Andrew Clarke

Experienced Cloud Architect and Lead Consultant with a passion for innovative solution design and excellent client service. 10 years of experience in architectural design, implementation, and deployment of Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Exchange, on-premise and IaaS Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementations, and other related third-party products. Proven ability to oversee multiple streams of work, coach colleagues, and coordinate with project managers and stakeholders. Expertise in Windows PKI, authentication flows, and cloud infrastructure deployment using Terraform and ARM templates. Strong background in both internal IT management and IT-based project consultancy, with a progressive work ethic and hands-on approach.

Professional Experience

Principal Cloud Architect
Qinetiq
December 2022 – Present

Windows PKI Architectural Design and Implementation: Led the design and deployment of Windows Public Key Infrastructure to enhance security protocols.

CIS Benchmark Configuration: Implemented CIS benchmark configurations to ensure compliance and strengthen system security.

Authentication Flow Re-architecture: Re-architected authentication processes between Active Directory, Okta, Citrix Cloud, and Citrix ADC to streamline operations and improve security.

Architectural Design and Implementation: Utilized Azure Synapse Analytics, private endpoints, T-SQL, Apache Spark, PySpark, Python, and Bash to process and analyze large datasets, enhancing data-driven decision-making.

Azure Architectural Design and Private Endpoints Implementation: Designed and implemented Azure Private Endpoints across various Azure services to secure sensitive data and ensure network isolation.

Power BI Integration: Developed interactive dashboards and reports using Power BI to visualize data insights for stakeholders.

Azure Identity Management: Implemented and managed Azure Identity Management solutions to control access and enhance security.

Azure Cloud Environment Management: Deployed and maintained Azure cloud environments using Terraform and ARM templates, including:

VM Compute (Windows and Linux)

Network Services

Azure Firewall

Citrix ADC Virtual Infrastructure

Palo Alto Virtual Infrastructure

Proof of Concept Development: Created proof of concepts using AWS Athena and Apache Superset to explore alternative data processing and visualization tools.

Citrix ADC HA Pair Deployment: Designed and implemented a high-availability pair of Citrix ADCs to enhance authentication.

Stakeholder Communication: Acted as the liaison on behalf of Qinetiq with Ministry of Defence (MOD) stakeholders on system design, development, and resolving complex network transport and client issues.

Team Collaboration: Collaborated with a team of cloud architects and engineers to implement project changes, focusing on security enhancements and efficient technology application.

Lead Consultant | Manager | Technology Consulting
Ernst & Young, Maidenhead
February 2015 – January 2022

Led architectural design, implementation, and deployment of Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Exchange, on-premise and IaaS Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementations.

Delivered project and deployment orchestration using Azure Dev Ops.

Oversaw multiple streams of work, coached colleagues, and coordinated with project managers and stakeholders.

Delivered innovative solutions to clients, ensuring excellent service and satisfaction.

Bridged gaps in integration projects and created full architectural designs for Azure Solution Architecture, Dynamics 365 On-Premise, and Microsoft Exchange.

Managed and maintained internal IT systems and infrastructure.

IT Systems Manager
Pythagoras Communications Ltd, Maidenhead
January 2014 – February 2015

Managed internal IT systems and infrastructure.

Led IT maintenance and project consultancy efforts.

Certifications

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
February 2022

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Productivity (Charter)
October 2016

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Office 365

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Messaging