At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Azure cloud delivery and platform engineering in a dynamic financial services environment.
- Company: Join Areti Group, a climate-positive tech recruitment company focused on people and the planet.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, and a competitive salary with bonuses.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and influence in a mission-driven company.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cloud strategy and engineering standards in a growing organisation.
- Qualifications: Strong Azure experience and leadership skills in complex enterprise environments.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 € per year.
This role sits within and complements the IT Infrastructure team, taking ownership of cloud delivery, platform engineering, and operational excellence across the wider Microsoft ecosystem. The successful candidate will act as the technical lead for Azure cloud infrastructure and DevOps delivery, helping shape and implement next-generation cloud platforms within a highly regulated financial services environment. You’ll work closely with infrastructure, development, security, and third-party partners to design, build, and optimise secure, scalable, and resilient cloud solutions - driving both transformation and long-term operational maturity. This is a hands-on technical leadership role suited to someone who enjoys balancing architecture, engineering, cloud governance, automation, and stakeholder engagement within enterprise-scale Azure environments.
Key Experience Required:
- Strong background leading Azure cloud delivery and platform engineering initiatives within complex enterprise environments.
- Hands-on experience designing and implementing enterprise-scale Azure Landing Zones using Terraform and Infrastructure as Code principles.
- Strong Azure architecture and cloud operations experience across IaaS, PaaS, networking, identity, governance, and security.
- Experience implementing and improving CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps practices using Azure DevOps and/or GitHub Actions.
- Practical experience with Azure services including Azure Firewall, API Management, Container Apps, Front Door, Key Vault, VNets, and hybrid networking.
- Strong understanding of Microsoft Entra ID and hybrid identity solutions, including SSO, federation, enterprise applications, and modern authentication.
- Experience operating within hybrid cloud environments spanning both on-premise infrastructure and Azure cloud platforms.
- Background delivering or supporting complex cloud migration and transformation programmes.
- Strong understanding of Azure governance and operational best practices, including Azure Policy, Management Groups, Defender for Cloud, monitoring, and cost optimisation.
- Ability to work closely with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, translating business requirements into scalable technical solutions.
- Comfortable taking ownership of technical delivery, mentoring others, and driving engineering standards across cloud operations.
- Strong scripting and automation capability using PowerShell, Bash, Terraform, or similar tooling.
Secondary Requirements:
- Experience working within regulated or compliance-driven environments such as financial services, insurance, healthcare, or government.
- Exposure to serverless and event-driven Azure architectures using Functions, Logic Apps, Service Bus, or API integrations.
- Experience supporting cloud security, audit, risk, and remediation activities within enterprise environments.
- Familiarity with observability, monitoring, and operational tooling such as Azure Monitor, Datadog, Application Insights, or similar.
- Experience working with containers and modern deployment approaches across Azure-native platforms.
- Exposure to modern application integration concepts including RESTful APIs, OAuth2, JWT, and distributed systems.
- Experience supporting platform modernisation, cloud optimisation, or FinOps initiatives.
Desirable Requirements:
- Microsoft Azure certifications such as AZ-305, AZ-400, SC-300, AZ-700 or equivalent.
- Exposure to Azure Databricks, Power Platform integrations, or Azure AI/Copilot technologies.
- Experience working within DevOps-led engineering cultures focused on automation, scalability, and continuous improvement.
- Previous experience acting as a technical lead, cloud architect, or principal-level engineer.
If you’re an experienced Azure Platform Engineer, Cloud Architect, DevOps Lead, or Cloud Delivery Lead looking for a role where you can genuinely influence cloud strategy, architecture, engineering standards, and long-term platform direction - this is an opportunity to make a significant impact within a growing financial services organisation.
Principal Cloud Platform Architect in Reading employer: Areti Group | B Corp™
Areti Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises both employee well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package including flexible working arrangements, enhanced parental leave, and private medical insurance. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and encourages team members to take ownership of their projects, while our commitment to sustainability ensures that you will be part of a mission-driven organisation dedicated to making a positive impact on the planet. Join us in Reading, where you can thrive in a dynamic environment that values your expertise in cloud technology and empowers you to shape the future of financial services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Cloud Platform Architect in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your Azure projects and DevOps implementations. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do and sets you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions related to Azure and DevOps. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable discussing your experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Cloud Platform Architect in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the key experience required for the Principal Cloud Platform Architect role. Highlight your hands-on experience with Azure and DevOps, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that showcase your skills in cloud delivery and platform engineering.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your passion for cloud technology and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to highlight your technical expertise, especially in areas like Terraform, CI/CD pipelines, and Azure services. We want to see your scripting and automation capabilities, so don’t hold back on sharing specific examples of your work!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Areti Group | B Corp™
✨Know Your Azure Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Azure knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with Azure Landing Zones, Terraform, and the specific services mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools will show that you're not just a theorist but someone who can deliver results.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Cloud Platform Architect, you'll be expected to lead technical delivery and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in complex enterprise environments. Highlight your ability to engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly around cloud migration or transformation programmes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and clearly illustrate how you tackled issues and drove successful outcomes.
✨Understand the Business Context
This role is within a regulated financial services environment, so it's crucial to understand the implications of governance and compliance. Research the company’s mission and values, and think about how your technical expertise can align with their goals, especially around operational excellence and security.
