📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Platform Engineer
Company: Specsavers
Location: Fareham, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Job Type: On-site
Category: DevOps Engineer
Date Posted: 2025-06-25
Experience Level: 5-10 years

🚀 Role Summary

Lead the design and delivery of resilient, scalable, and secure platform services supporting global operations.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust, efficient, and future-ready platforms.
Drive platform performance, reliability, and automation while mentoring others and influencing technical direction.
Thrive on solving complex infrastructure challenges and have a strong grasp of DevOps tooling and MACH architecture.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a senior-level DevOps engineer with a deep understanding of Azure and other public cloud platforms, as well as experience in infrastructure-as-code, CI/CD pipelines, and containerised environments. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a global team and driving platform performance and reliability.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Platform Design & Delivery: Design and deliver resilient, scalable, and secure platform services that support global operations.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with engineering, QA, and operations teams to ensure platforms are robust, efficient, and future-ready.
Platform Performance & Reliability: Drive platform performance and reliability through automation, continuous improvement, and best practices.
Mentoring & Technical Direction: Mentor team members and influence technical direction to ensure the platform remains cutting-edge and efficient.
Infrastructure-as-Code & Automation: Leverage infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform to automate infrastructure provisioning and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on platform performance, reliability, and automation. The ideal candidate will have experience working with infrastructure-as-code tools, CI/CD pipelines, and containerised environments to drive platform efficiency and scalability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in a similar role, with a strong focus on platform engineering, DevOps, and cloud infrastructure.

Required Skills:

Cloud Platforms: Proven expertise in Azure and other public cloud platforms.
Infrastructure-as-Code: Proficiency in tools like Terraform, CloudFormation, or similar.
CI/CD Pipelines: Experience with CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or similar.
Containerisation: Familiarity with containerisation technologies like Docker and Kubernetes.
MACH Architecture: Understanding of MACH architecture and its application in e-commerce platforms.
DevOps Tooling: Strong grasp of DevOps tools and best practices.
Governance & Security: Knowledge of platform governance and security standards.
Mentoring & Leadership: Ability to mentor team members and influence technical direction.

Preferred Skills:

Scripting Languages: Proficiency in scripting languages like Bash, PowerShell, or Python.
Infrastructure Providers: Experience with multiple cloud providers (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure).
Certifications: Relevant cloud certifications (e.g., Azure Solutions Architect Expert, AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional).
Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile and Scrum methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a senior-level DevOps engineer with a strong background in cloud platforms, infrastructure-as-code, and CI/CD pipelines. The ideal candidate will also have experience working with containerised environments and MACH architecture, as well as a proven ability to mentor others and drive technical direction.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Platform Projects: Examples of platform projects demonstrating your ability to design, deliver, and manage resilient, scalable, and secure platform services.
Automation Scripts: Code samples showcasing your proficiency in infrastructure-as-code tools and automation scripts.
CI/CD Pipelines: Screenshots or walkthroughs of CI/CD pipelines you've implemented, highlighting your ability to drive platform efficiency and reliability.
Containerised Environments: Examples of containerised environments you've worked with, demonstrating your understanding of Docker and Kubernetes.

Technical Documentation:

Platform Architecture: Detailed documentation outlining the architecture of platforms you've designed and delivered, including diagrams and design patterns.
Automation Scripts: Well-commented code samples demonstrating your ability to write clear, maintainable automation scripts.
CI/CD Pipeline Documentation: Detailed documentation explaining the CI/CD pipelines you've implemented, including any custom plugins or integrations.
Platform Performance & Reliability Metrics: Metrics and KPIs demonstrating the impact you've had on platform performance and reliability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong portfolio demonstrating your ability to design, deliver, and manage resilient, scalable, and secure platform services. Your portfolio should showcase your proficiency in infrastructure-as-code, CI/CD pipelines, and containerised environments, as well as your understanding of platform performance and reliability metrics.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £70,000 - £90,000 per annum (based on market research and regional adjustments for the Hampshire area)

Benefits:

Health & Dental Insurance: Comprehensive health and dental insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Pension Scheme: A competitive pension scheme with employer contributions.
Employee Discount: Generous employee discount on Specsavers products and services.
Learning & Development: Access to learning and development opportunities to support your professional growth.
Work-Life Balance: Flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.

Working Hours: Full-time position with core hours of 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Flexible working arrangements may be available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range for this role has been estimated based on market research and regional adjustments for the Hampshire area. The benefits package is designed to support the well-being and professional growth of Specsavers employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail optics and hearing care, with a global presence in over 10 countries.

Company Size: Large, with over 3,500 stores worldwide and a team of over 40,000 employees.

Founded: 1984, with a rich history of innovation and growth in the retail optics and hearing care industry.

Team Structure:

Global Cloud Platforms Team: A dedicated team responsible for designing, delivering, and managing the global cloud platforms that underpin Specsavers' operations.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close collaboration with engineering, QA, and operations teams to ensure platforms are robust, efficient, and future-ready.

Development Methodology:

Agile/Scrum: The Global Cloud Platforms team follows Agile/Scrum methodologies, with regular sprint planning and code reviews to ensure high-quality platform services.
Infrastructure-as-Code: Leverages infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform to automate infrastructure provisioning and management.
CI/CD Pipelines: Implements CI/CD pipelines to drive platform efficiency and reliability.

Company Website: www.specsavers.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Specsavers is a large, global retailer with a strong focus on innovation and growth. The Global Cloud Platforms team plays a critical role in supporting Specsavers' operations and driving platform performance, reliability, and automation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Platform Engineer, responsible for designing, delivering, and managing resilient, scalable, and secure platform services that support global operations.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Global Head of Cloud Platforms and has the opportunity to mentor and influence technical direction within the team.

Technical Impact: The Senior Platform Engineer has a significant impact on Specsavers' global operations, driving platform performance, reliability, and automation to support better outcomes for millions of people.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Leadership: Opportunities to grow into a technical leadership role, driving platform strategy and architecture decisions.
Global Experience: The chance to work on global cloud platforms and gain experience in a multinational environment.
Continuous Learning: Access to learning and development opportunities to support your professional growth and keep your skills up-to-date.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities for a senior-level DevOps engineer looking to drive platform performance, reliability, and automation in a global environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cloud platforms, infrastructure-as-code, and CI/CD pipelines, as well as a proven ability to mentor others and influence technical direction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office environment with a focus on open communication and teamwork.

Office Location(s): Fareham, Hampshire, United Kingdom.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: A collaborative workspace with dedicated areas for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and informal discussions.
Modern Equipment: Access to modern equipment, including multiple monitors, testing devices, and development tools.
Cross-Functional Interaction: Close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering, QA, and operations.

Work Schedule: Full-time position with core hours of 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Flexible working arrangements may be available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment at Specsavers is designed to support collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. The Fareham office offers a modern, collaborative workspace with access to modern equipment and cross-functional teams.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A telephone or video call to discuss your application and assess your technical skills and cultural fit.
Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment, focusing on your ability to design, deliver, and manage platform services, as well as your proficiency in infrastructure-as-code, CI/CD pipelines, and containerised environments.
Team Interview: A meeting with the Global Cloud Platforms team to discuss your approach to platform performance, reliability, and automation, as well as your ability to mentor and influence technical direction.
Final Evaluation: A final interview with the Global Head of Cloud Platforms to discuss your technical impact, career aspirations, and fit within the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Platform Projects: Highlight your most relevant platform projects, demonstrating your ability to design, deliver, and manage resilient, scalable, and secure platform services.
Automation Scripts: Showcase your proficiency in infrastructure-as-code tools and automation scripts, with a focus on driving platform efficiency and reliability.
CI/CD Pipelines: Demonstrate your understanding of CI/CD pipelines and their role in driving platform performance and reliability.
Containerised Environments: Highlight your experience with containerised environments and their application in platform engineering.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Platform Design: Brush up on your platform design skills, with a focus on resilience, scalability, and security.
Infrastructure-as-Code: Revisit your infrastructure-as-code skills, ensuring you're comfortable with tools like Terraform and their application in platform engineering.
CI/CD Pipelines: Familiarise yourself with CI/CD pipelines and their role in driving platform performance and reliability.
Containerised Environments: Review your knowledge of containerised environments and their application in platform engineering.

ATS Keywords: [A comprehensive list of web development and server administration-relevant keywords for resume optimization, organized by category: programming languages, web frameworks, server technologies, databases, tools, methodologies, soft skills, industry terms]

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical skills and cultural fit within the Global Cloud Platforms team. The technical assessment and team interview will focus on your ability to design, deliver, and manage platform services, as well as your proficiency in infrastructure-as-code, CI/CD pipelines, and containerised environments.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Cloud Platforms:

Azure: Proven expertise in Azure and other public cloud platforms is required for this role.
AWS & GCP: Familiarity with AWS and GCP is preferred, as the platform supports multiple cloud providers.

Infrastructure-as-Code:

Terraform: Proficiency in Terraform is required for this role, with a strong focus on automation and infrastructure provisioning.
CloudFormation & Pulumi: Familiarity with other infrastructure-as-code tools like CloudFormation and Pulumi is preferred.

CI/CD Pipelines:

Jenkins: Experience with Jenkins is required for this role, with a strong focus on driving platform efficiency and reliability.
GitLab CI/CD & Azure DevOps: Familiarity with other CI/CD tools like GitLab CI/CD and Azure DevOps is preferred.

Containerisation:

Docker: Proficiency in Docker is required for this role, with a strong focus on containerised environments and their application in platform engineering.
Kubernetes: Experience with Kubernetes is preferred, as the platform leverages containerised environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong proficiency in Azure and other public cloud platforms, as well as experience with infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform, CI/CD pipelines like Jenkins, and containerisation technologies like Docker. Familiarity with other cloud providers, infrastructure-as-code tools, CI/CD pipelines, and containerisation technologies is preferred.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Platform Engineering Values:

Resilience: A strong focus on designing and delivering resilient platform services that support global operations.
Scalability: A commitment to driving platform scalability and performance through automation and best practices.
Security: A dedication to enforcing platform governance and security standards to protect Specsavers' data and systems.
Collaboration: A collaborative approach to platform engineering, with a focus on cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration with engineering, QA, and operations teams to ensure platforms are robust, efficient, and future-ready.
Code Review Culture: A strong focus on code review and peer programming practices to ensure high-quality platform services.
Knowledge Sharing: A culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning, with regular team meetings and training sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Global Cloud Platforms team at Specsavers is committed to designing, delivering, and managing resilient, scalable, and secure platform services that support global operations. The team values collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning, with a strong focus on cross-functional teamwork and code review practices.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Platform Resilience: Designing and delivering resilient platform services that support global operations, with a focus on high availability, fault tolerance, and disaster recovery.
Platform Scalability: Driving platform scalability and performance through automation and best practices, with a focus on horizontal scaling, load balancing, and caching.
Platform Security: Enforcing platform governance and security standards to protect Specsavers' data and systems, with a focus on access control, encryption, and intrusion detection.
Platform Automation: Automating infrastructure provisioning and management with infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform, with a focus on driving platform efficiency and reliability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Opportunities to develop your technical skills in cloud platforms, infrastructure-as-code, CI/CD pipelines, and containerised environments.
Certification & Training: Access to certification and training opportunities to support your professional growth and keep your skills up-to-date.
Mentorship & Leadership: Opportunities to mentor and influence technical direction within the Global Cloud Platforms team, with a focus on driving platform performance, reliability, and automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant technical challenges and growth opportunities for a senior-level DevOps engineer looking to drive platform performance, reliability, and automation in a global environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cloud platforms, infrastructure-as-code, and CI/CD pipelines, as well as a proven ability to mentor others and influence technical direction.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Platform Design: Questions focusing on your ability to design and deliver resilient, scalable, and secure platform services, with a focus on high availability, fault tolerance, and disaster recovery.
Infrastructure-as-Code: Questions assessing your proficiency in infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform, with a focus on automation and infrastructure provisioning.
CI/CD Pipelines: Questions evaluating your understanding of CI/CD pipelines and their role in driving platform performance and reliability.
Containerised Environments: Questions exploring your experience with containerised environments and their application in platform engineering.

Company & Culture Questions:

Platform Engineering Values: Questions assessing your understanding of Specsavers' platform engineering values, including resilience, scalability, security, and collaboration.
Cross-Functional Teamwork: Questions focusing on your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, QA, and operations.
Platform Performance & Reliability: Questions evaluating your approach to driving platform performance and reliability, with a focus on automation, best practices, and continuous improvement.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Platform Projects: Highlight your most relevant platform projects, demonstrating your ability to design, deliver, and manage resilient, scalable, and secure platform services.
Automation Scripts: Showcase your proficiency in infrastructure-as-code tools and automation scripts, with a focus on driving platform efficiency and reliability.
CI/CD Pipelines: Demonstrate your understanding of CI/CD pipelines and their role in driving platform performance and reliability.
Containerised Environments: Highlight your experience with containerised environments and their application in platform engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical skills and cultural fit within the Global Cloud Platforms team. The technical assessment and team interview will focus on your ability to design, deliver, and manage platform services, as well as your proficiency in infrastructure-as-code, CI/CD pipelines, and containerised environments.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Platform Engineer position:

Submit Your Application: Click on the application link and submit your application through the Specsavers careers portal.
Tailor Your Portfolio: Customise your portfolio with live demos and responsive examples showcasing your ability to design, deliver, and manage resilient, scalable, and secure platform services.
Optimise Your Resume: Highlight your relevant platform engineering projects and technical skills, with a focus on infrastructure-as-code, CI/CD pipelines, and containerised environments.
Prepare for Technical Interview: Brush up on your platform design, infrastructure-as-code, CI/CD pipeline, and containerised environment skills, with a focus on driving platform performance, reliability, and automation.
Research Specsavers: Familiarise yourself with Specsavers' platform engineering values, cross-functional teamwork, and commitment to driving platform performance and reliability.

⚠️ 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.

Senior Platform Engineer