Description

Experience: 12+ years in infrastructure/cloud, including 5+ years architecting on Azure

About the Role
Client runs its core business on the RentWorks application, hosted today on aging on-premises servers that are slow and costly to maintain. Users also rely on these servers to store their files.

A recent proof of concept moved the environment to Azure, including an AD server, an RDP server, the application/database server, a Linux server for wrapper between channeling the API requests/response, and an OpenSearch server. The PoC proved the move is possible, but at roughly xxx0K per month, the cost is too high.

We're looking for an Azure Cloud Architect who can take ownership of this challenge: move RentWorks to Azure at a sustainable cost, support about 200 concurrent users across 300 locations in departments such as booking and marketing, and let users work from their local machines in a client-server model. You'll also lead the move of all file storage to SharePoint Online so teams have a reliable, well-maintained place for their documents.

The Problems You'll Solve
Cost
•     The PoC environment costs about xxx0K per month, which is not sustainable. You'll analyze where that spend comes from and design an environment that meets the business’ needs at a significantly lower cost.

•     You'll put ongoing cost visibility and controls in place so spend stays predictable as the business grows.

Application Performance & Access
•     The current system is slow. Users need an application that performs well and is dependable throughout the business day.

•     Around 200 users across 300 locations will be working concurrently, and they need to run RentWorks from their local machines in a client-server model. You'll determine how to deliver that experience reliably across a widely distributed user base.

•     The environment must be able to grow with the business without requiring redesigning.

Migration
•     You'll plan and carry out the move of RentWorks, its database, the AD server, and the integration layer that connects customer requests to API calls, with minimal disruption to daily operations.

•     You'll own the migration plan end to end, including testing, cutover, rollback, and decommissioning of the on-premises servers.

File Storage on SharePoint
•     Today, users store files on the on-premises servers. All file storage must move to SharePoint Online as part of this migration.

•     You'll plan the migration of existing files, organize SharePoint so each department can easily find and maintain its content, set up appropriate access, and keep storage costs under control.

•     You'll help departments adopt SharePoint so it stays organized after go-live.

Reliability & Security
•     The new environment must be secure, backed up, recoverable, and monitored, with clear documentation so it can be supported day to day.

What We're Looking For
•     Proven experience as an Azure architect, having designed and delivered production environments for business-critical applications.

•     A track record of migrating line-of-business applications from on-premises to Azure.

•     Demonstrated ability to significantly reduce cloud costs without sacrificing performance or reliability, with examples you can walk us through.

•     Experience delivering applications to large numbers of users spread across many locations, and solving the performance and connectivity challenges that come with it.

•     Solid understanding of Azure compute, networking, storage, identity, security, backup, and monitoring.

•     Hands-on experience with Active Directory in Azure environments.

•     Experience migrating file servers to SharePoint Online, including structure, permissions, and user adoption.

•     Comfort with Infrastructure as Code and scripting.

•     Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to explain trade-offs clearly to both technical and business stakeholders.

Good to Have
•     Experience with Progress OpenEdge applications, ideally RentWorks or other rental-industry software.

•     Linux administration experience.

•     Microsoft 365 administration experience.

Preferred Certifications
•     Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)

•     Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)

•     Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert (MS-102)

Key Skills

Education

Any Graduate