📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Platform Engineer
Company: Allianz Insurance
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: DevOps Engineer, System Administrator
Date Posted: June 13, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5+ years)
Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

🚀 Role Summary

Lead and manage the platform engineering team, driving infrastructure strategy and ensuring optimal performance.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, secure, and reliable infrastructure solutions.
Leverage your extensive experience in Linux, server management, networking, and automation to guide the team.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, staying updated with emerging technologies and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical leader with a proven track record in managing teams and driving infrastructure projects. Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., Azure) and containerization (e.g., Kubernetes) is highly desirable.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Team Leadership: Lead and mentor the platform engineering team, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
Infrastructure Management: Oversee the installation, maintenance, and servicing of system and server/storage infrastructure.
Incident Management: Troubleshoot and resolve issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement workarounds.
Change Management: Plan and coordinate changes, upgrades, and new services deployment, ensuring minimal disruption.
Automation & Optimization: Implement and improve automation practices and tools to enhance efficiency and performance.
Security & Compliance: Ensure infrastructure security and compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves a mix of technical hands-on work and leadership responsibilities. Expect to balance day-to-day tasks with strategic planning and team management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) are a plus.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role, with a proven track record of managing teams and delivering infrastructure projects.

Required Skills:

Linux server configuration and management
Networking and troubleshooting
Scripting and automation (e.g., Bash, Python, Ansible)
Virtualization and containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
Automation and configuration management (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef)
Monitoring and performance management (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana)
Incident response and troubleshooting
Security best practices
Web and middleware management
Collaboration and teamwork
Documentation and knowledge sharing
Problem-solving and time management

Preferred Skills:

Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI)
Knowledge of infrastructure as code (IaC) tools (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation)
Experience with configuration management databases (CMDB)
Familiarity with IT service management (ITSM) frameworks (e.g., ITIL)

📝 Enhancement Note: While the required skills list is comprehensive, the preferred skills section highlights areas where additional expertise would be beneficial for this role. Pursuing relevant certifications and continuous learning can help strengthen your application.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate your experience in managing infrastructure projects, highlighting your technical leadership and problem-solving skills.
Showcase your ability to optimize and automate infrastructure, improving performance and efficiency.
Include examples of your work in managing and mentoring teams, driving collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Technical Documentation:

Provide detailed documentation of your infrastructure management processes, including change management, incident management, and disaster recovery plans.
Include examples of your scripting and automation work, demonstrating your ability to streamline repetitive tasks.
Showcase your understanding of infrastructure security by including relevant security policies, procedures, and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a lead platform engineer, your portfolio should emphasize your technical expertise and leadership capabilities. Highlight your ability to drive projects, manage teams, and make strategic decisions that impact infrastructure performance and security.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on market research and regional adjustments, the estimated salary range for this role in Sofia, Bulgaria, is between 45,000 BGN and 60,000 BGN per year (approximately 24,000 EUR to 32,000 EUR).

Benefits:

Bonuses
Pension
Health insurance
Employee shares
Discounts
Hybrid work model balancing in-person collaboration and remote work
Comprehensive compensation and benefits package
Career development opportunities, including digital learning programs and international mobility
Excellent career opportunities within Allianz Group and key functions

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard working hours (40 hours per week). Expect flexibility for on-call rotations and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and regional adjustments. The actual salary may vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits package is comprehensive and designed to support employee well-being and career growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Allianz is a global leader in insurance and asset management, operating in over 70 countries. As a lead platform engineer, you will play a crucial role in driving infrastructure strategy and ensuring optimal performance across the organization's technology stack.

Company Size: Allianz Bulgaria employs over 2,500 people, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and career growth. As a mid-sized team within the broader organization, the platform engineering team offers a unique blend of agility and resources.

Founded: Allianz was founded in 1890 and has since grown into one of the world's leading insurance and asset management companies. The company's rich history and strong brand provide a stable foundation for your career.

Team Structure:

The platform engineering team consists of experienced engineers responsible for managing and optimizing the organization's infrastructure.
The team works closely with other technology teams, including software development, data engineering, and IT operations, to deliver integrated solutions.
The lead platform engineer role reports directly to the head of IT and works closely with other senior technology leaders to drive infrastructure strategy.

Development Methodology:

Allianz follows Agile development methodologies, with a focus on iterative development, continuous integration, and collaboration.
The platform engineering team uses tools such as Jira, Confluence, and Git to manage projects, track progress, and facilitate communication.
Infrastructure as code (IaC) practices are encouraged, with tools such as Terraform and CloudFormation used to automate infrastructure provisioning and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Allianz's company culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. As a lead platform engineer, you will be expected to drive these values within your team and contribute to the broader organization's success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring a proven track record in managing teams and delivering infrastructure projects. As a lead platform engineer, you will be expected to drive strategic decisions, mentor junior team members, and contribute to the organization's technology roadmap.

Reporting Structure: The lead platform engineer role reports directly to the head of IT and works closely with other senior technology leaders to drive infrastructure strategy. You will be responsible for managing and mentoring a team of experienced platform engineers.

Technical Impact: In this role, you will have a significant impact on the organization's infrastructure performance, security, and scalability. Your decisions will directly influence the user experience, application performance, and overall technology stack.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Leadership: As a senior team member, you will have the opportunity to drive technical decisions and shape the team's architecture and roadmap.
Team Management: Lead and mentor junior team members, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
Career Progression: With Allianz's extensive global presence, there are ample opportunities for career progression, including roles in other regions or functions within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Allianz offers a wide range of career growth opportunities, both within the platform engineering team and across the broader organization. As a lead platform engineer, you will be well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities and advance your career in the technology industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Allianz Bulgaria operates in a modern, collaborative office environment designed to facilitate communication and innovation. The office features open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms, and breakout areas.

Office Location(s): The main office is located in Sofia, Bulgaria, with additional offices in other major cities across the country. The hybrid work model allows for flexibility in working arrangements, balancing in-person collaboration and remote work.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The open-plan office layout encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members.
Specialized Workspaces: The office features dedicated spaces for meetings, workshops, and training sessions, ensuring optimal conditions for productivity and learning.
Technical Infrastructure: The office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including high-speed internet, multiple monitors, and specialized testing devices.

Work Schedule: The hybrid work model allows for flexibility in working arrangements, balancing in-person collaboration and remote work. The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, with flexibility for on-call rotations and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Allianz's work environment is designed to support collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being. The hybrid work model offers the best of both worlds, combining the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Online Assessment: Complete an online assessment to evaluate your technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
Technical Phone Screen: Participate in a phone or video call to discuss your technical background, experience, and career aspirations.
On-site Interview: Visit the Allianz Bulgaria office in Sofia for a series of interviews with senior technology leaders, including the head of IT and other platform engineering team members.
Final Decision: Receive a final decision and, if successful, an offer of employment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience in managing infrastructure projects, emphasizing your technical leadership and problem-solving skills.
Showcase your ability to optimize and automate infrastructure, improving performance and efficiency.
Include examples of your work in managing and mentoring teams, driving collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your Linux administration skills, focusing on command-line operations, scripting, and automation.
Familiarize yourself with cloud platforms (e.g., Azure) and containerization (e.g., Kubernetes) to demonstrate your understanding of modern infrastructure management practices.
Prepare for questions about infrastructure security, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.

ATS Keywords: (Organized by category)

Programming Languages: Bash, Python, JavaScript, PowerShell
Web Frameworks: Nginx, Apache, Tomcat
Server Technologies: Linux (CentOS, Ubuntu), Windows Server, VMware, Hyper-V
Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis
Tools: Ansible, Jenkins, Git, Terraform, CloudFormation, Prometheus, Grafana, Jira, Confluence
Methodologies: ITIL, Agile, Scrum, Kanban
Soft Skills: Leadership, Teamwork, Communication, Problem-solving, Time management
Industry Terms: Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), DevOps, IT Service Management (ITSM), Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP), Business Continuity Planning (BCP)

📝 Enhancement Note: Allianz's interview process is designed to evaluate your technical skills, leadership capabilities, and cultural fit. By preparing thoroughly and showcasing your relevant experience, you will be well-positioned to succeed in the interview and secure the lead platform engineer role.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: (Not applicable for this role)

Backend & Server Technologies:

Linux (CentOS, Ubuntu)
Windows Server
VMware
Hyper-V
Azure (Cloud Platform)
Kubernetes (Containerization)
Docker (Containerization)
Terraform (Infrastructure as Code)
CloudFormation (Infrastructure as Code)
Ansible (Automation and Configuration Management)
Jenkins (CI/CD)
Git (Version Control)
Prometheus (Monitoring)
Grafana (Monitoring and Visualization)
Jira (Project Management)
Confluence (Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing)

Development & DevOps Tools:

GitHub (Version Control and Collaboration)
GitLab (Version Control and Collaboration)
Bitbucket (Version Control and Collaboration)
Jenkins (CI/CD)
CircleCI (CI/CD)
GitLab CI (CI/CD)
Terraform (Infrastructure as Code)
CloudFormation (Infrastructure as Code)
Ansible (Automation and Configuration Management)
Puppet (Automation and Configuration Management)
Chef (Automation and Configuration Management)
Prometheus (Monitoring)
Grafana (Monitoring and Visualization)
Nagios (Monitoring)
Zabbix (Monitoring)
Datadog (Monitoring)
New Relic (Monitoring)
ELK Stack (Log Aggregation and Analysis)
Graylog (Log Aggregation and Analysis)
Splunk (Log Aggregation and Analysis)
ELK Stack (Search and Analytics)
Graylog (Search and Analytics)
Splunk (Search and Analytics)
ELK Stack (Security Information and Event Management)
Graylog (Security Information and Event Management)
Splunk (Security Information and Event Management)

📝 Enhancement Note: Allianz's technology stack is designed to support modern infrastructure management practices, leveraging cloud platforms, containerization, and automation tools. As a lead platform engineer, you will be expected to have a deep understanding of these technologies and their application in managing the organization's infrastructure.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

User-Centric: Prioritize user needs and experience in all infrastructure decisions, ensuring optimal performance and accessibility.
Performance-Driven: Continuously monitor and optimize infrastructure performance, driving efficiency and scalability.
Security-Focused: Implement robust security measures to protect the organization's infrastructure and data.
Collaborative: Foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing, encouraging team members to learn from one another and drive collective success.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with other technology teams, including software development, data engineering, and IT operations, to deliver integrated solutions.
Code Review Culture: Encourage peer review and feedback to ensure high-quality infrastructure management practices.
Knowledge Sharing: Organize regular team meetings, workshops, and training sessions to facilitate knowledge sharing and continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Allianz's team culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. As a lead platform engineer, you will be expected to drive these values within your team and contribute to the broader organization's success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Cloud Migration: Lead the migration of on-premises infrastructure to the cloud, ensuring minimal disruption and optimal performance.
Containerization: Implement and manage containerization (e.g., Kubernetes) to enhance infrastructure scalability and portability.
Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Adopt and optimize IaC practices to automate infrastructure provisioning and management.
Security Compliance: Ensure infrastructure compliance with relevant security standards and regulations, including data protection and privacy laws.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Pursue relevant certifications and continuous learning opportunities to enhance your technical expertise in infrastructure management.
Leadership Development: Participate in leadership development programs to improve your management and communication skills.
Architecture Decision-Making: Contribute to the organization's technology roadmap and architecture decision-making processes, driving strategic infrastructure investments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Allianz offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities, enabling you to enhance your technical expertise and leadership capabilities. As a lead platform engineer, you will be well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities and drive your career growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Linux Administration: Demonstrate your expertise in Linux administration, including command-line operations, scripting, and automation.
Cloud Platforms: Showcase your understanding of cloud platforms (e.g., Azure) and their application in infrastructure management.
Containerization: Explain your experience with containerization (e.g., Kubernetes) and its role in enhancing infrastructure scalability and portability.
Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Discuss your experience with IaC practices and tools (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation), highlighting their benefits in automating infrastructure management.
Security Compliance: Describe your approach to ensuring infrastructure compliance with relevant security standards and regulations.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: Demonstrate your understanding of Allianz's company culture, emphasizing your fit with the organization's values and priorities.
Team Dynamics: Explain how you would foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, driving collective success and continuous learning.
Strategic Infrastructure: Discuss your approach to driving strategic infrastructure investments, balancing technical innovation with business needs and constraints.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Project Case Studies: Prepare detailed case studies of your previous infrastructure management projects, highlighting your technical leadership and problem-solving skills.
Technical Deep Dive: Include a technical deep dive into a complex infrastructure challenge you've faced, explaining your approach to diagnosis, resolution, and prevention.
Team Management: Showcase your experience in managing and mentoring teams, driving collaboration and knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Allianz's interview process is designed to evaluate your technical skills, leadership capabilities, and cultural fit. By preparing thoroughly and showcasing your relevant experience, you will be well-positioned to succeed in the interview and secure the lead platform engineer role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this lead platform engineer position at Allianz Insurance:

Submit Your Application: Visit the Allianz Careers website and submit your application through the application link.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your experience in managing infrastructure projects, emphasizing your technical leadership and problem-solving skills. Include examples of your work in managing and mentoring teams, driving collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experience and technical skills, emphasizing your fit for the lead platform engineer role. Include specific examples of your work with Linux, cloud platforms, containerization, and automation tools.
Prepare for Technical Interviews: Brush up on your technical skills, focusing on Linux administration, cloud platforms, containerization, and infrastructure as code (IaC). Familiarize yourself with Allianz's technology stack and interview process.
Research the Company: Gain a deep understanding of Allianz's company culture, values, and priorities. Prepare thoughtful questions to demonstrate your engagement and enthusiasm for the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: By following these application steps and preparing thoroughly, you will be well-positioned to succeed in the interview process and secure the lead platform engineer role at Allianz Insurance.

Lead platform engineer