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 solutionsEnsuring platform solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with business and technical requirementsImplementing infrastructure and application architectures using IaC principles with tools like Terraform and ARM templatesDriving modernization and transformation of enterprise infrastructure and servicesOverseeing deployment of highly available, fault-tolerant, and performant Azure infrastructureEnforcing architecture standards, guidelines, and best practicesManaging data platform design and deployment, collaborating with database administrators to optimize data flow, performance, and securityOverseeing migration of legacy data platforms to cloud-native architecturesManaging third-party cloud providers to ensure service levels and solutions meet business needsIntegrating Azure services like Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB, and Data Lake with enterprise systemsLeading Data Platform Engineers, Data Technical Engineers, Automation, and RPA teams, along with outsourced contractsDeveloping automation frameworks leveraging Azure Automation, Power Automate, and third-party toolsEnsuring automation aligns with digital transformation strategies and is integrated into value streamsCollaborating with cloud providers and internal teams for seamless infrastructure, cloud, and application integrationWorking with cross-functional teams to align architecture with business needs, proactively identifying improvementsBuilding strong relationships with business units and change teams for workload management within value streams and CDFLeading major cloud transformation programs, ensuring alignment with business and technical prioritiesApplying agile methodologies for program delivery and workload prioritizationDriving adoption of new technologies and platforms organization-wideProviding technical leadership and guidance during platform rollouts and incident managementPartnering with senior leaders to define platform strategies aligned with business objectivesAdvising on best practices for solution design, implementation, and optimizationLeading technical discussions and championing Azure and automation technologiesDeveloping comprehensive solutions addressing business needs with focus on security, scalability, and performanceImplementing monitoring and alerting solutions for platform health and performanceDriving continuous improvement and cost-efficiency in platform operationsEnsuring compliance with company policies, standards, and regulationsManaging teams, conducting 1 : 1s, mentoring, and staff developmentParticipating in 24 / 7 on-call rotations for incident and security managementDeputising for the Head of Core Platforms as neededExperience & knowledge :
Knowledge of FCA requirements, including Consumer DutySignificant experience in cloud platform engineering, solution architecture, or technical leadership in AzureProven track record designing and implementing large-scale Azure cloud platforms, including data solutionsExperience managing third-party cloud providers and vendorsStrong background in automation and RPA strategiesExperience with value stream mapping, CDF, and agile methodologiesAbility to align architecture with business strategy and guide decision-makingEffective communicator across technical and non-technical teamsStrong problem-solving and innovative solution development skillsExperience managing platform transformations and organizational changePassion for improving business outcomes and employee experienceSkills :
Excellent communication, time management, and organisational skillsLeadership and stakeholder influence skillsProblem-solving and analytical thinkingStrategic planning and solution design expertiseUnderstanding of cloud security, compliance, and governanceProficiency in IaC tools like Terraform or ARM templatesKnowledge of automation tools such as Azure Automation and Power AutomateExperience with cloud data platforms and databasesKnowledge of Azure security, monitoring, and logging solutionsQualifications (Desirable) :
Azure certifications such as :
Microsoft Certified : Azure Solutions Architect ExpertMicrosoft Certified : Azure Security Engineer AssociateBehaviours :
Self-motivated, organised, proactiveAbility to work independently and in teamsFlexible, positive attitudeDriven to improve business outcomesCommitted to staying current with emerging technologiesIf you’re ready for the challenge, we’d love to hear from you!
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