Location: Guernsey, Haywards Heath, Home Office (Remote) or Manchester
Salary: £73,652 - £92,065, depending on experience
Department: Technology and Data
We’re 1st Central, a market-leading insurance company utilising smart data and technology at pace. Rapid growth has been based on giving our 1.4 million customers exactly what they want: great value insurance with excellent service. We were awarded Insurance Employer of the Year at the British Insurance Awards 2024, and our Glassdoor score is impressive!
We’re seeking a Core Platform Technical Manager to lead the design, implementation, and optimisation of enterprise platforms, focusing on managing core Azure cloud infrastructure, data platforms, and business automation solutions. This role requires expertise in solution and infrastructure design, aiming to build scalable, secure, and high-performing platforms aligned with business goals. You will oversee cloud platform management, collaborate with third-party providers managing the Azure estate, and lead the business automation and RPA (Robotic Process Automation) strategy, ensuring seamless integration into the platform strategy.
Your responsibilities include defining best practices for platform architecture, working closely with the Cloud & Shared Platforms Architect to ensure alignment with the overall Cloud Platform strategy. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams—including business, engineering, and security—to ensure solutions meet business needs, support digital transformation, and support future growth. Manage Technical Engineers, Data Platform Engineering (DPE), oversee the cloud estate, and ensure effective delivery through value streams and the Change Delivery Framework (CDF).
We support flexible working arrangements, allowing you to work remotely or from our offices in Salford Quays, Manchester, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, or Guernsey, with optional office visits.
Core skills required:
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Strong time management and organisational skills
* Leadership qualities with the ability to influence stakeholders
* Problem-solving and analytical skills with innovative mindset
* Experience developing strategic roadmaps and solution designs for senior leadership
* Understanding of security, compliance, and governance in cloud environments
* Proficiency in Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or ARM templates
* Experience with automation and orchestration tools like Azure Automation, Power Automate, and RPA solutions
* Experience designing and managing cloud-based data platforms and databases (SQL, NoSQL, etc.)
* Knowledge of cloud security, governance, and compliance frameworks (Azure Security Center, Azure Policy, RBAC)
* Familiarity with monitoring and logging solutions such as Azure Monitor and Application Insights
What’s involved:
* Leading the design and engineering of core platforms, focusing on Azure infrastructure, enterprise services, and automation solutions
* Ensuring platform solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with business and technical requirements
* Implementing infrastructure and application architectures using IaC principles with tools like Terraform and ARM templates
* Driving modernization and transformation of enterprise infrastructure and services
* Overseeing deployment of highly available, fault-tolerant, and performant Azure infrastructure
* Enforcing architecture standards, guidelines, and best practices
* Managing data platform design and deployment, collaborating with database administrators to optimize data flow, performance, and security
* Overseeing migration of legacy data platforms to cloud-native architectures
* Managing third-party cloud providers to ensure service levels and solutions meet business needs
* Integrating Azure services like Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB, and Data Lake with enterprise systems
* Leading Data Platform Engineers, Data Technical Engineers, Automation, and RPA teams, along with outsourced contracts
* Developing automation frameworks leveraging Azure Automation, Power Automate, and third-party tools
* Ensuring automation aligns with digital transformation strategies and is integrated into value streams
* Collaborating with cloud providers and internal teams for seamless infrastructure, cloud, and application integration
* Working with cross-functional teams to align architecture with business needs, proactively identifying improvements
* Building strong relationships with business units and change teams for workload management within value streams and CDF
* Leading major cloud transformation programs, ensuring alignment with business and technical priorities
* Applying agile methodologies for program delivery and workload prioritization
* Driving adoption of new technologies and platforms organization-wide
* Providing technical leadership and guidance during platform rollouts and incident management
* Partnering with senior leaders to define platform strategies aligned with business objectives
* Advising on best practices for solution design, implementation, and optimization
* Leading technical discussions and championing Azure and automation technologies
* Developing comprehensive solutions addressing business needs with focus on security, scalability, and performance
* Implementing monitoring and alerting solutions for platform health and performance
* Driving continuous improvement and cost-efficiency in platform operations
* Ensuring compliance with company policies, standards, and regulations
* Managing teams, conducting 1:1s, mentoring, and staff development
* Participating in 24/7 on-call rotations for incident and security management
* Deputising for the Head of Core Platforms as needed
Experience & knowledge:
* Knowledge of FCA requirements, including Consumer Duty
* Significant experience in cloud platform engineering, solution architecture, or technical leadership in Azure
* Proven track record designing and implementing large-scale Azure cloud platforms, including data solutions
* Experience managing third-party cloud providers and vendors
* Strong background in automation and RPA strategies
* Experience with value stream mapping, CDF, and agile methodologies
* Ability to align architecture with business strategy and guide decision-making
* Effective communicator across technical and non-technical teams
* Strong problem-solving and innovative solution development skills
* Experience managing platform transformations and organizational change
* Passion for improving business outcomes and employee experience
Skills:
* Excellent communication, time management, and organisational skills
* Leadership and stakeholder influence skills
* Problem-solving and analytical thinking
* Strategic planning and solution design expertise
* Understanding of cloud security, compliance, and governance
* Proficiency in IaC tools like Terraform or ARM templates
* Knowledge of automation tools such as Azure Automation and Power Automate
* Experience with cloud data platforms and databases
* Knowledge of Azure security, monitoring, and logging solutions
Qualifications (Desirable):
Azure certifications such as:
* Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
* Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate
Behaviours:
* Self-motivated, organised, proactive
* Ability to work independently and in teams
* Flexible, positive attitude
* Driven to improve business outcomes
* Committed to staying current with emerging technologies
If you’re ready for the challenge, we’d love to hear from you!
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