Head of Platform Services

Head of Platform Services

Role Purpose

Lead the data platform services function within Data Operations, accountable for the reliability, stability, performance, evolution and cost-efficiency of core Big Data services including Hadoop, Kubernetes, S3-based storage. Provide technical leadership on platform standards, security hardening, access controls, patching and upgrades, and resilience/DR, partnering with engineering and product teams to enable safe self-service and efficient onboarding.

The role partners closely with the Bank’s CTO Infrastructure teams, Architecture, Cyber Security, Engineering, and Operations to deliver resilient, scalable platforms that enable teams to build and run services safely and at pace.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Big Data platform capabilities (e.g., data lake, analytics enablement, data tooling).
• Provide automation through standard onboarding patterns, governed data access, and optimised workload performance and capacity controls.
• Establish an enterprise approach to open-source consumption and contribution, including tooling, platform services and controls.
• Proactive management of Compute platforms, including capacity planning, performance, and optimisation across relevant environments (e.g., virtualised, containerised, cloud).
• Provide a secure, highly resilient, scalable, and high‑performing Data Storage Platform that enables teams to access data at scale while meeting risk, compliance, and resilience expectations.
• Build and run a platform engineering function focused on developer experience, reliability, and standardised delivery patterns.
• Engineer a messaging Platform to ingest and process continuous data flows in real time, empowering teams to efficiently ingest and transform data through defined tooling.
• Lead, coach, and develop multi-disciplinary teams (engineering, SRE/operations, service management).

Skills & Experience

• Senior Technology leadership experience owning enterprise platform services (data/compute/storage/messaging) in a regulated environment, and a proven track record of delivering complex technology solutions.
• Proven ability to build roadmaps, manage budgets, and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Deep understanding of platform engineering, reliability, resilience engineering, observability, and automation within a large-scale enterprise environment.
• Strong understanding of cloud platforms, containerisation, and microservices architecture Experience with cloud/hybrid platforms, container orchestration, and infrastructure-as-code.

• Knowledge of secure software supply chain and open-source governance (licensing, SBOM, dependency controls).
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and cost optimisation at scale.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a strategic mindset.
• Degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field is preferable.

This role is based in Sheffield, UK.

Being open to different points of view is important for our business and the communities we serve. At HSBC, we’re dedicated to creating diverse and inclusive workplaces - no matter their gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic background or age.

We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring careers at HSBC are inclusive and accessible for everyone to be at their best. We take pride in being a Disability Confident Leader and will offer an interview to people with disabilities, long term conditions or neurodivergent candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

If you have a need that requires accommodations or changes during the recruitment process, please contact the Recruiter.