Head of Engineering

Head of EngineeringLocation: Sydney [Hybrid]Our client is on a mission to create original, category-defining experiences and scale their product platforms globally. They’re seeking a Head of Engineering to set technical direction, lead with empathy, and bring deep technical expertise. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll shape the product, platform, and engineering culture while driving excellence across multiple squads.About the RoleThis is both a strategic and hands-on role for an engineering leader who enjoys building, mentoring, and guiding high-performing teams. You’ll partner closely with product, design, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver fast, scalable, and secure digital experiences.You’ll thrive here if you’re energized by ambiguity, take ownership of outcomes, and care deeply about creating a high-trust, high-impact environment.What You’ll DoDefine & Own Technical Strategy: Set the direction for scalable, secure, and adaptable architecture across product domains.Lead by Example: Provide hands-on technical guidance, owning delivery from scoping through execution.Mentor & Empower Teams: Grow engineering managers and senior engineers, creating clarity and raising the technical bar.Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work with Product, Design, and CX to translate bold ideas into seamless customer experiences.Drive Culture & Delivery: Foster a culture of empathy, accountability, and high-velocity iteration.Embrace AI & Innovation: Explore AI/ML, automation, and emerging technologies to accelerate development and enhance product capability.Unblock & Enable: Proactively resolve friction, manage trade-offs, and ensure performance, compliance, and customer needs are met.What You BringCore Experience & CapabilitiesProven experience leading engineering teams and shipping complex, high-impact SaaS or consumer products.Strong grounding in modern web and backend technologies (e.g. JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, .Net, Java/Kotlin, PostgreSQL, AWS or similar).Ability to set technical strategy, guide architecture, and implement modernisation initiatives.Track record of building secure, compliant, and data-sensitive platforms.Experience delivering with CI/CD practices and modern DevOps approaches.Skilled communicator able to bring clarity to both technical and non-technical audiences.Leadership & TraitsHigh-ownership mindset, acting fast when things need fixing.Empathetic leadership that uplifts people, not just processes.Comfortable guiding senior engineers and managers, while staying hands-on where needed.Thrives in ambiguity and fast-moving environments.Product-focused pragmatism: balancing craft with speed to market.Bonus PointsExperience in early-stage or scale-up environments.Familiarity with AI/ML, LLMs, or consumer-grade infrastructure.Knowledge of observability tooling (logging, tracing, metrics).Why JoinBuild a truly original platform at the intersection of creativity, technology, and human connection.Shape foundational decisions across product, engineering, and culture.Be part of a fast-growing, global tech company with flexible working and strong benefits.Competitive salary, equity, and perks tailored to learning, wellbeing, and growth.To learn more or apply, get in touch at danny@salientgroup.com.au