Core Platform Technical Engineer

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. We’re looking for Core Platform Technical Engineers who’ll be responsible for managing and supporting the infrastructure and core services within the Azure cloud environment, as well as driving modernisation and automation efforts.

This role focuses on platform engineering, including infrastructure-as-code (IaC), Azure Kubernetes Services (AKS), Terraform, managing domains, Active Directory (AD), DNS, authentication services, and program and change work. The Core Platform Technical Engineers will ensure the operational stability, scalability, and security of core enterprise platforms in Azure, as well as supporting other critical areas that align with business needs.

You’ll also support continuous improvement initiatives by modernising infrastructure, implementing automation, and overseeing the management of enterprise services. A key part of the role involves resolving incidents and requests within SLA, collaborating with third-party providers as an extension of the internal team, and providing expert technical support and advice to both internal teams and end-users.

We value flexible working arrangements, so you can choose to work remotely or maybe you live within a commutable distance from one of our offices in Salford Quays, Manchester, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, or Guernsey, and want to work in the office occasionally.

• Strong experience with Azure infrastructure management, including Azure Resource Manager (ARM), Azure Active Directory (AD), DNS, and security management.
• Proficiency in Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) using tools such as Terraform, ARM templates.
• Expertise in managing and securing domain services, Active Directory, DNS, and authentication protocols.
• Familiarity with cloud platform automation tools and CI/CD pipeline integration (e.g., Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions).
• Hands-on experience with enterprise-grade Azure services, including compute, storage, networking, and monitoring solutions.
• Deep understanding of security best practices, including Azure security features and tools (e.g., Azure Security Center, Azure Policy, RBAC).
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• You’ll manage, monitor, and support core infrastructure and services within the Azure cloud environment.
• You’ll oversee domain management, Active Directory (AD), DNS, and authentication services to ensure robust enterprise security and operational continuity.
• You’ll implement infrastructure-as-code (IaC) practices to automate the deployment, configuration, and management of cloud resources.
• You’ll develop, maintain, and optimise cloud infrastructure, ensuring it aligns with business needs and technology roadmaps.
• You’ll lead efforts to modernise core infrastructure to support scalable, secure, and highly available platforms.
• You’ll collaborate with other platform engineering teams and stakeholders to ensure platform stability and reliability.
• You’ll resolve platform-related incidents and service requests within agreed Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• You’ll ensure incidents and requests are logged, prioritised, and triaged appropriately to meet SLA targets.
• You’ll provide timely resolution of incidents and technical support for end-users, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
• You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams to investigate and remediate issues affecting platform availability and performance.
• You’ll track and report the status of ongoing incidents, keeping stakeholders informed of progress.
• You’ll work with third-party providers and vendors as an extension of the internal team, ensuring seamless collaboration on incidents, issues, and platform improvements.
• You’ll manage and execute change management activities, ensuring seamless implementation of new services, updates, and system configurations.
• You’ll take ownership of program work related to platform improvements, upgrades, and migrations within Azure and other supporting areas.
• You’ll coordinate with business units, IT teams, and security teams to ensure program work aligns with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• You’ll provide technical advice and guidance during planning and execution phases of platform changes and upgrades.
• You’ll drive the adoption of automation tools and processes to optimise infrastructure management and reduce manual tasks.
• You’ll lead and implement modernization initiatives across platforms, ensuring integration with modern cloud-based technologies.
• You’ll utilise IaC frameworks like Terraform, ARM templates, to ensure repeatable, scalable deployments of cloud resources.
• You’ll collaborate with development teams to integrate continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines for improved infrastructure management.
• You’ll partner with other platform engineering teams to provide operational support and troubleshooting for enterprise services.
• You’ll collaborate with Cyber and Info Sec teams to ensure domain, AD, and DNS services adhere to security best practices and regulatory requirements.
• You’ll engage with cross-functional teams, including developers, product managers, and business leaders, to understand requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
• You’ll provide technical advice and mentorship to junior engineers and teams.
• You’ll ensure the security, performance, and compliance of cloud services and infrastructure in Azure.
• You’ll conduct regular platform reviews to identify optimization opportunities and ensure adherence to industry best practices.
• You’ll troubleshoot and resolve platform-related incidents in a timely manner, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
• You’ll implement and manage monitoring solutions to ensure high availability, reliability, and performance of core platforms.
• You’ll create and maintain detailed documentation for platform configurations, standards, and procedures.
• You’ll share knowledge across teams to facilitate continuous improvement and cross-team collaboration.
• You’ll write and review knowledgebase articles, operational guides, and best practice recommendations for cloud infrastructure and services.
• You’ll comply with the requirements, and act in accordance with, the Group Code of Conduct and Fitness and Propriety policies at all times.
• You’ll ensure compliance with Company Policies, Values and guidelines and other relevant standards/ regulations at all times.
• You’ll be part of a 365/24/7 on-call to manage incidents, security alerts, and escalations as required.

• Knowledge of FCA requirements (including individual responsibilities in relation to Consumer Duty).
• Demonstrable hands-on experience in platform engineering or cloud infrastructure management, specifically with Azure.
• Proven experience implementing IaC practices and managing cloud environments with a focus on automation and scalability.
• Experience working in an enterprise-level environment, managing core infrastructure and services at scale.
• Prior experience in managing change, program work, and cloud transformation projects.
• Experience in resolving incidents, managing service requests, and providing support within SLA targets.
• Experience with cloud migration, modernization, and disaster recovery planning.

• Strong experience with Azure infrastructure management, including Azure Resource Manager (ARM), Azure Active Directory (AD), DNS, and security management.
• Proficiency in Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) using tools such as Terraform, ARM templates.
• Expertise in managing and securing domain services, Active Directory, DNS, and authentication protocols.
• Familiarity with cloud platform automation tools and CI/CD pipeline integration (e.g., Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions).
• Hands-on experience with enterprise-grade Azure services, including compute, storage, networking, and monitoring solutions.
• Deep understanding of security best practices, including Azure security features and tools (e.g., Azure Security Center, Azure Policy, RBAC).
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Maintain certifications and expertise in Azure technologies (Desirable), including but not limited to: AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator, AZ-303 & AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies and Design, AZ-400: Microsoft Azure DevOps Solutions, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert, Terraform (desirable), ITIL Foundation (desirable).

• Ability to work collaboratively across teams, ensuring alignment of technical solutions with business goals.
• Ability to mentor and provide guidance to junior engineers or teams.
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic.
• An organised and proactive approach.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• A flexible approach and positive attitude.
• Strives to drive business improvements to contribute to the success of the business.
• Ability to align platform engineering initiatives with business goals and long-term technology strategies.
• Strong ability to gain buy-in from stakeholders and drive cultural change toward cloud adoption.
• Ability to leverage data to optimise cloud infrastructure and resolve issues.
• Strong ability to work across business functions and effectively communicate platform strategies.
• Expertise in guiding teams through digital transformation and adoption of new technologies.

So, if you’re up for the challenge and would like to join our vibrant and busy team, we want to hear from you today.

What can we do for you? People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive.