certification in at least one major platform.
• Government Frameworks: Familiarity with NCSC Cloud Security Principles, Technology Code of Practice, G Cloud, Digital Service Standards, or similar.

Why CGI?

• Shape the UK’s Defence cloud transformation strategy
• Work on high classification, mission critical programmes
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary environment with clear career progression
• Competitive salary, bonus scheme, and benefits package
• Supportive culture committed to learning, diversity, and innovation