Head of Software Engineering

Nottingham Trent House (95002), United Kingdom, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire

Head of Software Engineering

About this role

We are looking for a Head of Engineering as a leader for our team of 400+ engineers. We’re looking for someone who has a clear vision for the engineering talent needs of the future; can inspire our team and go toe-to-toe with the best engineers on technical rigour.

You’ll be accountable for the team set-up of our engineers within and across the ‘outcome teams’ we have established to drive forward different business outcomes. You’ll be an excellent leader of people and communicator. You’ll be able to solve complex technology problems at scale and influence the direction of travel for the whole business through that.

You will have sufficient technical expertise to drive consistency of patterns and effective choices on technical direction, whilst navigating the complexities of UK and US regulation which we operate under. You will be able to partner well with the local business leadership team and with enterprise stakeholders; providing objective assessments of the likely cost and risk trade-offs for different solutions, and clear paths forward.

You will be able to direct the culture of our team through the interactions you have and lead the way as a senior leader in the UK business. 

What you’ll do in this role:

• Leadership of a team of 400 engineers across software and quality engineering
• Strategic thinking with respect to the organisational design for the next few years answering key questions on engineering and architecture oversight of both built and SaaS capabilities
• Elevate great talent and ensure you have a clear agenda for development in the team. Actively manage performance across the team to develop quality over time
• Member of the UK Tech leadership team and one of the most senior leaders in the UK business, with an ability to manage stakeholders at ExCo and Board level
• Drive for effective delivery with pace and precision across the different outcome teams
• Liaising with and managing enterprise stakeholders primarily based in the US, who often have deep expertise on particular domains
• Lead engagement across a number of third party suppliers - both Software as a Service companies and Labour providers
• Stay up to date with the latest relevant changes in regulation and enterprise process
• Maintain broad knowledge and awareness of the latest relevant technologies and engineering practices
• Be a key voice in technical design reviews - ensuring a clear and consistent approach to engineering practices

What we’re looking for

• You’ll have a clear track record of leading large software engineering teams, and a proven track record of driving high performance
• You’ll be able to solve complex challenges across people, process and technology. A high level of intellectual curiosity and comfort with ambiguity is essential. You will have the ability to deep dive on different technology options quickly and provide recommendations on a path forward. You will have excellent critical thinking skills and be able to provide thoughtful and effective counsel to the executive team. 
• You’re passionate about recruiting and developing great engineering talent - and can build structures do this at scale
• You’ll be able to drive results quickly individually, whilst enabling others through the establishing of clear patterns and practices for engineering teams.  
• You’ll possess excellent communication skills, with an ability to adapt and communicate compellingly and with authenticity to any audience (including internal and external stakeholders)
• You’ll be aware of the latest native developments within AWS and have real world experience
• You’ll have an understanding of the latest cybersecurity trends and how they impact engineering practice
• You’ll be able to work within enterprise policies/guidelines while customising to fit the UK to strike the right balance
• Knowledge of the UK / US regulatory, consumer lending and technology landscapes (preferred)

Where and how you'll work

This is a permanent position based in either our Nottingham or London offices.  

We have a hybrid working model which gives you flexibility to work from our offices and from home. 

We’re big on collaboration and connection, so you’ll be based in our Nottingham or London office 3 days a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

What’s in it for you

• Bring us all this - and you’ll be well rewarded with a role contributing to the roadmap of an organisation committed to transformation
• We offer high performers strong and diverse career progression, investing heavily in developing great people through our Capital One University training programmes (and appropriate external providers)
• Immediate access to our core benefits including pension scheme, bonus, generous holiday entitlement and private medical insurance – with flexible benefits available including season-ticket loans, cycle to work scheme and enhanced parental leave
• Open-plan workspaces and accessible facilities designed to inspire and support you. Our Nottingham head-office has a fully-serviced gym, subsidised restaurant, mindfulness and music rooms. In London, you can heighten your mood with a run on our rooftop running track or an espresso at the Workshop Coffee café

What you should know about how we recruit

We pride ourselves on hiring the best people, not the same people. Building diverse and inclusive teams is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do. We want to work with top talent: whoever you are, whatever you look like, wherever you come from. We know it’s about what you do, not just what you say. That’s why we make our recruitment process fair and accessible. And we offer benefits that attract people at all ages and stages.

We also partner with organisations including the Women in Finance and Race At Work Charters, Stonewall and upReach to find people from every walk of life and help them thrive with us. We have a whole host of internal networks and support groups you could be involved in, to name a few:

• REACH – Race Equality and Culture Heritage group focuses on representation, retention and engagement for associates from minority ethnic groups and allies
• OutFront – to provide LGBTQ+ support for all associates
• Mind Your Mind – signposting support and promoting positive mental wellbeing for all
• Women in Tech – promoting an inclusive environment in tech
• EmpowHER - network of female associates and allies focusing on developing future leaders, particularly for female talent in our industry
• Enabled - focused on supporting associates with disabilities and neurodiversity

Capital One is committed to diversity in the workplace.

If you require a reasonable adjustment, please contact ukrecruitment@capitalone.com  All information will be kept confidential and will only be used for the purpose of applying a reasonable adjustment.

Who We Are

At Capital One, we're building a leading information-based technology company. Still founder-led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Fairbank, Capital One is on a mission to help our customers succeed by bringing ingenuity, simplicity, and humanity to banking. We measure our efforts by the success our customers enjoy and the advocacy they exhibit. We are succeeding because they are succeeding.

Guided by our shared values, we thrive in an environment where collaboration and openness are valued. We believe that innovation is powered by perspective and that teamwork and respect for each other lead to superior results. We elevate each other and obsess about doing the right thing. Our associates serve with humility and a deep respect for their responsibility in helping our customers achieve their goals and realize their dreams. Together, we are on a quest to change banking for good.