Lead Software Architect

We are the brand behind world-class brands. We deliver unparalleled customer management, marketing, payment, technology and data solutions, making us the largest and most strategically aligned full-service provider for publishers globally. We have earned the trusted confidence of a wide range of companies supporting over 1,150 brands globally.

The Lead Software Architect provides technical leadership and architectural direction for CDS Global’s enterprise applications and cloud platforms. This role ensures that solutions are secure, scalable, resilient, and aligned with CDS Global’s technology strategy and client expectations.

Acting as a bridge between hands-on engineering and long-term technical strategy, the postholder leads the design, implementation, and evolution of Azure-based solutions that support CDS Global’s core products which includes xChange, BMC, Solo and the Payment Widget while mentoring engineering teams and influencing cloud strategy, security best practices, and architectural governance.

Main Responsibilities and Duties:

• Architecture & Design Leadership
• Technical Strategy & Roadmap
• Engineering Leadership & Mentoring
• Governance, Security & Compliance
• Collaboration & Influence

Essential:

• 7 + years in software engineering with at least 3 + years leading solution design or architecture.
• Proven expertise in Microsoft Azure — including Functions, App Service, AKS, Service Bus, Event Grid, Storage, and Azure SQL.
• Strong background in .NET 8 / C#, RESTful API design, and microservices.
• Practical experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform or Bicep).
• Hands-on experience with CI/CD pipelines in Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions.
• Deep understanding of application security, identity, and governance within Azure.

Desirable: 

• Exposure to Azure AI Services, Fabric, or Synapse Analytics.
• Experience with event-driven or domain-driven architecture.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) or DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400) certification.
• Experience in cloud cost management and optimisation.

In addition to a great working culture, we offer superb benefits too:

• 25 days holiday (increasing to 28 days) + Bank Holidays + Birthdays + Long Service
• Workplace Pension
• Life Assurance (Death in Service) 4 x annual salary
• Training and certification support (Microsoft Azure and related technologies)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Wellbeing Programme with access to tools and initiatives 
• Mental Health First Aiders
• Onsite Gym
• Free Eye Tests
• Insurance schemes
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Retail Benefit Discounts
• Employee Recognition Schemes
• Recommend a Friend Scheme
• Social Activities
• Free parking
• And more!

At CDS Global our mission, vision and values aren't just statements on a wall - they guide everything we do, and we are proud to share them with every potential team member.

Please visit our website to learn more about us www.cdsglobal.co.uk