Director, Software Engineering

Job description

We are seeking a visionary Director of Software Engineering to lead and build our software development team in India. This role is crucial in establishing a high-performing engineering center that will become an integral part of our global software development capabilities. The successful candidate will drive innovation, foster a culture of excellence, and ensure seamless integration with our global teams.

About the role

Team Building: Build and scale a talented software engineering team in India, targeting 8-10 engineers in the first year, with goals of 90% employee satisfaction and 85% retention rates annually.

Technical Leadership: Drive technical strategy and innovation, focusing on modern web technologies (TypeScript, React, Node.js), backend systems (Java), AI/ML applications (Python), and cloud infrastructure (AWS).

Project Management: Oversee multiple projects with a target of 95% on-time delivery rate, ensuring seamless integration with Reuters global platforms.Culture: Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement while bridging cultural gaps and leveraging India's dynamic tech ecosystem.Global Collaboration: Work closely with global peers to align efforts, creating a connected work environment across time zones and cultures.

Engineering Excellence: Implement best practices for code quality, system performance, and engineering processes in both front-end and back-end development.

Strategic Leadership: Participate in strategic planning and decision-making processes at a global level, representing the engineering team in cross-functional initiatives.

Talent Development: Mentor team members and drive innovation, with specific KPIs including the number of new ideas implemented and performance improvements achieved.

About You

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive software engineering experience, with at least 8 years in leadership roles.
• Proven track record of building and leading successful offshore development teams, preferably in a news or media organization.
• Strong technical background in full-stack development, cloud computing, and modern software architectures.
• Experience with Agile methodologies and DevOps practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate across cultures and time zones.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and adopt emerging technologies.

Required Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of modern programming languages (JavaScript/TypeScript and either Java or Python)
• Experience with React and other modern front-end frameworks
• Experience with cloud platforms, particularly AWS
• Understanding of CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
• Experience managing engineering teams in an Agile environment

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Experience with microservices architecture and containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
• Knowledge of database technologies (both SQL and NoSQL)
• Familiarity with test automation frameworks (e.g., Playwright)
• Understanding of system and web browser performance testing methodologies
• Experience with security testing approaches and tools
• Experience with AI/ML technologies and Python for AI applications