Head of Engineering, AI-Enabled Engineering Delivery

The Company is seeking a Head of Engineering to establish and lead an in-house, AI-enabled software delivery function. This player-coach role combines hands-on coding with building engineering practices, guiding junior developers, and managing an external development partner. The initial priority is to modernize an intranet in phases, working with business stakeholders to improve operational workflows; the role will also expand into workflow automation and internal application development. Responsibilities include setting delivery standards and infrastructure, making architecture and prioritization decisions, and ensuring software is secure, tested, documented, and maintainable. The role also oversees responsible AI use, tooling budgets, and regular reporting on AI adoption and delivery. Candidates should have at least seven years of hands-on software development experience, including end-to-end production delivery, and a track record of leading engineering work while continuing to code. Experience establishing or substantially improving an engineering function, delivering commercial AI-assisted software workflows, and partnering with business stakeholders on process redesign and automation is required. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, information systems, or equivalent career experience is required; postgraduate study and formal AI training are advantageous. Strong engineering judgment, particularly in security, maintainability, risk management, and pragmatic architecture, is essential. Experience in financial services or another regulated environment is an advantage.