Director of Engineering

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.

Forget long lists, here’s what you’ll actually spend your time on:

• 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.
  

It’s not about ticking every box. It’s about turning up curious, ready to crack on. You’ll do well here if you bring:

• Deep technical credibility: You can hold your own with staff engineers on distributed systems, security risks, and performance bottlenecks.

• An AI-forward mindset: You have a strong POV on how agentic patterns and human-in-the-loop design transform engineering throughput.

• Systems thinking: You focus on the system of work standardising where it helps and granting autonomy where it matters.

• Proven leadership at scale: You’ve successfully led multiple teams through managers and know how to build a strong leadership bench.

• A hunger for pace: You thrive in high-intensity environments where expectations are high and the "typical" corporate speed isn't enough.
  

We believe great work deserves great rewards. Here’s just a taste:

• Competitive salary + annual bonus or commission (role dependent)

• 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

• 1 week’s paid charity leave and much more!

How we’ll get to know each other:

Screening call with one of our Talent Acquisition Partners

1st stage interview with Senior Leadership - Intro

2nd Stage interview with Senior Leadership- Deep technical dive

3rd Stage interview with Senior Leadership - Cultural fit

If you require any reasonable adjustments during our interview process, please discuss them with your Talent Acquisition Partner.

If this sounds like the place where you can do your best work, we’d love to hear from you, even if you don’t tick every box

About us
We’re Checkatrade – the UK’s leading platform for finding a tradesperson. With more than 50,000 trades listed and over 6 million reviews, we help homeowners get jobs done right and help tradespeople grow their business.

We’re growing fast, with big plans to become the go-to brand for home improvements. If you care about great work, take pride in the details, and want to make an impact, you’ll fit right in.

About us
We’re Checkatrade – the UK’s leading platform for finding a tradesperson. With more than 50,000 trades listed and over 6 million reviews, we help homeowners get jobs done right and help tradespeople grow their business.

We’re growing fast, with big plans to become the go-to brand for home improvements. If you care about great work, take pride in the details, and want to make an impact, you’ll fit right in.