Lead Cloud Engineer (Azure) in London

Lead Cloud Engineer (Azure) in London

London Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of innovative Azure cloud solutions and mentor a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join Legal & General, a top UK financial services group with a commitment to societal betterment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holidays, healthcare, and an electric car scheme.
  • Other info: Flexible working options available; we value your potential over strict criteria.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of data engineering in a supportive, inclusive environment.
  • Qualifications: Degree in tech or relevant experience, strong Azure skills, and programming knowledge.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

Legal & General (L&G) is a leading UK financial services group and major global investor. We’ve been safeguarding people’s financial futures since 1836, and strive to build a better society, while improving the lives of our customers and creating value for shareholders. We are one of the world’s largest asset managers and provide powerful asset origination capabilities. Together, these underpin our retirement and protection solutions: we are an international player in pension risk transfer, in UK and US life insurance, and in UK workplace pensions and retirement income.

Our Retail business supports customers throughout their lives, to help them save, plan, protect and enjoy retirement. We’re a leading provider of retirement and protection solutions. We aim to support our c.12.8 million policyholders and workplace members throughout their lifelong financial journeys. We focus on helping the customers of today and tomorrow achieve better long‑term outcomes. We either talk with them directly or work with intermediaries and employers to meet their needs. We use the latest technology to connect with them quickly, efficiently and wherever possible in highly personalised ways.

We are seeking a Lead Cloud Engineer to play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing a world‑class cloud capability within Legal & General’s Retail Data and Analytics function. This position sits at the heart of the Retail division’s ambition to deliver modern, scalable data solutions, enabling advanced reporting, analytics, and data science across its cloud data platform. As a key member of the team, you will drive the evolution of cloud based data engineering, supporting the organisation’s journey towards a more data driven and insight‑led future.

In this role, you will lead the delivery of core Azure capabilities that underpin our enterprise data platform, acting as a trusted technical authority within a highly regulated environment. You will design and implement secure, resilient, and scalable cloud solutions, while collaborating closely with architects, security specialists, and engineering leaders to define cloud standards and best practices. Alongside mentoring and developing team members, you will champion cross‑functional collaboration, leveraging modern development tools, AI capabilities, and APIs to drive automation, streamline processes, and integrate core platform capabilities, ultimately enabling operational excellence and simplification across the data landscape.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Leading the implementation and optimisation of Azure data platform capabilities, including Azure Data Factory and Synapse
  • Defining and embedding Infrastructure as Code best practices using Terraform or Bicep to enable consistent and controlled deployments
  • Driving the adoption of containerisation and orchestration through Azure Kubernetes Service to support scalable and resilient workloads
  • Establishing robust monitoring and observability frameworks using Azure Monitor, Application Insights, and centralised logging solutions
  • Managing and optimising cloud expenditure through Azure Cost Management and FinOps principles to maximise value
  • Mentoring and developing cloud engineering talent, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and delivery excellence
  • Evaluating emerging Azure technologies, leading proofs of concept, and providing strategic recommendations to maintain technical leadership
  • Acting as a subject matter expert for the DataOps platform, supporting the use of behavioural and customer insights to enhance customer journeys and measure the impact of improvements

Who we’re looking for:

  • Holding a degree‑level education, with a technology‑related discipline preferred
  • Demonstrating relevant cloud certifications or equivalent hands‑on experience at a senior level
  • Bringing strong expertise in Azure networking and hybrid connectivity, including ExpressRoute, VPN Gateway, and Private Endpoints
  • Proven track record in deploying, managing, and scaling Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) in production environments
  • Possessing deep knowledge of Azure identity, access management, and security best practices
  • Demonstrating proficiency in at least one programming language such as Python, alongside a working knowledge of SQL
  • Applying experience in infrastructure‑as‑code, particularly Terraform using CAF modules, to design and manage scalable cloud environments
  • Showcasing experience with modern AI and automation tooling, including GenAI frameworks, orchestration platforms, and DevOps capabilities, while effectively communicating with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders

Whatever your role, we reward performance and behaviour with a package that looks after all the things that are important to you.

  • The opportunity to participate in our annual, performance‑related bonus plan and valuable share schemes
  • Generous pension contribution
  • Life assurance
  • Healthcare Plan (permanent employees only)
  • At least 25 days holiday, plus public holidays, 26 days after 2 years’ service. There’s also the option to buy and sell holiday
  • Competitive family leave
  • Participate in our electric car scheme, which offers employees the option to hire a brand‑new electric car through tax efficient salary sacrifice (permanent employees only)
  • There are many discounts we offer – both for our own products and at a range of high street stores and online
  • We’re creating net‑zero carbon workplaces by 2030 by investing in our sustainable, modern offices across the UK, all designed to bring people together and elevate the in‑person experience

At L&G, we believe it’s possible to generate positive returns today while helping to build a better future for all. If you join us, you’ll be part of a welcoming, inclusive culture, with opportunities to collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds, views, and experiences. Guided by leaders with integrity who care about your future and wellbeing. Empowered through initiatives which support people to develop their careers and excel.

We care passionately about outcomes rather than attendance and are therefore open to discussing all kinds of flexible working options including part‑time, term‑time and job shares. Although some roles have limited flexibility due to customer demand, we accommodate requests when we can.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t meet every single criterion in this advert. Instead, think about what you excel at and what else you can bring in terms of strengths, potential and connection to our purpose.

Lead Cloud Engineer (Azure) in London employer: Legal & General

Legal & General is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee growth and well-being. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, employees are empowered to lead in their roles while benefiting from generous perks such as a competitive pension scheme, healthcare plans, and flexible working options. Located in the UK, L&G fosters a culture of inclusivity and sustainability, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the financial services sector.

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Contact Details:

Legal & General Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Cloud Engineer (Azure) in London

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Legal & General. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Cloud Engineer (Azure) in London

Azure Data Factory
Azure Synapse
Infrastructure as Code
Terraform
Bicep
Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
Azure Monitor

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Legal & General.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Legal & General's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Legal & General

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Legal & General.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Legal & General will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Legal & General employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.