At a Glance
- Tasks: Design, develop, and deploy cloud solutions to enhance team collaboration and productivity.
- Company: Howdens is the UK's leading trade kitchen supplier with over 900 depots across Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonus, excellent pension, 25 days holiday, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced, rewarding environment recognised for workplace excellence and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in cloud technologies, CI/CD pipelines, and containerisation is essential.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; part-time roles considered.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Howdens Joinery has an exciting new opportunity in the Cloud Team. We are looking for a new Cloud Platform Engineer to design, develop, test and deploy solutions to improve collaboration and productivity of the development teams by automating infrastructure, automating workflows and continuously measuring and improving application performance. This is a full time, permanent opportunity based from either our office in Brackmills business park, Northampton or Raunds, Northamptonshire with some home working. We welcome applications from candidates seeking either full-time or part-time hours (minimum 30 hours per week).
What you will be doing as a Cloud Platform Engineer:
- You will be responsible for creating, maintaining and deploying secure, high-available, fault-tolerant systems at scale via on-premise and cloud-native architectures for development, testing and production environments.
- Developing and maintain solutions for operational administration, system/data backup, disaster recovery and security/performance monitoring.
- Deploy and maintain CI/CD pipelines across multiple environments to maximize efficiency and optimise for flow therefore allowing the delivery teams to deploy new code daily.
- Help to develop policies, standards, governance, and related guidance for teams in using the CI/CD pipelines.
- Work with architects to design scalable infrastructure and systems for complex applications.
- Collaborate with Release Manager in the release planning, by identifying deployment steps and other activities that must be undertaken prior and post deployment.
- Responsible for developing and supporting container-based solutions using Kubernetes/Docker for Azure Cloud.
What We Need From You:
- Broad experience within the Cloud Technologies and Platforms, including but not limited to: Azure Cloud, Azure DevOps (or other CI/CD GIT platforms), Azure Active Directory (Identity Management, Service Principles, Security Groups, Role Management, MFA), Key Vault, Cloud Security and Connectivity (vNet, DNS, Firewalls, Express Route / Direct Connect, VPN, GTM, NSG), Subscription Management (Resource Groups, cost management), Cloud Monitoring, Shared Services (Kubernetes, API Management), CDN (Akamai), High Availability (Zones and Regions, Service Recovery).
- Experience with infrastructure-as-code and Configuration management tools e.g. Terraform, Chef, Puppet, Ansible, Azure.
- Practical experience with containerization and clustering technologies i.e., Docker/Kubernetes.
- Experience of building automated CI/CD pipelines with tools such as SonarQube, Fortify, Selenium, etc.
- Excellent communicator, able to influence decision makers and work successfully in cross-functional teams.
What We Can Offer You:
- Competitive salary and annual company bonus.
- Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%).
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days.
- Staff Discount.
- Exceptional Reward and Recognition events.
About Howdens:
Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda. As well as the opportunity to develop within a fast paced and commercial environment, you will be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for excellence in the workplace in the Best Big Companies to Work For.
How To Apply:
We’re building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career, then we’re keen to hear from you. Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.
Cloud Platform Engineer employer: Howdens
Contact Detail:
Howdens Recruiting Team
recruitmentteam@howdens.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cloud Platform Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific cloud technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Azure Cloud and Azure DevOps. Having hands-on experience or projects that showcase your skills in these areas can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Howdens on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with CI/CD pipelines and containerisation technologies like Docker and Kubernetes. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've implemented these in past roles to improve efficiency and performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by preparing to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in previous positions. Highlighting your ability to influence decision-makers will demonstrate that you're a strong fit for the collaborative environment at Howdens.
We think you need these skills to ace Cloud Platform Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in cloud technologies, particularly Azure Cloud and CI/CD pipelines. Use specific examples of projects where you've automated workflows or improved application performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at Howdens and explain how your skills align with their needs. Mention your experience with containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes, as well as your ability to work in cross-functional teams.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly list your technical skills related to the job description, such as infrastructure-as-code tools (Terraform, Ansible) and cloud security practices. This will help demonstrate your fit for the Cloud Platform Engineer position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in engineering roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens
✨Showcase Your Cloud Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience with Azure Cloud and other relevant technologies during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've implemented cloud solutions, as this will demonstrate your hands-on knowledge and problem-solving skills.
✨Understand CI/CD Pipelines
Since the role involves deploying and maintaining CI/CD pipelines, brush up on your understanding of these processes. Be ready to explain how you've used tools like Azure DevOps or similar platforms to optimise workflows and improve deployment efficiency.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to containerisation, Kubernetes, and infrastructure-as-code. Review key concepts and be ready to discuss how you've applied these technologies in real-world scenarios, as this will show your depth of knowledge.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
As an excellent communicator is a requirement for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams and influenced decision-makers in previous roles.