Enterprise Cloud Architect

The National Restaurant Association is proud to be part of a highly respected industry, providing hospitality, opportunity, and quality of life. Much like the industry we represent, we have a dynamic, diverse, and inclusive culture, grounded in trust, hospitality, collaboration, and innovation. These are the core values that inspire our work, and what we are looking for in a visionary and experienced Azure Cloud Architect to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of modern cloud solutions aligned with business objectives.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Microsoft Azure, cloud-native architectures, and emerging technologies such as AI/ML services, serverless computing, and container orchestration. This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive innovation while ensuring security, compliance, and cost efficiency.

Position operates out of our Chicago office, with a required three days onsite, Monday - Wednesday with flexibility to work remote on Thursday and Friday.

We are proud to offer our team members comprehensive benefits, designed to support their financial, professional, and personal well-being. In addition to outstanding healthcare coverage (medical, dental and vision), competitive salaries, generous vacation and leave time, we offer a matching 401(k) plan, a unique collection of corporate discounts and memberships, as well as programs to support career and skills development, including coaching, learning and tuition assistance, and so much more.

Responsibilities

• Design and architect scalable, secure, and cost-optimized cloud solutions leveraging Azure services and cloud-native patterns.
• Lead cloud migration and modernization initiatives, including assessment, planning, and execution.
• Implement advanced governance, security, and compliance frameworks.
• Integrate AI/ML services (Azure Machine Learning, Cognitive Services) and serverless computing (Azure Functions) into solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design CI/CD pipelines, GitOps workflows, and automation frameworks.
• Design and govern enterprise integration patterns leveraging Azure API Management, Event Grid, or Service Bus.
• Ensure observability and reliability through Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Application Insights.
• Advise on integration with Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and enterprise identity solutions.
• Mentor and lead cloud engineering teams, fostering innovation and best practices.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging Azure capabilities to guide strategic decisions.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Cloud Architect or similar leadership role.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure and cloud-native architectures.
• Deep proficiency in Microsoft Azure services and .NET/C# development.
• Hands-on experience with IaC, CI/CD, and DevOps practices.
• Familiarity with container orchestration (AKS) and serverless computing.
• Strong understanding of security, compliance, and Zero Trust principles.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert.

Preferred Qualifications

• Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert or Identity and Access Administrator.
• Experience with FinOps practices and cost optimization strategies.
• Background in multi-cloud environments and regulated industries.
• Experience with advanced observability tools and performance tuning.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The National Restaurant Association, National Restaurant Association Solutions, LLC, and The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (together, "Company") is committed to equal employment opportunity, and it is Company's policy to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

It is our policy to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles, and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status and disability, or other legally protected status, and we will ensure that all employment decisions are based only on valid job requirements.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.