Cloud Architect – Lead IAM & Active Directory Solutions | Join Cognizant’s Global Security Team
Job Opportunity: Cloud Architect – IAM & Active Directory Expertise | Cognizant
Are you a seasoned IT professional with a deep understanding of Identity and Access Management (IAM), Entra ID, and Active Directory environments? Are you ready to drive digital transformation and deliver robust security solutions for a global organization? Cognizant invites experienced Cloud Architects to bring their technical mastery and strategic insight to a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
This exciting opportunity is ideal for professionals with a passion for IAM design and implementation, compliance, and enterprise-wide cloud integration. The role demands not only technical excellence but also strong interpersonal skills, documentation expertise, and the ability to operate in multicultural global environments.
Position Overview: Cloud Architect – IAM & Directory Services
Location: [To be specified]
Experience Level: Senior-level (10+ years)
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Work Mode: Hybrid (as per business requirements)
Shift: Day Shift
Travel Requirement: None
As a Cloud Architect specializing in IAM and Active Directory, you will lead the design, deployment, and support of secure identity platforms across complex enterprise landscapes. You will be instrumental in integrating authentication and authorization frameworks, managing access control, ensuring compliance, and supporting large-scale multi-forest AD environments.
Key Responsibilities
1. Access Management & Policy Design
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Develop and enforce enterprise-wide access control policies.
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Ensure implementation of least-privilege access models.
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Ensure organizational data remains secure, accurate, and accessible by implementing robust identity management controls.
2. IAM Architecture & Integration
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Architect IAM systems that seamlessly integrate with various business applications and services.
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Support Single Sign-On (SSO) and identity federation using SAML, OAuth, and OpenID Connect protocols.
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Implement conditional access policies and adaptive authentication techniques to enhance security posture.
3. Security & Compliance Assurance
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Ensure IAM solutions are fully aligned with global compliance mandates such as:
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GDPR
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HIPAA
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PCI-DSS
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Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify potential gaps and mitigate security risks.
4. Advanced Authentication & Authorization
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Design and deploy secure authentication mechanisms including:
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Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
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Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
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Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
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5. Risk Management & Identity Governance
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Assess and manage identity-related risks across cloud and hybrid infrastructures.
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Implement robust identity governance frameworks to maintain visibility, control, and compliance over user access rights.
6. Technology Evaluation & Implementation
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Evaluate and recommend IAM tools and platforms aligned with organizational needs.
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Support decision-making for cloud-native identity tools and modernization initiatives.
7. Documentation, Training & Best Practices
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Develop clear documentation for IAM processes, configurations, and incident response procedures.
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Provide knowledge transfer, training sessions, and onboarding support for IAM-related systems and policies.
8. Active Directory & Entra ID Expertise
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Manage and support large-scale, multi-domain Active Directory environments.
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Handle advanced configurations for:
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Group Policy Objects (GPOs)
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Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS)
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Domain Name System (DNS)
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Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
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Distributed File System (DFS)
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Integrate and manage Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) with on-premise directories and cloud apps.
9. Operational Excellence
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Monitor system health, performance, and user activity.
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Troubleshoot complex issues and serve as an escalation point for directory-related problems.
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Maintain high availability, scalability, and reliability of IAM and AD systems.
Preferred Experience & Skill Requirements
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Technical Expertise:
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Skilled in managing and administering Entra ID (Azure Active Directory) and the Microsoft 365 environment.
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Hands-on experience with hybrid cloud directory integration and federation services.
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Strong knowledge of IAM architecture, frameworks, and protocols.
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Migration Projects:
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Proven experience in managing large-scale domain migrations and consolidations across geographies.
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Communication & Collaboration:
- Capable of explaining intricate technical concepts in a clear and understandable manner to audiences with varying levels of expertise.
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Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with international teams across multiple time zones.
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Documentation & Training:
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Capable of producing high-quality documentation, technical guides, and compliance reports.
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Industry Exposure:
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Experience in global, multicultural organizations and working with distributed teams.
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Familiarity with regulated environments and security-sensitive sectors.
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Behavioral Competencies:
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Strong attention to detail.
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High level of accountability and sense of urgency.
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Organizational agility and multitasking ability.
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Excellent collaboration, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
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Why Join Cognizant?
A Global Leader in Digital Transformation
Cognizant is a Fortune 500 multinational company recognized for driving innovation, digital agility, and client-centric solutions. With over 300,000 professionals worldwide, we help businesses reimagine processes and transform technology models in the digital era.
Our People-First Culture
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At Cognizant, people are at the heart of everything we do.
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We foster an environment that values teamwork, embraces diversity, and promotes ongoing professional development.
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You will be surrounded by passionate, high-performing professionals who are committed to making a difference.
Innovation & Impact
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Work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of digital enterprise.
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Be part of a company that believes in ethical practices and sustainability.
Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to building stronger teams and achieving greater results by embracing a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Cognizant is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building an inclusive work environment for all.
We do not discriminate based on:
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Race, gender, age, religion, nationality
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Disability, veteran status, sexual orientation
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Any other status protected under applicable laws
Accessibility & Accommodations
If you require reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at:
📧 CareersNA2@cognizant.com
Please include your contact information and the nature of your accommodation request. We’re committed to ensuring an equitable hiring experience for all applicants.
About Cognizant
Headquartered in the United States, Cognizant is a NASDAQ-100 listed company recognized globally for excellence in digital transformation. Our consultative, industry-first approach allows us to support top enterprises in reimagining their business models.
We’ve been ranked among:
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Forbes World’s Best Employers 2024
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Fortune’s Most Admired Companies
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Top 10 Global IT Service Providers
Learn more about how Cognizant is helping organizations lead with digital by visiting 👉 www.cognizant.com
Important Notes
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Compensation Disclaimer: Salary and compensation details provided at the time of this posting are subject to change based on business needs and applicable laws.
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Interview Process: Candidates may be invited to attend interviews via video conferencing or in person. Government-issued ID verification may be required during the interview process.
Apply Now
Do you have the expertise to lead IAM architecture and transform cloud security landscapes? Are you looking to be part of an organization that invests in your growth while delivering meaningful impact? If yes, Cognizant wants to hear from you.
🌐 Submit your application today and join us in building a secure, digitally enabled future.
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