At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Azure cloud delivery and platform engineering in a dynamic financial services environment.
- Company: Join a growing financial services organisation with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Flexible working, enhanced leave, pension scheme, life assurance, private medical insurance, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Hands-on leadership role with excellent career growth opportunities in a regulated environment.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on cloud strategy and engineering standards while shaping the future of technology.
- Qualifications: Strong Azure experience, cloud governance skills, and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Reading (Onsite twice per month – free car parking). Other benefits – flexible working, enhanced maternity/paternity & adoption leave, contributory pension scheme, life assurance, private medical insurance, 25 days holiday (birthday off).
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.
- 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.
- 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 CorpTM
As a Principal Cloud Platform Architect at our Reading location, you will join a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration in the highly regulated financial services sector. We offer a supportive work culture with flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and comprehensive benefits including a contributory pension scheme and private medical insurance, ensuring you have the resources to thrive both personally and professionally. With opportunities for mentorship and technical leadership, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our cloud strategy while enjoying the advantages of onsite parking and a commitment to employee growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Cloud Platform Architect in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local tech events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your Azure projects and DevOps practices. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for cloud architects and practice your responses. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with Azure services and how you've tackled challenges in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
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 is tailored to the Principal Cloud Platform Architect role. Highlight your experience with Azure, DevOps, and 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. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description and show us your passion for cloud technology.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your hands-on experience with Azure services and tools like Terraform and Azure DevOps. We want to see how you've implemented CI/CD pipelines and managed cloud governance in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Areti Group | B CorpTM
✨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 need to demonstrate your ability to lead technical teams. Prepare examples of how you've mentored others or driven engineering standards in previous roles. This will help the interviewers see you as a strong candidate who can take ownership of technical delivery.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve real-world problems related to cloud governance, security, and operational excellence. Think through scenarios where you've had to balance architecture and engineering while working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to communicate effectively.
✨Understand the Financial Services Landscape
Since this role is within a regulated financial services environment, it’s crucial to understand the compliance and security challenges that come with it. Brush up on relevant regulations and be ready to discuss how you've navigated similar environments in the past. This will show that you’re not only technically proficient but also aware of the industry's unique demands.
