Job Title: Director of Engineering
Location: Guildford
Reports To: Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Employment Type: Full-Time
SH1023
Company Overview:
Finatal is working with an ambitious and rapidly expanding law firm, backed by private equity. They are focused on transforming the legal industry through technological innovation. With a vision to lead the market in digital solutions and client service excellence, we are seeking a pioneering Director of Engineering to build and lead our technology capabilities from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity to join as our first technical hire, play a strategic role in defining our technology vision, and assemble a high-performing engineering team.
Role Overview:
As the Director of Engineering, you will be the first technical hire, responsible for laying the foundation of our engineering function and scaling it in line with the firm’s ambitious growth plans. Reporting directly to the CTO, you will lead the development of the technology strategy, implement robust and scalable systems, and recruit and manage a talented engineering team. You will also ensure that the tech stack is modern, secure, and scalable. Experience working closely with Product Managers, Business Analysts, and Product Specialists is essential, as you will need to drive cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-impact solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Shape and execute the engineering strategy, aligning technology initiatives with the firm’s long-term objectives.
- Team Building: Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and development of a high-calibre engineering team, establishing a collaborative and results-driven culture.
- Technology Roadmap: Define and manage the technology roadmap, ensuring timely delivery of scalable solutions that drive operational efficiency and support business growth.
- Modern Tech Stack: Ensure the adoption and integration of a modern tech stack that supports flexibility, scalability, and security.
- Engineering Operations: Implement best practices in software development, DevOps, and engineering processes to enhance productivity and ensure consistent, high-quality output.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Business Analysts, and Product Specialists to align technical solutions with business needs and deliver innovative solutions.
- Innovation: Stay at the forefront of industry trends and emerging technologies, applying relevant tools and methodologies to maintain a competitive edge.
- Risk Management: Oversee the security, compliance, and resilience of technology systems, particularly in relation to data privacy and regulatory requirements.
Qualifications:
- Experience in senior software engineering positions is essential and a proven track record of building software solutions at scale.
- Demonstrated experience in building and scaling technology teams within a high-growth environment, preferably within professional services or a similarly regulated sector.
- Strong understanding of cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and enterprise software development.
- Proven track record of implementing and maintaining modern tech stacks and scalable architecture.
- Experience working closely with Product Managers, Business Analysts, and Product Specialists in a collaborative environment.
- Proven experience managing and delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Familiarity with legal technology or experience in a regulated industry is a distinct advantage.
Why Join Us?
- Be the driving force behind a pioneering legal tech transformation in a forward-thinking law firm.
- Lead the creation and growth of an engineering function from the ground up, with the autonomy to build and shape your own team.
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, pension contributions, and more.
- An entrepreneurial, fast-paced environment with significant growth potential.