📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Cloud Platform Architect (GCP)
Company: Mars
Location: United Kingdom
Job Type: On-site
Category: Cloud Architecture & Engineering
Date Posted: June 30, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead the architectural design and implementation of scalable, secure, and high-performing cloud solutions on Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Collaborate with data engineers, data scientists, and business stakeholders to define cloud strategies and roadmaps that support analytics initiatives
Establish best practices for cloud architecture, governance, security, and operational excellence while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members, enhancing their cloud skills and driving professional growth

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a seasoned technical leader with a proven track record in cloud architecture, specifically with GCP, to drive impactful projects that align with business objectives and enhance Mars' analytics capabilities.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Architecture & Design: Lead the architectural design and implementation of GCP solutions, ensuring they meet performance, scalability, and security requirements.
Collaboration & Strategy: Collaborate with data engineers, data scientists, and business stakeholders to define cloud strategies and roadmaps that support analytics initiatives.
Best Practices & Governance: Establish best practices for cloud architecture, including governance, security, and operational excellence, while promoting a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Mentorship & Guidance: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering their professional growth and enhancing their cloud skills.
Vendor Engagement: Engage with external partners and vendors to evaluate new technologies and tools that can enhance Mars' GCP capabilities and drive business value.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, with a focus on cloud computing and architecture.

Experience: 10+ years of experience in cloud architecture, with at least 5 years of hands-on experience in Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

Required Skills:

Proven expertise in cloud architecture, with a strong focus on GCP
Experience in cloud-native technologies, such as Kubernetes, BigQuery, Dataflow, and Pub/Sub
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or Go
Strong understanding of cloud security, cost management, and performance optimization
Demonstrated leadership skills in driving cloud adoption and delivering impactful projects
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams

Preferred Skills:

Experience in implementing and managing cloud infrastructure at scale
Familiarity with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools, such as Terraform or CloudFormation
Knowledge of cloud security best practices and certifications (e.g., Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP))
Experience with cloud governance and policy management tools, such as Cloud Custodian or Open Policy Agent (OPA)

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a well-rounded cloud architect with a strong technical background and proven leadership skills. Candidates should have a deep understanding of GCP and cloud-native technologies, as well as the ability to work effectively with diverse teams to drive cloud adoption and deliver impactful projects.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A well-structured and up-to-date portfolio demonstrating your cloud architecture expertise, with a strong focus on GCP
Case studies showcasing your experience in designing and implementing scalable, secure, and high-performing cloud solutions
Examples of your ability to collaborate with diverse teams, including data engineers, data scientists, and business stakeholders, to define cloud strategies and roadmaps
Evidence of your leadership skills in driving cloud adoption and delivering impactful projects

Technical Documentation:

Detailed architectural diagrams and documentation for your cloud projects, demonstrating your attention to detail and commitment to best practices
Code samples and snippets showcasing your proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or Go
Documentation of your approach to cloud security, cost management, and performance optimization, including any relevant certifications or accreditations

📝 Enhancement Note: While a portfolio is not explicitly required for this role, providing a well-structured and up-to-date portfolio demonstrating your cloud architecture expertise can significantly enhance your application and increase your chances of success.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £80,000 - £120,000 per annum (based on experience and qualifications)

Benefits:

Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University
Company bonus
Competitive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans
Opportunities for career progression and professional growth within Mars

Working Hours: Full-time, with a standard working week of 40 hours. Flexible working arrangements may be available, depending on business needs and team preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on market research and industry standards for cloud architecture roles with a focus on GCP. The actual salary offer may vary depending on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and negotiation skills.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mars is a global manufacturer of confectionery, pet care, and other products, operating in more than 80 countries worldwide. The company's focus on analytics and data-driven decision-making has led to the creation of this cloud architecture role to support its digital transformation.

Company Size: Mars is a large, multinational corporation with a diverse range of products and brands. The company employs over 100,000 associates across its various business segments.

Founded: Mars was founded in 1911 by Frank C. Mars, with the company's headquarters located in McLean, Virginia, United States.

Team Structure:

The cloud architecture team is part of Mars' global data and analytics organization, working closely with data engineers, data scientists, and business stakeholders to define and implement cloud strategies that support analytics initiatives.
The team is responsible for designing and implementing scalable, secure, and high-performing cloud solutions on GCP, ensuring that they meet the performance, scalability, and security requirements of Mars' analytics workloads.
The cloud architecture team works collaboratively with other teams within Mars, including IT, cybersecurity, and compliance, to ensure that cloud solutions align with the company's overall technology strategy and governance frameworks.

Development Methodology:

Mars follows an Agile development methodology, with a focus on iterative development, continuous integration, and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
The cloud architecture team works closely with data engineers and data scientists to define and implement cloud strategies that support analytics initiatives, using a collaborative and cross-functional approach.
The team uses a range of tools and technologies to support its development and deployment processes, including Git, Jenkins, Terraform, and Cloud Build.

Company Website: https://www.mars.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Mars' focus on data-driven decision-making and digital transformation has led to the creation of this cloud architecture role to support its analytics capabilities. The role requires a seasoned technical leader with a proven track record in cloud architecture, specifically with GCP, to drive impactful projects that align with business objectives and enhance Mars' analytics capabilities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Cloud Architecture Career Level: This role is at the senior level within the cloud architecture career path. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in cloud architecture, with a strong focus on GCP, and experience in leading teams and driving cloud adoption.

Reporting Structure: The cloud architecture team reports directly to the global head of data and analytics, with a matrixed reporting line to the IT organization for technical governance and compliance.

Technical Impact: The cloud architecture team plays a critical role in Mars' digital transformation, ensuring that the company's analytics workloads are scalable, secure, and high-performing. The team's work has a direct impact on Mars' ability to derive insights from its data and make data-driven decisions.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Mars offers opportunities for technical growth and development, including access to training and certifications, as well as the chance to work on cutting-edge cloud technologies and projects.
Leadership Growth: The company encourages and supports the development of leadership skills, with opportunities for mentorship, coaching, and career progression within the organization.
Global Opportunities: As a global company, Mars offers opportunities for international assignments and exposure to diverse markets and cultures.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mars' focus on data-driven decision-making and digital transformation provides significant opportunities for cloud architects to grow and develop their skills, as well as to make a meaningful impact on the company's success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Mars' offices are modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster innovation and creativity. The company encourages a flexible and agile work environment, with a focus on results and outcomes rather than hours worked.

Office Location(s): The cloud architecture team is based in Slough, United Kingdom, with opportunities for remote work and flexible working arrangements.

Workspace Context:

Collaboration: Mars' offices are designed to encourage collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, with open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms, and breakout areas.
Technology: The company provides its associates with modern, high-quality technology and equipment, including laptops, monitors, and access to cloud-based tools and applications.
Flexibility: Mars offers flexible working arrangements, including remote work, part-time work, and job sharing, to support work-life balance and accommodate individual needs.

Work Schedule: Mars operates on a standard working week of 40 hours, with flexible working arrangements available depending on business needs and team preferences. The company encourages a focus on results and outcomes rather than hours worked.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mars' focus on collaboration, innovation, and work-life balance creates a supportive and engaging work environment for cloud architects to thrive and grow.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your experience, qualifications, and fit for the role.
Technical Deep Dive: A detailed technical conversation focused on your cloud architecture experience, with a particular emphasis on GCP. This may include questions about your approach to cloud security, cost management, and performance optimization, as well as your experience with cloud-native technologies and programming languages.
Behavioral & Cultural Fit: A discussion of your leadership skills, teamwork, and cultural fit within Mars. This may include questions about your approach to mentorship, collaboration, and driving cloud adoption.
Final Interview: A meeting with the hiring manager and other key stakeholders to discuss your fit for the role and answer any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience in designing and implementing scalable, secure, and high-performing cloud solutions on GCP.
Showcase your ability to collaborate with diverse teams, including data engineers, data scientists, and business stakeholders, to define cloud strategies and roadmaps.
Demonstrate your leadership skills in driving cloud adoption and delivering impactful projects.
Include any relevant certifications or accreditations, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP).

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of GCP, including its core services, architecture, and best practices.
Review your experience with cloud-native technologies, such as Kubernetes, BigQuery, Dataflow, and Pub/Sub.
Familiarize yourself with Mars' business and its focus on data-driven decision-making and digital transformation.

ATS Keywords: [A comprehensive list of cloud architecture, GCP, and programming language keywords relevant to this role, organized by category]

📝 Enhancement Note: Mars' interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit within the organization. By preparing thoroughly and showcasing your experience and accomplishments, you can increase your chances of success in the interview process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Cloud Platform: Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Infrastructure & Compute:

Compute Engine
Kubernetes Engine (GKE)
App Engine
Cloud Functions

Storage & Databases:

Cloud Storage
Cloud SQL
BigQuery
Firestore
Cloud Spanner

Networking & Security:

VPC Network
Cloud Load Balancing
Cloud CDN
Cloud IAM
Cloud Security Scanner
Cloud Armor

Data Integration & Transformation:

Dataflow
Pub/Sub
Cloud Data Fusion
Cloud Composer
Cloud DataProc

Monitoring & Logging:

Cloud Logging
Cloud Monitoring
Cloud Trace
Cloud Profiler
Cloud Error Reporting

Management & Governance:

Cloud Deployment Manager
Cloud SDK
Cloud Shell
Cloud Console
Cloud Resource Manager
Cloud Governance

Development & DevOps Tools:

Git
Jenkins
Terraform
Cloud Build
Cloud Source Repositories

📝 Enhancement Note: Mars' cloud architecture team works primarily with Google Cloud Platform (GCP), using its core services and technologies to design and implement scalable, secure, and high-performing cloud solutions. Familiarity with GCP and its services is essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Cloud Architecture Values:

Innovation: Mars encourages a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, with a focus on exploring new technologies and approaches to cloud architecture.
Collaboration: The cloud architecture team works closely with data engineers, data scientists, and business stakeholders to define and implement cloud strategies that support analytics initiatives.
Quality: Mars is committed to delivering high-quality cloud solutions that meet the performance, scalability, and security requirements of its analytics workloads.
Customer Focus: The cloud architecture team works closely with business stakeholders to understand their needs and requirements, ensuring that cloud solutions align with Mars' overall business strategy.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Collaboration: The cloud architecture team works closely with data engineers, data scientists, and business stakeholders to define and implement cloud strategies that support analytics initiatives.
Technical Collaboration: The team uses a collaborative and peer-review approach to technical design and implementation, ensuring that cloud solutions meet Mars' high standards for quality and performance.
Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Mars encourages a culture of mentorship and knowledge sharing, with opportunities for team members to learn from one another and develop their skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mars' cloud architecture team is committed to delivering high-quality cloud solutions that meet the performance, scalability, and security requirements of its analytics workloads. The team works closely with data engineers, data scientists, and business stakeholders to define and implement cloud strategies that support Mars' overall business strategy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Scalability: Design and implement cloud solutions that can scale to meet Mars' growing analytics demands, while ensuring optimal performance and cost-efficiency.
Security: Ensure that cloud solutions meet Mars' high standards for security and compliance, while minimizing risk and maximizing data protection.
Cost Management: Optimize cloud costs by implementing best practices for resource utilization, reservation, and budgeting.
Data Integration: Design and implement data integration and transformation solutions that enable Mars to derive insights from its data and make data-driven decisions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Training: Mars offers opportunities for technical training and certification, including access to GCP training and certifications, as well as other relevant cloud technologies and tools.
Mentorship: The cloud architecture team encourages a culture of mentorship, with opportunities for team members to learn from one another and develop their skills.
Conferences & Events: Mars supports its associates' participation in relevant conferences, events, and meetups, providing opportunities for learning and networking with industry peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mars' focus on data-driven decision-making and digital transformation provides significant opportunities for cloud architects to grow and develop their skills, as well as to make a meaningful impact on the company's success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Cloud Architecture: Describe your approach to cloud architecture, with a focus on GCP. How do you ensure that cloud solutions meet performance, scalability, and security requirements?
Cloud Security: How do you ensure that cloud solutions meet Mars' high standards for security and compliance? What are your strategies for minimizing risk and maximizing data protection?
Cloud Cost Management: How do you optimize cloud costs while ensuring optimal performance and scalability? What are your strategies for resource utilization, reservation, and budgeting?
Data Integration: How do you design and implement data integration and transformation solutions that enable Mars to derive insights from its data and make data-driven decisions?

Company & Culture Questions:

Mars' Business: How do you see Mars' focus on data-driven decision-making and digital transformation, and how does this role contribute to that strategy?
Team Collaboration: How do you approach collaboration with data engineers, data scientists, and business stakeholders to define and implement cloud strategies that support analytics initiatives?
Cloud Leadership: How do you drive cloud adoption and deliver impactful projects that align with business objectives? What are your strategies for mentoring and developing team members' cloud skills?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Cloud Architecture: Highlight your experience in designing and implementing scalable, secure, and high-performing cloud solutions on GCP.
Cloud Security: Showcase your approach to cloud security, including any relevant certifications or accreditations, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP).
Cloud Cost Management: Demonstrate your strategies for optimizing cloud costs, including resource utilization, reservation, and budgeting.
Data Integration: Highlight your experience in designing and implementing data integration and transformation solutions that enable Mars to derive insights from its data and make data-driven decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mars' interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit within the organization. By preparing thoroughly and showcasing your experience and accomplishments, you can increase your chances of success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this cloud platform architect (GCP) position at Mars:

Submit Your Application: Click on the "Apply Now" button on the job listing to submit your application through Workday.
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience and accomplishments in cloud architecture, with a particular focus on GCP. Include any relevant certifications or accreditations, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP).
Prepare Your Portfolio: Showcase your experience in designing and implementing scalable, secure, and high-performing cloud solutions on GCP. Include any relevant case studies, technical documentation, or certifications.
Research Mars: Familiarize yourself with Mars' business, its focus on data-driven decision-making and digital transformation, and the role of the cloud architecture team in supporting these initiatives.
Prepare for Technical Interviews: Brush up on your knowledge of GCP, including its core services, architecture, and best practices. Review your experience with cloud-native technologies, such as Kubernetes, BigQuery, Dataflow, and Pub/Sub. Familiarize yourself with Mars' business and its focus on data-driven decision-making and digital transformation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and cloud architecture industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Mars before making application decisions.

Cloud Platform Architect (GCP)