Director of Engineering

Company: Checkatrade
Apply for the Director of Engineering
Location: London
Job Description:

As our next Director of Engineering, you’ll be the architect of our delivery engine. This isn’t about sitting in the code all day; it’s about shaping how engineering actually happens in an AI‑first world. You’ll lead the systems, the people, and the workflows that allow us to ship world‑class software at a pace that leaves the competition behind.

Key Responsibilities

  • Defining the AI‑enabled SDLC: moving beyond simple “copilots” to integrate agentic workflows, automated reviews, and AI‑driven incident response into our daily DNA.
  • Orchestrating the machine: evolving our “Golden Paths,” developer platforms, and CI/CD patterns so that “how work moves” from idea to production is a competitive advantage.
  • Leading through leaders: mentoring 3–5 Engineering Managers to build high‑accountability teams that ship frequently, with fewer surprises and higher quality.
  • Setting the technical agenda: making the high‑stakes calls on architecture, reliability, and security across a significant slice of our estate.
  • Driving high‑intensity execution: removing obstacles with pace and ensuring our ambitious roadmap becomes a reality through clarity and technical judgment.

Qualifications & Attributes

  • Deep technical credibility: capable of holding your own with staff engineers on distributed systems, security risks, and performance bottlenecks.
  • An AI‑forward mindset: a strong viewpoint on how agentic patterns and human‑in‑the‑loop design transform engineering throughput.
  • Systems thinking: focus on the system of work, standardising where it helps and granting autonomy where it matters.
  • Proven leadership at scale: successfully led multiple teams through managers and built a strong leadership bench.
  • A hunger for pace: thriving in high‑intensity environments where expectations are high and the “typical” corporate speed isn’t enough.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary + annual bonus
  • Employee Share Program
  • Health, well‑being and learning support
  • Gym membership, Smart Tech Scheme and Cycle Scheme
  • Birthday/Special day leave
  • Buy & sell holiday scheme
  • One week’s paid charity leave and much more

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Posted: May 20th, 2026