Joe Hodkinson

As a Senior Cloud Solution Architect (CSA), I provide technical leadership and guidance in cloud migration and architecture. I specialise in solution design, governance, security, operations, and cost control. Lead data center exit and business continuity projects & deploy Azure Landing Zones using Terraform and Bicep. Offer expert consultation to technical teams and C-level executives. Engage in pre-sales activities, and respond to RFPs. Stay updated with industry trends and best practices.

I actively participate in the tech community of the North West as a co-founder of the Northern Azure User Group (NAUG) based in Manchester. Our user group hosts monthly meetups centred around Microsoft Azure, with people giving talks and technology demos, hands-on hacks and customer stories.

I led global cloud adoption and transformation initiatives. Achieved workload efficiency, cost reduction, and cloud transformation. Ensured adherence to best practices like WAF and Cloud Security standards. Implemented robust cloud security based on Microsoft Cloud Security Benchmark. Led recruitment for cloud-focused team. Established relationships with stakeholders and trained teams on CAF. Deployed Azure Landing Zone using Terraform for control and governance.

I drove successful cloud adoption for customers and acted as Technical Design Authority. I actively contributed to pre-sales, RFP processes, and proposal development. I established partnerships with vendors to align with industry advancements. Leading Microsoft ECIF-funded initiatives, I conducted 6Rs assessments and deployed Azure Landing Zones with Terraform, Azure DevOps, and Azure CLI. I enabled customers in setting up Cloud Centre of Excellence teams, defining governance through CAF and WAF frameworks.

Cloud Solutions Specialist in the Cloud Platform, focused on retail transformation, introducing SAP and HANA to Azure. Led exit strategy from on-premises data center for digital transformation. Followed "Cloud First" strategy, providing scalable, redundant, and secure environment. Embraced DevOps principles and Infrastructure-as-Code practices. Owned Service Transition and BAU to support Azure platform. Built relationships with partners and vendors, collaborating with service delivery team and stakeholders.

As risual's Cloud Infrastructure Practice Lead, I managed and coached a diverse team, enabling growth. I presented transparent Monthly Business Reviews to the board. Efficient allocation of consultants and active involvement in pre-sales. Hands-on support and prioritised customer satisfaction. Conducted cloud rationalisation, executed successful deployments. Led cost optimisation with best practices.

In a client-facing role, I successfully provided technical services for complex transformation programs, with a specific focus on IT Service Management and automation solutions. As the work stream architected, implemented, and supported solutions that optimised IT service delivery and enhanced operational efficiency. I effectively managed multiple projects, involving Microsoft System Centre and Microsoft Azure Public Cloud.

Primarily responsible for the design, development and delivery of various cross sector client-based Microsoft solutions involving Active Directory and Microsoft Exchange. A true ‘Hands-on’ technical role and took the lead in the solution design and delivery for public & private sector clients.

I initially joined the organisation on their service desk and quickly progressed into Tier 3 and server support roles. This allowed me to have a significant impact on the internal IT services provided to the manufacturing business. I provided valuable advice to the IT Manager regarding the direction of the IT landscape and successfully expanded the business's infrastructure capacity through the deployment of the Microsoft Hyper-V virtualisation platform.