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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of 400+ engineers to deliver innovative digital experiences across platforms.
- Company: Join the BBC, a respected organisation at the forefront of digital transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and 26+ days annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey, shaping the future of digital media for audiences.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading large-scale technical programmes and high-performing teams.
- Other info: Opportunity to work across key UK locations with a focus on collaboration and culture.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Flexible Hybrid (with regular time in key BBC locations like Salford, Leeds, Harrogate, Cardiff, Manchester, Newcastle or London)
Permanent Role | Senior Leader Band
About the Role
We're looking for a senior engineering leader to join the BBC at a transformative moment in our digital journey. This role isn't just about owning the experience layer across mobile, web and TV - it's about shaping how 400+ engineers collaborate, innovate, and deliver seamless digital products that truly serve our audiences, wherever they are.
As Director of Product Engineering (Experiences), you'll lead with deep technical credibility and a visible, people-first presence. You'll work cross-functionally with product, design and delivery peers - as well as the wider Technology & Product Group - to build modern, resilient platforms and drive transformation at scale.
You'll be a core part of the BBC's future as we look ahead to 2027 and beyond - ensuring we don't just keep pace, but lead.
Who We're Looking For
We're after someone who can do more than manage - someone who can lead, influence and inspire. The ideal person is:
- A T-shaped leader - someone who brings deep engineering expertise and breadth of vision to connect dots across disciplines, systems and teams.
- A builder of engineering culture - who understands that people, practice, and purpose go hand in hand.
- A visible and trusted presence - someone who shows up, listens, challenges, mentors, and steers teams where they need to go.
- Politically and socially astute - able to navigate nuance, engage stakeholders toe-to-toe, and make confident, empathetic decisions in a complex organisation.
- Transformation-savvy - this is a large-scale, multi-year shift. You'll help us thrive, not just survive.
You'll be comfortable moving across their UK footprint - especially in Salford (engineering hub), but also Leeds, Harrogate, Cardiff and beyond - making in-person time count where it's needed most. A day a fortnight onsite in certain locations is realistic, and flexibility is built in.
What You'll Be Doing
- Own and deliver the engineering vision for the BBC's audience-facing digital experiences - mobile, web, apps, TV, voice, and more.
- Lead a 400-strong engineering community across multiple sites and functions.
- Drive the delivery of complex technical programmes and help mature our practices, capabilities, and leadership bench.
- Partner with senior BBC stakeholders to align engineering work with organisational goals and public value.
- Build a connected, inclusive, and high-performing culture that empowers teams and nurtures talent at all levels.
- Constantly evolve our engineering strategy to meet the demands of audiences, technology shifts, and industry disruption.
- Champion continuous improvement and modern software practices - from CI/CD to cloud infrastructure to scalable systems design.
What You'll Need
- Proven track record delivering large-scale technical programmes in complex environments.
- A strong software engineering background - you've been on the journey and know what great looks like.
- Experience leading high-performing teams across distributed locations.
- High emotional intelligence and the ability to influence diverse, senior stakeholders.
- Strong commercial acumen - with experience managing significant budgets and regulated procurements.
What We Offer
- Excellent career progression in one of the UK's most respected organisations.
- Flexible hybrid working, including regular time on-site as needed.
- Competitive salary and pension, with 35-hour weeks and 26+ days annual leave.
- Access to outstanding development opportunities through the BBC Academy.
- Inclusive, values-driven culture that encourages everyone to show up as their authentic self.
What's Next?
We're excited to hear from leaders who want to make a real difference at scale. If you're passionate about modern engineering, inspired by public purpose, and ready to lead bold transformation then I would love to hear from you.
Director, Product Engineering employer: iO Associates
Contact Detail:
iO Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Product Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current and former employees of the BBC, especially those in engineering roles. This can give you insights into the company culture and the specific challenges they face, which you can address in your discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends in digital product engineering and transformation. Being able to discuss recent advancements or case studies during interviews will demonstrate your passion and knowledge in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership style and how you've built high-performing teams in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire and mentor others, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the BBC's current digital initiatives and their audience engagement strategies. This will help you align your vision with theirs and show that you're ready to contribute to their goals from day one.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Product Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in leading large-scale technical programmes and managing high-performing teams. Use specific examples that demonstrate your engineering expertise and ability to drive transformation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for modern engineering and public purpose. Discuss how your leadership style aligns with the BBC's values and how you can contribute to their digital journey.
Showcase Your Emotional Intelligence: When detailing your experiences, emphasise your high emotional intelligence and ability to influence diverse stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've navigated complex environments and made empathetic decisions.
Highlight Your Vision for Engineering Culture: Discuss your approach to building an inclusive and high-performing engineering culture. Share insights on how you empower teams and nurture talent, as this is crucial for the role at the BBC.
How to prepare for a job interview at iO Associates
✨Show Your Leadership Style
As a candidate for a senior role, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style. Be prepared to discuss how you've influenced and inspired teams in the past, and share specific examples of how you've built an engineering culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation.
✨Understand the BBC's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the BBC's current digital transformation goals and how they align with their audience's needs. This will help you articulate how your experience and vision can contribute to their objectives, especially in leading a large engineering community.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Given the technical nature of the role, be ready to engage in deep technical discussions. Brush up on modern software practices, cloud infrastructure, and scalable systems design, as these are key areas the BBC is focusing on for their digital experiences.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
High emotional intelligence is essential for this role. Prepare to showcase your ability to navigate complex organisational dynamics and engage with diverse stakeholders. Share examples of how you've made empathetic decisions in challenging situations.
