Alex Okla


Alex specialises in permanent Cloud & DevOps engineering positions across Switzerland.

'"I chose SODA because I wanted to work for a business that was focussed on innovation, and one which stands out from other agencies with the unique value proposition they offer."

Alex has a degree in BSc Conservation Biology and an MSc in Sustainable Systems. Alex's recruitment journey has been solely focused on senior technology hires within the EU, and more recently, the DACH region.

JOBS FROM ALEX

Bern, Switzerland
Senior Architect
We’re supporting a respected organisation in Bern hiring a Senior Architect to lead delivery on mission-critical IT projects. This role blends architectural strategic ownership with hands-on work, particularly in AI-driven system design. Key Responsibilities:Lead architecture and development for complex enterprise systemsDesign scalable, secure solutions aligned with business needsDrive AI innovation: especially with RAG models and prompt engineeringStay hands-on pragmatic approach with delivery (not just advisory)Build cloud-native apps using .NET or Java/Spring Boot, Angular/React, Kafka, Docker, microservicesYour Profile:7 years in software development with strong architecture/engineering backgroundExperience in cloud (Azure/AWS), containerisation, and event-driven systemsKnowledge of application security, microservices, and system designExposure to AI/ML integrations (esp. RAG)Degree in Computer Science or similarC1 German, B2 EnglishOffer & Conditions:CHF 140–160K fixed base salary2 days on-site in Bern (hybrid flexibility)Streamlined 2-stage interview processExcellent quality-of-life benefits: modern workplace, generous leave, strong internal cultureMeaningful public and private sector projects with real-world impact
Alex Okla Alex Okla
Zürich, Switzerland
Database Reliability Engineer
We’re hiring a Database Reliability Engineer with strong SQL Server expertise to support a business-critical data platform in a financial services environment. This is a pivotal internal hire, working alongside the manager and two external consultants, as the organisation transitions from traditional DBA operations to a more automated, resilient infrastructure model. You’ll take ownership of the full database lifecycle across on-prem and Azure environments and play a central role in platform stability, automation, and strategic growth.Key Responsibilities:Own and manage SQL Server environments, covering installation, configuration, patching, and upgrades across on-prem and Azure (cloud migration in planning phase).Lead the automation of operational processes using PowerShell and Git; apply infrastructure-as-code practices to streamline deployments and maintenance.Design and maintain robust backup, recovery, and DR strategies to ensure business continuity.Proactively monitor and resolve performance issues, security gaps, and availability risks—driving continuous reliability improvements.Partner across teams to align on architecture, networking, storage, and deployment strategies, while producing clear technical documentation (runbooks, SOPs, ADRs).Act as a senior escalation point for incidents and mentor colleagues in best practices and database reliability engineering principles.What You Bring:5 years of hands-on SQL Server experience in production environments, with proven skills in performance tuning, disaster recovery, and query optimisation.Solid experience with PowerShell scripting, source control via Git, and working in process-driven environments.Familiarity with Azure SQL Database / Managed Instances, CI/CD pipelines (Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions), and optionally Ansible or other RDBMS/NoSQL platforms.Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable working across disciplines and with technical and non-technical stakeholders.A proactive mindset and structured problem-solving approach; confident mentoring others and owning technical decisions.Why This Role:Hybrid model: 2 days/week on-site (post-probation)Relocation support available for EU/Swiss citizens or holders of B/C Swiss work permits.A stable, well-funded financial organisation with long-term ownership and a culture of respect, professionalism, and open feedback.Opportunity to help shape and modernise the organisation’s entire database function with direct impact on its technical direction.Support for continuous learning, training (internal/external), and language development (German/English).
Alex Okla Alex Okla
Bern, Switzerland
Software Team Lead
I am partnered with a Swiss-based company specialising in high-precision timekeeping, scoring, and data handling systems for international sporting events who are seeking a Software Team Lead to manage a large development team. This role is 100% people management-focused no hands-on coding required though a strong technical background is essential.What You'll Be Doing:Directly manage a team of 12–15 software engineers, providing mentorship, support, and performance oversight.Drive resource planning, team structure, and delivery alignment with product goals.Collaborate closely with product managers and nearshore delivery partners to ensure on-time, high-quality software delivery.Offer high-level technical direction where needed your dev background is valued, but you won’t be writing code day-to-day.Coordinate with a deputy and software engineering manager as part of the broader software department.The Ideal Profile:You’ve been a software engineer in your past life you understand what good code looks like, even if you’re not writing it now.You’re experienced in leading sizeable engineering teams and can manage performance, motivation, and delivery across multiple streams.You're naturally aligned with agile delivery, collaborative work, and scaling high-performing engineering teams.Why Apply:Influence a team delivering software used in global, high-profile environments.Work in a stable, innovation-led company with deep technical roots.Play a pivotal role in shaping delivery and performance in a multi-national context.
Alex Okla Alex Okla
Bern, Switzerland
DevOps Team Lead
I am partnered with a Swiss-based company specialising in high-precision timekeeping, scoring, and data handling systems for international sporting events who are seeking a DevOps Team Lead to drive its cloud-native transformation. This is a critical hire offering a 50/50 split between hands-on engineering and team leadership. You’ll play a key role in shaping platform strategy, managing a skilled team, and owning Azure Kubernetes infrastructure end-to-end. Key Responsibilities:50% hands-on DevOps engineering, 50% people and team management.Lead the migration to cloud-native infrastructure (Azure).Manage a DevOps team of 5–8 engineers.Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders and technical leads.Own and operate Azure-based Kubernetes clusters.Contribute to organisation-wide DevOps strategy and tooling maturity.Core Technical Requirements:Deep hands-on DevOps background.Expertise in:Azure (native cloud solutions preferred)Kubernetes (production-scale clusters)Terraform (IaC best practices)Docker (container orchestration & CI/CD)*Note - The business is prepared to support relocation for EU citizens looking to move to Switzerland.If you’re ready to lead from the front and make a lasting impact on a growing DevOps function, we’d like to hear from you.
Alex Okla Alex Okla