Lead DevOps Engineer

Lead DevOps Engineer (12-Month FTC) – Hybrid (UK)Location: Hybrid – 1 day per week onsite in Manchester, remainder remoteContract Type: 12-Month Fixed Term Contract (FTC) – with potential to extendClearance Requirement: Must be BPSS eligibleAmber Labs is seeking an experienced Lead DevOps Engineer with strong Azure cloud expertise to join our growing team on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract, with the potential for extension. This role follows a hybrid working model, requiring one day per week onsite in Manchester, with the remaining time working remotely.In this role, you will lead the design, automation, and operation of secure, scalable Azure-based infrastructure supporting mission-critical systems for our government and public-sector clients. You will also take ownership of leading, mentoring, and developing a DevOps team, working closely with delivery and stakeholder teams.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, build, and maintain scalable, resilient, and secure cloud infrastructure on Microsoft AzureLead infrastructure automation using Infrastructure as Code (Terraform and/or Bicep)Deploy and manage containerised workloads using Docker and Kubernetes (AKS)Design and maintain robust CI/CD pipelines to enable rapid and reliable deliveryLead and manage a DevOps team, providing technical direction, mentoring, and supportCollaborate closely with development, security, and operations teams to ensure high availability, performance, and complianceMonitor, troubleshoot, and optimise live production environmentsEnsure platforms meet security, governance, and compliance requirements, particularly for UK government environmentsDrive continuous improvement across DevOps processes, tooling, and cloud architectureChampion DevOps, SRE, and cloud best practices across delivery teamsSupport knowledge sharing and capability building across the wider engineering communityEssential Skills & ExperienceMust be BPSS eligibleProven experience as a Lead DevOps Engineer, including direct responsibility for leading and mentoring a DevOps teamDemonstrable experience delivering DevOps solutions on UK government or public sector projectsStrong hands-on experience with Microsoft AzureExpertise in Terraform (and/or Bicep) for Infrastructure as CodeSolid experience with Kubernetes, ideally Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)Strong containerisation experience using DockerProven experience building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines (e.g. Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins)Experience with monitoring and logging tools (e.g. Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, Prometheus, Grafana, ELK)Strong understanding of cloud security, DevSecOps practices, and compliance controlsExcellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholdersAbility and willingness to attend the Manchester office one day per weekWhy Join Amber Labs?Be part of a fast-growing consultancy where innovation and personal development are key prioritiesPrivate Medical Insurance (Aviva)Company Pension Plan (Nest)25 days annual leave + UK bank holidaysAccess to Perkbox – global employee rewards and wellbeing platformGenerous employee referral schemeCollaborative, inclusive work environment that encourages experimentation and bold ideasChoose your preferred device – Mac or PCDiversity & Inclusion at Amber LabsAt Amber Labs, we believe diversity drives innovation and creativity. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels welcomed and valued.We:Embrace a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectivesActively promote equality and inclusion across all levelsCreate a respectful workplace free from discrimination, bullying, and harassmentImportant InformationWe are unable to consider candidates who require sponsorship or hold a visa of any type.