Leigh Williams

Enterprise Azure โ€ข AI Transformation โ€ข DevSecOps & Security (CISSP, CISM) โ€ข Cost Optimization

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15+ Years Architecture & Tech Leadership
CISSP & CISM Enterprise Security Certified
Azure Cloud Transformation Specialist
AI Transformation Business, Development, Automation

Professional Experience

Solutions Architect @ Nutun

Nov 2025 โ€“ Present
#Azure Hub-and-Spoke #Bicep (IaC) #AI Directives #Microsoft Copilot #Grafana Stack #Intune & Defender
  • Architected and deployed a comprehensive Azure Hub-and-Spoke network topology, integrating Private DNS and utilizing Bicep for Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
  • Leading Enterprise AI enablement by establishing secure development workflows with AI Directives and delivering Microsoft Copilot training to business units.
  • Designed and implemented a centralized telemetry and observability stack utilizing Grafana, Loki, and Grafana Alloy.
  • Leading POC for Microsoft Intune, Defender and Azure ARC, strategically sweating existing Microsoft assets to consolidate security tooling and drive significant cost savings.
  • Established and launched the corporate Architecture Review Board (ARB) defining governance scope and drafting enterprise-wide architectural guidelines.

Solutions Architect @ Omnisient

Mar 2025 โ€“ Oct 2025
#Spark Migration #Cost Optimization #Fabric #Agile Coaching #SIEM & EDR
  • Led Microsoft Synapse to Spark migration and modernization for the data cleanroom and collaboration platform.
  • Drove Azure cost optimization, standardization, and observability initiatives across cloud environments.
  • Led GraphDB research shaping strategic next steps for complex data structuring.
  • Served as Agile coach, transitioning the team to new agile methodologies to improve delivery, visibility, and align business/IT outcomes.
  • Collaborated with the security team to evaluate and implement new SIEM and EDR platforms, enhancing risk management efficacy.

Systems Architect @ Nutun

Sep 2017 โ€“ Feb 2023, May 2023 โ€“ Oct 2024
#Azure Cloud Migration #DevSecOps CI/CD #Mobalyz Platform #Python & Cloudflare #SQL Tuning
  • Spearheaded enterprise cloud migration to Azure, establishing robust monitoring and cost optimization guardrails.
  • Implemented full DevSecOps pipelines, CI/CD, observability, and Web Application Firewalls (WAF).
  • Delivered Mobalyz digital debt collections platform, credit tools, and trace portals, integrating WhatsApp Chat Bots.
  • Built the MVP debt collection platform utilizing Python and Cloudflare under strict budgetary constraints.
  • Automated cumbersome financial and month-end processes and significantly improved SQL Server performance/alerting.

Director @ Boss Co Importers

Sep 2019 โ€“ Aug 2026
#Logistics #International Shipping #Stock Management
  • Manage procurement, international shipping, logistics, and complete stock management operations.

Early Career Highlights @ FNB & Procentrica

2010 โ€“ 2017
#10x Fraud Reduction #PowerCard Stack #PCI DSS Encryption #TIBCO Integration
  • Systems Architect | First National Bank (2014โ€“2017): Rearchitected Acquirer Fraud systems resulting in a 10x fraud reduction; replaced IBM Hogan stack with PowerCard infrastructure.
  • TIBCO Developer | Procentrica (2013): Delivered integration and automation solutions for Telkom Mobile.
  • Operations Analyst & Systems Architect | First National Bank (2010โ€“2013): Lead architect for POS device encryption aligning with PCI DSS; drove business unit security posture improvements.

Notable Projects & Achievements

Enterprise Cloud Architecture 2025โ€“Present

Architected and deployed comprehensive Azure Hub-and-Spoke topologies using Bicep, incorporating advanced network security and private DNS integration.

Azure Bicep Private DNS
AI Transformation & Dev 2025โ€“Present

Led full-scale secure AI development utilizing AI Directives (clear LLM instructions for coding, architecture, and code security) and multi-LLM integrations to drive business enablement.

AI Directives Copilot LLM APIs
Omnisient Platform Revamp 2025

Architected backend Spark migration and standardized Azure observability and cost management for data cleanroom systems.

Fabric Spark Synapse Azure Cost Mgmt
Mobalyz Process Automation 2024

Automated and redeveloped cumbersome financial and month-end processes, driving critical process optimization and efficiency during organizational transitions.

Python SQL Server Automation
Credit Health & MBD Digital 2019โ€“2024

Architected and developed fully automated, self-service digital debt collection and credit platforms (Web & Chatbot) integrated with major credit bureaus within 60 days.

Python Cloudflare Credit APIs
Cloud Migrations & Data 2017โ€“2024

Executed multi-subsidiary Azure cloud migrations to enable international expansion, and performance-tuned large-scale enterprise data warehouses (Master Data Universe).

Azure Migration SQL HA Data Warehouse