Cloud Data Platform Engineer

First Central Services; Manchester, Haywards Heath; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company in the UK seeks a Cloud Data Platform Engineer to build and enhance its Azure Data Platform. The role demands expertise in Infrastructure as Code and collaboration across Departments to innovate data capabilities. Candidates should possess strong cloud knowledge and a proactive approach in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Terraform and Bicep.
• Solid experience with Azure services including Synapse, Data Factory, and Databricks.
• Experience in establishing coding standards and testing practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of Data Science and ML Ops environments.
• Manage infrastructure, security, and performance of the Azure platform.
• Support and mentor team members.

Skills

Infrastructure as Code Mastery

Azure Expertise

Effective Communicator

Creative Problem Solver

Job description

Location: Haywards Heath, Home Office (Remote) or Manchester
Salary: £56,000 - £70,000 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 an excellent service. And that’s the same for our colleagues too; we won Insurance Employer of the Year at the British Insurance Awards 2024 and our Glassdoor score is pretty impressive!

Are you a cloud-savvy engineer who loves building smart, secure, scalable data platforms?

We’re looking for a Cloud Data Platform Engineer to help us build the future of data at 1st Central. You’ll lead in shaping and scaling our Azure Data Platform—designing solutions that are smart, secure, and scalable, supporting everything from business intelligence to machine learning.

You’ll collaborate with Data Architects, Principal Engineers, and teams across Tech to deliver infrastructure as code using tools like Bicep and Terraform. Whether it’s setting standards, co-authoring low-level designs, optimizing performance, or ensuring data security, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact in a forward-thinking, data-led business.

If you’re excited about Azure, Infrastructure as Code, and empowering teams to do amazing things with data, keep reading.

Skills you’ll need:

• Infrastructure as Code Mastery: Hands-on experience with Terraform and Bicep, deploying Azure infrastructure with automation, templates, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Azure Expertise: Solid experience with Azure services such as Synapse, Data Factory, Databricks, DevOps, networking, and security best practices.
• Effective Communicator & Team Player: Ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences and collaborate effectively.
• Creative Problem Solver: Enjoy solving complex infrastructure challenges with innovative solutions.

We value flexible working arrangements, with offices in Salford Quays, Manchester, and Haywards Heath, West Sussex. You’ll primarily work from home with occasional office visits—monthly or bi-monthly. Remote working is also an option, with the expectation to visit in person periodically.

What’s involved:

• Collaborate with Data Architecture and Principal Engineers to develop new data capabilities in our Azure Data Platform.
• Lead design and implementation of Data Science and ML Ops environments.
• Manage infrastructure, security, and performance of the Azure platform, ensuring data protection and insight delivery.
• Translate high-level solutions into detailed designs and work packages.
• Build and test Infrastructure as Code using Terraform and Bicep to support delivery timelines.
• Develop a Data Platform Services Roadmap focusing on performance, cost, and security improvements.
• Work across departments including InfoSec, DPO, DevOps, and IT Ops.
• Establish standards, streamline processes, and produce clear documentation.
• Lead by example with best coding practices, testing, and CI/CD.
• Support and mentor team members, fostering a positive team culture.

Experience and skills:

• Experience designing and building end-to-end data solutions in Microsoft Cloud for BI or Data Science.
• Proficiency with Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
• Experience designing scalable, resilient, and performant systems with monitoring, cost management, and alerting.
• Expertise in Infrastructure as Code, network design, containerization, automation, and CI/CD.
• Proven ability to define Bicep templates and deploy Azure infrastructure effectively.
• Experience creating Azure DevOps YAML pipelines.
• Knowledge of source control, preferably Git.
• Strong skills in SQL, Azure Synapse, Data Factory, Spark, and Databricks.
• Experience establishing coding standards and testing practices.
• Deep understanding of the full data lifecycle.
• Involvement in implementing CI/CD methodologies.
• Experience working in agile, rapid development environments.

Behaviours:

• Excellent communicator: Clear sharing of ideas and collaboration.
• Creative problem solver: Enjoys tackling challenges with practical solutions.
• Proactive and optimistic: Takes initiative and maintains a positive outlook.
• Strong time management: Balances priorities and meets deadlines.
• Team player: Supportive and enthusiastic about shared goals.
• Coaching mindset: Supports others’ growth and knowledge sharing.
• Quality-driven: Pays attention to detail and standards.
• Adaptable: Comfortable in fast-paced, changing environments.

If you’re ready to elevate your cloud engineering career and innovate with data at 1st Central, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and let’s build something brilliant together.