At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a dynamic engineering team across multiple product lines.
- Company: Join ClearCourse, a rapidly growing PE-backed SaaS and payments business.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, high-level visibility, and the chance to drive impactful change.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a fast-paced, ambitious environment with significant career growth.
- Why this job: This role offers both title and mandate, allowing you to make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience leading large engineering teams and driving strategic initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
You have built and led engineering at scale. You know what good looks like. You are probably not being given the mandate to prove it. ClearCourse is a PE-backed vertical SaaS and embedded payments business, 800 people, seven industry verticals, growing through acquisition and organic expansion across the UK and internationally.
We are hiring a Director of Product Engineering and we are looking specifically at senior engineering leaders who are ready for a role with real scope, real accountability and no ceiling on impact.
The role
- Report directly to the CTTO with full SLT and board-level visibility
- Lead 7 Heads of Product Engineering as your direct reports
- Own approximately 130 engineers and QA professionals across all seven verticals
- Co‑own group technology strategy at the most senior level
- Drive AI‑assisted development adoption across the entire function
- Own headcount planning, capacity, cost visibility and cross‑charge accuracy to board level
The verticals in scope
- Field Services
- Health
- Hospitality
- Leisure
- Retail
- Payments
- Core Engineering Tools
What you bring
- You have led 80+ engineers across multiple product lines, not just managed upwards
- You have restructured teams and made hard calls without losing the people who matter
- You are commercially fluent: cost per engineer, utilisation, delivery ROI are your language
- You have operated in PE-backed or similarly high-accountability environments before
- You know how to drive standardisation across messy, heterogeneous, multi-stack estates
Bonus points for
- Microsoft/.NET portfolio experience at scale
- Post‑acquisition engineering integration
- AI‑assisted development tooling rollout at function level (Cursor, Claude Code or similar)
Why this is worth a conversation
Most roles at this level come with either the title or the mandate. Rarely both. This one has both. You will sit at SLT, own the cost model, co‑own strategy, and have a CTTO who is invested in making this hire succeed. The business is acquisitive, the roadmap is ambitious, and the engineering function is yours to shape. Apply now or reach out directly for a confidential conversation.
Product Engineering Director employer: ClearCourse
ClearCourse in Milton Keynes is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the hospitality sector. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and comprehensive medical insurance, alongside opportunities for professional growth in a hybrid working environment. Joining TISSL means being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to driving success in premium EPOS solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Engineering Director
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like ClearCourse, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Engineering Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to ClearCourse specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at ClearCourse
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with ClearCourse, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like ClearCourse value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
