At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead platform engineering and CI/CD strategy to enhance product delivery.
- Company: Close Brothers, a diverse and inclusive tech team.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture that values personal growth and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while leading innovative engineering solutions.
- Qualifications: Strong DevOps background and experience in managing multidisciplinary teams.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
At Close Brothers we look to recruit individuals from all different backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you don’t tick every box. We celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity. Vacancies are available on a part‑time, job‑share or full‑time basis because we know the best person for the job isn’t always available full‑time. Our aim is to facilitate requests wherever possible and managers will consider requests on an individual basis.
Join the Close Brothers Technology Team where you will be accountable for the enterprise‑wide platform engineering capability that enables product value streams to deliver frequent, secure, resilient and compliant change. Working as part of the Technology team our ideal team member will have previous experience in designing and operating CI/CD platforms at scale with excellent management skills.
Responsibilities- Enterprise ownership of CI/CD platforms and platform engineering services consumed by all product value streams.
- Decision authority to define and enforce standard delivery pathways and engineering controls.
- Define and deliver the enterprise platform engineering and CI/CD strategy aligned to security, architecture and operational resilience priorities.
- Deliver self‑service platforms, templates and tooling that reduce lead time and manual effort for product value streams.
- Embed preventative security, risk and SDLC controls directly into CI/CD pipelines using policy‑as‑code.
- Reduce release failures, rollback events and operational incidents attributable to change.
- Own budgets for platform tooling and services, including cost transparency and optimisation.
- Build and direct a high‑calibre platform engineering capability with clear performance expectations.
- Strong background in DevOps, infrastructure‑as‑code, and automation.
- Proven ability to lead senior engineers and multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience operating in regulated or risk‑aware environments.
- Financial services or similarly regulated sector experience.
- Experience reducing dependency on outsourced delivery models.
- Familiarity with policy‑as‑code and automated control enforcement.
- Recognised cloud or platform engineering certifications (e.g. Azure, AWS, or equivalent).
- DevOps or CI/CD‑related certifications or formal training (e.g. DevOps Institute, similar).
- Evidence of structured management or people‑management development (formal or experiential).
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates who require the job description or application form in an alternative format, or any other adjustments, are encouraged to email us at recruit.ssc@closebrothers.com.
Head of Platform Engineering & CI/CD employer: Close Brothers
Close Brothers is an exceptional employer that values diversity and inclusivity, offering flexible working arrangements to accommodate various needs. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented team in a dynamic environment while driving innovation in platform engineering and CI/CD practices. Our commitment to fostering a supportive work culture ensures that every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our mission in the financial services sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Platform Engineering & CI/CD
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the role, especially around CI/CD and platform engineering. Confidence is key!
✨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 take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Platform Engineering & CI/CD
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:We want to see the real you! Don’t stress about ticking every single box in the job description. Share your unique experiences and perspectives, as we celebrate diversity and inclusivity.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Platform Engineering & CI/CD role. Highlight your relevant experience in CI/CD platforms and how you've led teams in the past. This helps us see how you fit into our team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical skills! Whether it’s DevOps, infrastructure-as-code, or automation, let us know how you’ve applied these in real-world scenarios. We love seeing practical examples!
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Close Brothers
✨Know Your CI/CD Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of CI/CD platforms and practices. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in designing and operating these systems at scale, as well as any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Platform Engineering, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire teams. Prepare examples of how you've motivated your team in the past, and be ready to discuss your approach to coaching and developing talent.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with Close Brothers and their technology team. Understand their values around diversity and inclusivity, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in regulated environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to enforce engineering controls or optimise platform tooling, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
