Cloud Engineering Lead - SRE

📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Cloud Engineering Lead - SRE
• Company: Groupon
• Location: Ireland
• Job Type: On-site
• Category: DevOps, Infrastructure, Leadership
• Date Posted: 2025-06-12
• Experience Level: 5-10 years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of engineers and IT personnel to drive Groupon's cloud and infrastructure strategies.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and management of cloud infrastructure solutions, particularly on Google Cloud, and deploy service mesh architectures.
• Ensure system security and support timely software releases while driving technological innovation and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide strategic guidance on cloud strategy and development.
• Communicate operational goals and business impacts to executive leadership and the board of directors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong leader with a proven track record in managing teams and delivering complex projects in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have deep understanding and hands-on experience with cloud technologies, particularly Google Cloud, and expertise in various tools and frameworks.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Lead and manage the engineering team, including hiring, training, and motivating staff.
• Cloud Infrastructure Management: Oversee the design, implementation, and management of cloud infrastructure solutions, particularly on Google Cloud.
• Budget Management: Develop and maintain a cloud budget, oversee spending, and ensure efficiency.
• Strategic Guidance: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide strategic guidance on cloud strategy and development.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure system security and support timely software releases while driving technological innovation and continuous improvement.
• Communication: Communicate operational goals and business impacts to executive leadership and the board of directors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on technical expertise. The ideal candidate will have experience managing teams, driving technological innovation, and ensuring alignment with business goals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.

Experience: Proven experience in managing and leading teams of at least 5-10 people, with a track record of delivering complex projects in a fast-paced environment.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding and hands-on experience with cloud technologies (Google Cloud preferred; AWS nice to have, and on-prem experience a plus).
• Expertise in Kubernetes, Routing/Mesh (Envoy, Istio), Docker, Golang, and ELK stack.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CI/CD frameworks, particularly Argo CD.
• Knowledge of digital transformation strategies and high-performance culture development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cloud technologies, team leadership, and digital transformation. Experience with Google Cloud, Kubernetes, and service mesh architectures is highly desirable.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience in cloud infrastructure management, particularly on Google Cloud.
• Showcase successful team leadership and project delivery in a fast-paced environment.
• Highlight experience with Kubernetes, service mesh architectures, and CI/CD pipelines.

Technical Documentation:

• Provide documentation on cloud infrastructure design, deployment, and management processes.
• Include case studies or success stories demonstrating the impact of your work on system performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency.
• Showcase your experience with digital transformation strategies and high-performance culture development.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on cloud infrastructure management and team leadership, the portfolio should emphasize these aspects. Include examples of successful cloud projects, team leadership initiatives, and digital transformation strategies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €120,000 - €160,000 per year (based on market research for senior cloud engineering roles in Ireland)

Benefits:

• A significant role in driving Groupon's technological innovation and digital transformation.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development, with potential advancement to senior leadership positions.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment where your contributions will have a lasting impact.

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows and maintenance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on market research for senior cloud engineering roles in Ireland. Benefits are tailored to the role and company culture, focusing on professional growth and impact.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Groupon operates in the e-commerce and local services industry, focusing on connecting customers with local businesses through daily deals and experiences.

Company Size: Groupon has over 5,000 employees worldwide, providing ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: Groupon was founded in 2008 and has since grown into a global leader in local e-commerce.

Team Structure:

• The cloud engineering team is responsible for managing and optimizing Groupon's cloud infrastructure, particularly on Google Cloud.
• The team works closely with cross-functional teams, including software development, product management, and DevOps, to drive technological innovation and digital transformation.

Development Methodology:

• Groupon follows Agile development methodologies, with a focus on continuous integration, continuous deployment, and collaboration.
• The company encourages a culture of innovation, experimentation, and data-driven decision-making.

Company Website: Groupon

📝 Enhancement Note: Groupon's culture values performance, innovation, and collaboration. The company encourages a high-performing sports team mindset, with a focus on excellence, fairness, and mutual support.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Cloud Engineering Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, overseeing a team of engineers and IT personnel. The ideal candidate will have experience managing teams, driving technological innovation, and ensuring alignment with business goals.

Reporting Structure: The Cloud Engineering Lead - SRE reports directly to the Senior Director of Engineering and collaborates with various teams, including software development, product management, and DevOps.

Technical Impact: The Cloud Engineering Lead - SRE is responsible for driving technological innovation, ensuring system security, and supporting timely software releases. This role has a significant impact on Groupon's overall performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Leadership: Grow into a senior leadership role, overseeing multiple teams and driving Groupon's overall cloud strategy.
• Technical Expertise: Deepen your expertise in cloud technologies, service mesh architectures, and digital transformation strategies.
• Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities, both in terms of technical expertise and leadership. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing teams and driving technological innovation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Groupon's office is a dynamic, collaborative workspace that fosters innovation and cross-functional teamwork.

Office Location(s): Groupon's Ireland office is located in Dublin, with easy access to public transportation and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration: The office is designed to encourage collaboration, with open workspaces, meeting rooms, and breakout areas.
• Technology: Groupon provides state-of-the-art technology, including multiple monitors, testing devices, and development tools.
• Team Interaction: The cloud engineering team works closely with other teams, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Groupon's work environment is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. The company provides state-of-the-art technology and encourages a culture of knowledge sharing and teamwork.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

1. Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your experience, skills, and career goals.
2. Technical Deep Dive: A comprehensive technical interview focused on cloud infrastructure management, service mesh architectures, and team leadership.
3. Behavioral & Cultural Fit: An interview to assess your cultural fit, leadership style, and problem-solving skills.
4. Final Decision: A final interview with the hiring manager and other senior stakeholders to discuss your fit for the role and Groupon's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight your experience in cloud infrastructure management, particularly on Google Cloud.
• Showcase successful team leadership initiatives and digital transformation strategies.
• Include examples of your problem-solving skills, performance optimization, and system security expertise.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Brush up on your knowledge of Google Cloud, Kubernetes, service mesh architectures, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Prepare for questions on cloud infrastructure design, deployment, and management processes.
• Practice explaining complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.

ATS Keywords: (Organized by category)

• Cloud Platforms: Google Cloud, AWS, Azure
• Infrastructure Tools: Kubernetes, Docker, Terraform, Ansible
• Service Mesh: Istio, Envoy, Linkerd
• Monitoring & Logging: ELK Stack, Prometheus, Grafana
• CI/CD: Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, Argo CD
• Programming Languages: Golang, Python, Bash
• Team Leadership: Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Team Management
• Soft Skills: Communication, Problem-Solving, Analytical Skills, Adaptability
• Industry Terms: Digital Transformation, Cloud Migration, Infrastructure as Code, DevOps, Site Reliability Engineering

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cloud infrastructure management, team leadership, and digital transformation strategies.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Cloud Platforms:

• Primary: Google Cloud (GCP)
• Secondary: AWS (nice to have)

Infrastructure Tools:

• Kubernetes (K8s)
• Docker
• Terraform
• Ansible
• Argo CD (nice to have)

Service Mesh:

• Istio
• Envoy (nice to have)
• Linkerd (nice to have)

Monitoring & Logging:

• ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana)
• Prometheus (nice to have)
• Grafana (nice to have)

CI/CD:

• Jenkins
• GitLab CI/CD
• Argo CD (nice to have)

Programming Languages:

• Golang
• Python
• Bash

📝 Enhancement Note: Groupon's technology stack is centered around Google Cloud, with a focus on Kubernetes, service mesh architectures, and CI/CD pipelines. The ideal candidate will have experience with these technologies and a strong background in cloud infrastructure management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Cloud Engineering Values:

• Innovation: Encourage experimentation, continuous learning, and improvement.
• Performance: Focus on high performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency.
• Collaboration: Foster a culture of knowledge sharing, teamwork, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Adaptability: Embrace change, learn from failures, and pivot when necessary.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with software development, product management, and DevOps teams to drive technological innovation and digital transformation.
• Code Review Culture: Encourage peer programming, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.
• Mentoring & Growth: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Groupon's cloud engineering team values innovation, performance, collaboration, and adaptability. The team fosters a culture of knowledge sharing, teamwork, and continuous learning, with a focus on driving technological innovation and digital transformation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• Cloud Migration: Lead the migration of on-prem infrastructure to Google Cloud, ensuring minimal downtime and cost-efficiency.
• Service Mesh Optimization: Optimize service mesh architectures for performance, reliability, and scalability.
• Cost Management: Develop and maintain a cloud budget, ensuring efficiency and cost-efficiency.
• Disaster Recovery: Implement and maintain disaster recovery solutions, ensuring business continuity and data protection.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cloud Specialization: Deepen your expertise in Google Cloud, Kubernetes, and service mesh architectures.
• Leadership Development: Grow into a senior leadership role, overseeing multiple teams and driving Groupon's overall cloud strategy.
• Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging cloud technologies, trends, and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant technical challenges and growth opportunities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cloud infrastructure management, team leadership, and digital transformation strategies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• Cloud Infrastructure: Describe your experience with cloud infrastructure management, particularly on Google Cloud. Discuss your approach to designing, implementing, and managing cloud infrastructure solutions.
• Service Mesh: Explain your experience with service mesh architectures, such as Istio and Envoy. Discuss your approach to optimizing service mesh for performance, reliability, and scalability.
• Team Leadership: Describe your experience with team leadership, including hiring, training, and motivating staff. Discuss your approach to driving performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Groupon Culture: Research Groupon's culture, values, and mission. Discuss how your leadership style and technical expertise align with the company's goals and culture.
• Digital Transformation: Explain your experience with digital transformation strategies and how you've driven technological innovation and high-performance culture development in previous roles.
• Groupon's Impact: Discuss how you would ensure Groupon's cloud infrastructure supports the company's growth, innovation, and overall success.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Cloud Infrastructure: Highlight your experience in cloud infrastructure management, particularly on Google Cloud. Include examples of successful cloud projects, team leadership initiatives, and digital transformation strategies.
• Service Mesh: Showcase your experience with service mesh architectures, such as Istio and Envoy. Include examples of your optimization strategies and performance improvements.
• Team Leadership: Demonstrate your experience with team leadership, including hiring, training, and motivating staff. Include examples of your approach to driving performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cloud infrastructure management, team leadership, and digital transformation strategies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Cloud Engineering Lead - SRE position at Groupon:

1. Customize Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your experience in cloud infrastructure management, team leadership, and digital transformation strategies. Include examples of your work with Google Cloud, Kubernetes, and service mesh architectures.
2. Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements in cloud infrastructure management, team leadership, and digital transformation. Include any experience with Google Cloud, Kubernetes, and service mesh architectures.
3. Prepare for Technical Interviews: Brush up on your knowledge of Google Cloud, Kubernetes, service mesh architectures, and CI/CD pipelines. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.
4. Research Groupon: Familiarize yourself with Groupon's culture, values, and mission. Understand the company's business model, industry, and competition. Prepare questions to ask during the interview process to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the role.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.