At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in engineering for a player-first technology strategy.
- Company: Join Tombola, a leader in the gaming industry, shaping the future of player experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, career growth opportunities, and budget management experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with collaboration across multiple teams and a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving technology that enhances player interactions.
- Qualifications: Experience leading engineering teams, managing budgets, and knowledge of front-end technologies.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
hackajob is collaborating with Tombola to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role. As Head of Engineering – Operator Platform, you'll shape and deliver the technology that powers how we operate, scale and continuously improve the tombola experience. This is a key leadership role at the heart of Platform Engineering, where you'll define and drive a player-first technology strategy while enabling the teams behind the scenes to move faster, smarter and more effectively.
Responsibilities
- Technical strategy – Provide expert leadership across software design and development; champion modern technologies, best practices and coding standards; build and evolve a platform that supports long-term strategic goals; define and deliver a technical roadmap aligned to player experience; identify opportunities for innovation in how players interact with our products; share knowledge and insight to help stakeholders understand what's possible.
- Leadership – Lead, coach and support a cross-functional team of engineers; create an inclusive, collaborative environment where people can thrive; support career growth and identify future leaders within the team; build and empower a high-performing Platform Engineering leadership group.
- Cross-functional collaboration – Work closely with Product, Design, Game Studio, Marketing and Customer Support; turn player insights, feedback and data into meaningful technical solutions.
- Strategic planning – Contribute to the wider technology vision and roadmap; translate business goals into clear, actionable engineering plans; ensure alignment with company strategy and long-term objectives.
- Development and delivery – Oversee the full development lifecycle, from idea through to deployment; ensure delivery is timely, scalable and meets high quality standards; work with senior leaders to create transparent, scalable ways of working.
- Quality and innovation – Set and maintain high engineering and quality standards; encourage experimentation and continuous improvement; enable data-driven decision-making through strong platform capabilities.
- Project management – Oversee delivery of engineering projects within timelines and budgets; balance new feature development with maintenance and technical debt; collaborate with product and technology leaders on prioritisation.
- Technical expertise – Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies; use knowledge to guide technical direction and decision-making.
- Stakeholder communication – Communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences; build strong relationships across teams and with external partners.
- Budget management – Own and manage departmental budgets, including people, hosting and tooling; work with senior leadership to plan and forecast effectively.
What we're looking for
- Experience leading large, multi-layered engineering teams
- Proven experience managing budgets
- Experience setting and tracking objectives using OKRs
- Background in customer-facing technology environments
- Strong knowledge of front-end technologies such as Vue and React
- Experience working in experimentation-led or UX-focused organisations
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary delivery teams or functions
- Understanding of platform engineering and development operations
- Familiarity with technologies such as C#, Node, Docker, SQL Server and AWS
Desirable
- Experience within the iGaming sector or similar regulated industries
Head of Engineering - Operator Platform in Sunderland employer: hackajob
At Tombola, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. As the Head of Engineering for our Operator Platform, you'll not only lead a talented team but also have access to continuous professional development opportunities and a collaborative environment that encourages innovation. Located in a dynamic sector, we offer competitive benefits and a chance to make a meaningful impact on player experiences, making Tombola a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering - Operator Platform in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at Tombola. A personal introduction can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Tombola's tech stack and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also genuinely interested in what they do. Tailor your examples to highlight your leadership and technical expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! When discussing your experience, frame it in a way that showcases your impact on previous teams and projects. We want to hear how you’ve driven innovation and collaboration in your past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering - Operator Platform in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Engineering role. Highlight your leadership experience, technical expertise, and any relevant projects that showcase your ability to drive a player-first technology strategy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for engineering and how you can contribute to shaping the tombola experience. Don’t forget to mention your experience in leading cross-functional teams!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to highlight your knowledge of front-end technologies like Vue and React, as well as your familiarity with platforms like AWS and Docker. We want to see how your technical background aligns with our needs.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at hackajob
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a candidate for the Head of Engineering role, it's crucial to have a solid grasp of the technologies mentioned in the job description, like Vue, React, and AWS. Brush up on your knowledge of these tools and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past projects. This will show that you can lead the team effectively and make informed decisions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed large, multi-layered engineering teams. Think of specific examples where you've fostered an inclusive environment or supported career growth within your team. This will demonstrate your ability to create a high-performing culture at Tombola.
✨Align with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Tombola's mission and values, and think about how your technical strategy can align with their player-first approach. Be ready to discuss how you would translate business goals into actionable engineering plans, showcasing your strategic planning skills.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since you'll be working closely with cross-functional teams, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Prepare to share examples of how you've effectively communicated with both technical and non-technical stakeholders in the past. This will highlight your ability to build strong relationships across teams.
