Cloud Solutions Architect

Job Summary

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.

Based in New York, the Cloud Solutions Architect will be responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, monitoring, and optimization of the company’s Azure and cloud infrastructure. This position ensures the continuous, secure, and efficient operation of cloud platforms, supporting business objectives and enabling technological growth.

This role reports to the Chief Information Officer and will collaborate with cross-functional departments, and drive innovation in Azure and cloud technologies and management practices.

Responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute strategies for maintaining and improving the organization’s Azure and cloud infrastructure to align with business goals, best practices, and compliance requirements.
• Oversee the integration of cloud solutions to ensure seamless operations.
• Provide guidance, support, and opportunities for skill development and career growth for cloud platform professionals.
• Champion a culture of operational excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the cloud platform team.
• Engage in regular professional development and maintain certifications relevant to Azure technologies and management practices.
• Represent the organization in industry forums and professional networks focused on cloud platforms and technologies.

Platform Operations Oversight:

• Oversee daily operations of Azure and cloud platforms, including virtual machines, storage, and networking.
• Ensure optimal performance, reliability, scalability, and availability.
• Manage incident response, troubleshooting, and resolution of complex platform issues.

Project Management:

• Direct platform-related projects, including upgrades, migrations, expansions, integrations, and new deployments.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Develop project plans, manage resources, and monitor progress.

Security and Compliance:

• Implement and maintain robust security strategies for Azure and cloud platforms, including identity and access management, threat detection, and vulnerability assessment.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and internal policies, including data privacy and protection.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments as necessary.

Vendor Management:

• Monitor vendor performance and service levels, addressing any issues or escalations as needed.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Develop processes for continuous platform monitoring, including system health, performance, capacity planning, and security.
• Generate and present regular reports on platform performance, incidents, usage metrics, and improvement initiatives to executive leadership and stakeholders.

Continuous Improvement:

• Stay abreast of emerging Azure and cloud technologies, trends, and threats.
• Drive adoption of innovative solutions to enhance platform performance, security, and user experience.
• Lead initiatives to automate processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Conduct regular reviews of platform architecture and performance, recommending improvements and upgrades as necessary.
• Develop and deliver training programs for end users and IT staff to enhance proficiency in cloud platform tools and services.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with other IT teams, business units, and executive leadership to understand requirements, communicate progress, and address concerns related to cloud platform services.
• Act as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor for Azure and cloud technologies throughout the organization.
• Lead cross-functional teams in the assessment and implementation of new Azure technologies, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:

• Design and maintain comprehensive disaster recovery and business continuity plans for Azure and cloud platforms.
• Conduct regular tests and updates to ensure readiness and minimize downtime.
• Lead response efforts in the event of platform outages or disasters.

Risk Management:

• Identify and mitigate risks related to Azure and cloud platform infrastructure, including security vulnerabilities, data protection, and service continuity.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies and controls.

Compliance and Documentation:

• Ensure documentation and knowledge management for cloud platform environments are comprehensive and up-to-date.
• Support compliance initiatives and participate in external and internal audits related to cloud platforms.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure environments as well as hybrid and on-premises deployments.
• Proficiency in PowerShell and other automation tools for managing Azure platforms.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to balance technical requirements with organizational objectives.
• Deep understanding of Windows Server, Active Directory, Azure Active Directory, and related technologies.
• Knowledge of security frameworks, regulatory requirements, and industry compliance standards (e.g., ISO, NIST, GDPR, HIPAA) as they pertain to cloud platforms.
• Innovative mindset and passion for continuous learning and professional development.
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Experience with network integration, virtualization, and cloud migration strategies in the Azure platform ecosystem.

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 – 5 years of experience in cloud platform operations.
• Advanced certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated expertise in cloud platform architecture, protocols, security, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with enterprise-grade cloud hardware and software (servers, endpoints, virtualization, cloud services, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of security frameworks, regulatory requirements, and industry compliance standards as they apply to cloud technologies.

 

 

Gibson Dunn will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law.

Compensation & Benefits:

The annual compensation range for this position is $155-190k. The salary offered within this range will depend upon qualifications and other operational considerations.

Benefits offered for this position include health care; retirement benefits; paid days off, including sick time, and vacation time; parental leave; basic life insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; as well as discretionary, performance-based bonuses.

Location:

New York

EEO Statement

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all partners, employees and applicants and, in accordance with the applicable federal and state laws, does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color, religion, matriculation or political affiliation, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, age, marital status or partnership status, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, personal appearance, genetic information, predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, arrest or conviction record, or on any other basis prohibited by law.