Cloud Services Architect

As a leading regional bank, SouthState has been providing financial solutions to individuals, families, and businesses in the Southeast for more than 100 years. SouthState team members strive to create remarkable experiences while building meaningful and lasting relationships. We are proud to be a reflection of the communities we serve, and our team members share core values that make SouthState a great place to bank, and a great place to work.

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVES

We are seeking an exceptionally talented and experienced Cloud Services Architect to join our organization. As a Cloud Services Architect, you will play a crucial role in designing and implementing robust, scalable, and secure cloud solutions using the Azure platform. Your deep expertise in Azure cloud technologies, combined with your extensive experience in architecting complex systems, will be instrumental in driving the success of our cloud initiatives. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Architect and Design: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and create comprehensive Cloud Services Architectures that align with business goals, technical requirements, and best practices. Develop high-level and detailed design documents for Azure cloud solutions, considering factors such as scalability, reliability, security, performance, and cost optimization.
• Azure Cloud Expertise: Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of Azure services, features, and capabilities, and leverage this knowledge to architect innovative solutions that meet specific project objectives. Stay up to date with the latest advancements in Azure, AWS and Google cloud technologies and provide recommendations on adopting new services or features that can enhance system performance and efficiency.
• Cloud Strategy: Contribute to the development and refinement of the organization's cloud strategy, ensuring alignment with industry trends, business needs, and regulatory requirements. Provide guidance and thought leadership on leveraging Azure services and tools to drive business value, accelerate time to market, and optimize operations.
• Solution Implementation: Lead and oversee the implementation of Azure cloud solutions, working closely with development teams, infrastructure teams, and stakeholders. Provide technical guidance, review solution designs, and ensure adherence to architectural principles, standards, and best practices.
• Security and Compliance: Collaborate with security teams to design and implement robust security controls and compliance frameworks within cloud environments. Assess and mitigate risks, identify vulnerabilities, and establish secure access controls, data encryption, and threat monitoring mechanisms.
• Performance Optimization: Identify performance bottlenecks and scalability challenges within Azure cloud solutions and provide recommendations to optimize system performance, resilience, and availability. Conduct performance testing and analysis, and fine-tune configurations to ensure optimal utilization of Azure resources.
• Technical Leadership: Serve as a subject matter expert and provide mentorship to junior cloud architects and engineers. Conduct training sessions, knowledge sharing, and documentation to promote the adoption of best practices and ensure a high level of technical excellence within the team.  Complete assigned helpdesk tickets/requests in a timely and professional manner
• Ensure strict compliance with the Bank’s policies and procedures, code of conduct, and regulatory guidelines.
• Assist other employees by liaising with them through healthy and positive interactions.
• Continuously update skills by participating in professional training
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Develop and maintain automation scripts using Terraform, ARM templates, to ensure efficient cloud deployments.
• Hybrid Cloud & Integration: Architect hybrid cloud solutions integrating on-premises systems with Azure services like Azure Files, ExpressRoute, and VPN Gateway
• Emerging Technologies: Stay up to date with advancements in AI, ML, Open Banking APIs, and Blockchain to explore innovative banking solutions. Experience in Open Banking and API management
• All other tasks, responsibilities, or duties, as directed by management.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPETENCIES

• Excellent communication and people skills
• Ability to use the computer efficiently and the capacity to learn new software programs as they are rolled out by the Bank.
• Must possess basic English language skills to write and speak clearly, and effectively with coworkers and customers.
• Must be well-organized, accurate, and attentive to detail.
• Must be cooperative and willing to assist coworkers and customers on a regular basis.
• Must possess excellent multi-tasking skills and be able to function well under pressure.
• Must be able to remain composed under pressure and respond to customer and coworker concerns regularly.

Qualifications, Education, AND CERTIFICATION Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience of 8-10 years’ experience in an applicable technology field. 
• Experience:
  • Experience (minimum of 8-10 years) in architecting and implementing Azure cloud solutions.
  • Strong knowledge of Azure services, including Azure Virtual Machines, Azure App Services, Azure Functions, Azure Storage, Azure Networking, Azure Security, and Azure Governance.

• Experience in designing reliable, scalable, and fault-tolerant cloud architectures.
  • Deep understanding of cloud computing principles, DevOps practices, and infrastructure-as-code concepts.
  • Strong expertise in designing and implementing CI/CD pipelines, automation frameworks, and infrastructure provisioning using tools like Azure DevOps, Azure Resource Manager templates, or GitHub.
  • Experience with hybrid cloud environments, including connectivity between on-premises and cloud resources.
  • Strong knowledge of networking concepts, including IP addressing, subnets, VPN, VNET peering, and ExpressRoute.
  • Demonstrated experience in implementing security controls and compliance frameworks within Azure, including Azure Security Center, Azure Key Vault, Azure Defender for Cloud, and Azure Policy.
  • Experience with other cloud service providers like Amazon or Google.

• Certifications/Specific Knowledge: Good interpersonal skills, good computer skills, ability to read, write, speak, and understand English. Relevant Azure certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert or similar certifications are highly desirable. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) or equivalent.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS/CLASSES

• On the job training and any additional training as needed.
• Required annual compliance training.
• New Employee Orientation as well as continual update of processes of banking systems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able sit for long periods of time.
• Must be able to effectively access and interpret information on computer screens, documents, and reports.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is located in a cubicle environment that may be loud throughout the day.  Telecommuting roles no matter if hybrid or 100% full time telecommuting must have a secure home office environment that is free from background noise and distractions. They must also have a reliable private internet connection that is not supplied by use of cellular data (hot spot). Cable or fiber connections are preferred.  Requirements are subject to change, as new systems and technology is delivered. Travel may be required to come to meetings as needed.

 

In accordance with Colorado law: Colorado pay for this position is anticipated to be between $107,924.19 - $172,398.01 , actual offers to be determined based on applicant’s skills, experience and education.

While the anticipated deadline for the job posting is 04-19-2025, we encourage you to submit your application as we may still consider qualified candidates beyond this date.

Benefits | SouthState Careers

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