Principal Architect: Microsoft Azure

Principal Architect: Microsoft Azure Location: London (Hybrid) | Practice Area: Technology & Engineering | Type: Permanent Shape and lead transformative Microsoft Azure initiatives across financial services. About Capco Capco is a global leader in technology and business consulting, dedicated to driving digital innovation and transformation in financial services. We've partnered with over 100 clients worldwide - from pioneering fintechs to established global institutions - helping them adapt, compete, and scale in a rapidly evolving industry. With more than 30 offices globally, we combine deep expertise in banking, payments, capital markets, insurance, wealth and asset management, and energy with an agile, inclusive, and entrepreneurial culture. Role Overview As an expert in Microsoft Azure architecture, you will take a leading role in shaping enterprise-scale, transformative programmes for our clients. You will operate at the intersection of business strategy and engineering excellence across varied projects, from modernising the technology estates of financial institutions to designing new cloud-native platforms from the ground up. As a trusted advisor, you will work with senior leaders to define architecture strategies and visions while delivering Azure-based solutions that drive clear business impact. Your role will bridge the gap between senior stakeholders and delivery teams, bringing your architectural vision to life through multi-disciplinary teams working at pace. In addition, you will contribute to commercial activity and promote delivery excellence across our Technology & Engineering Practice through mentoring junior talent and thought leadership in the community. You'll embrace approved AI-enabled tools and automation to accelerate architecture design, improve technical analysis, enhance documentation and delivery quality, while applying responsible AI principles, human judgement and appropriate governance throughout solution delivery. What You'll Do Lead enterprise-scale Azure architecture engagements, defining cloud strategies, target architectures and transformation roadmaps for major financial services organisations. Design secure, scalable and resilient cloud-native platforms using Azure services, modern integration patterns and distributed architectures across hybrid technology landscapes. Advise senior stakeholders on cloud adoption, migration, modernisation and investment decisions while leading multidisciplinary engineering teams through complex delivery programmes. Apply modern engineering practices including DevOps, agile delivery and cloud automation, leveraging approved AI-enabled workflows where appropriate to improve productivity, architectural quality and delivery outcomes while maintaining human oversight and governance. Contribute to Capco's Technology & Engineering Practice through mentoring, thought leadership, community engagement and supporting strategic business development opportunities. What We're Looking For Extensive experience leading enterprise and solution architecture initiatives on Microsoft Azure, supported by relevant Microsoft certifications. Proven expertise in cloud strategy, enterprise transformation, distributed architectures, security, DevOps and recognised architecture frameworks including TOGAF, Zachman, Domain-Driven Design or NIST. Strong consulting and stakeholder management experience with the ability to influence senior technology and business leaders across complex transformation programmes. Experience leading cross-functional technical teams and delivering enterprise-scale cloud transformation within Financial Services or other regulated industries. A curiosity for AI-enabled ways of working and an understanding of how approved AI tools, automation and responsible AI governance can enhance architecture delivery while maintaining appropriate review, auditability and human judgement. Expert-level Azure certifications and additional enterprise architecture qualificatio…