At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the evolution of a cutting-edge internal developer platform and drive engineering transformation.
- Company: Join Elsevier, a global leader in technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering with AI and automation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in platform engineering and proven leadership in cultural transformations.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 160000 £ per year.
The Head of Platform leads the delivery and evolution of Elsevier’s internal developer platform as a core driver of engineering transformation. This role is accountable for shifting Elsevier from fragmented infrastructure services to a unified internal developer platform (IDP) that accelerates modernization, reuse, and AI‑enabled engineering. The leader combines strong technical depth with enterprise influence, driving large‑scale cultural and operational change across engineering. They will shape the platform as a product while embedding new ways of working focused on self‑service, automation, and developer experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and drive the platform strategy aligned with Elsevier standards and enterprise priorities.
- Translate strategic objectives (DevEx, reuse, AI‑enabled SDLC) into clear platform roadmaps.
- Establish and evolve a platform‑as‑a‑product operating model.
- Build and lead a global platform organization (95–125 engineers) across key domains.
- Partner with TIO leadership, architecture, and change teams to align operating models.
- Drive an engineering‑led, automation‑first culture across the organization.
- Deliver internal developer portal capabilities (e.g., Backstage) and golden paths.
- Embed DORA and SPACE metrics to improve developer productivity.
- Champion reuse and inner sourcing across engineering teams.
- Integrate AI across the SDLC including code generation, testing, and automation.
- Drive adoption of AI‑enabled engineering practices.
- Ensure secure and efficient‑by‑default platform services through automation.
- Ensure reliability, observability, and cost efficiency of platform services.
- Define resilience, incident management, and operational models.
- Track and report on platform maturity and performance.
- Partner with Business Unit CTOs, product leaders, and engineering teams.
- Drive alignment between platform capabilities and business outcomes.
- Communicate effectively across executive and technical audiences.
Experience & Skills
- 15+ years in platform, software, or infrastructure engineering.
- Proven experience leading large‑scale cultural and operational transformations.
- Strong background in platform‑as‑a‑product and developer experience.
- Demonstrated stakeholder influence across complex organizations.
- Experience leading distributed engineering teams.
- Familiarity with AI‑enabled engineering practices.
- Strong grounding in SRE, observability, and secure‑by‑design.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
Success Measures
- Increased developer productivity and satisfaction.
- Adoption of platform capabilities across engineering teams.
- Reduction in toil and time‑to‑market.
- Increased reuse through standardized patterns and golden paths.
- Improved operational reliability and cost efficiency.
- Demonstrated shift in engineering culture toward ownership and automation.
Compensation
Base pay range: $118,300 - $219,800 (U.S. National Base Pay Range). Additional geographic differentials may apply.
We are an equal opportunity employer: qualified applicants are considered for and treated during employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, disability status, protected veteran status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Head of Platforms - Technology, Infrastructure and Operations in London employer: Limelight Health
Elsevier is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, offering employees the opportunity to lead transformative engineering initiatives on a global scale. With a strong focus on professional growth, employees benefit from a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, automation, and the integration of AI in engineering practices. The hybrid work model allows for flexibility while being part of a forward-thinking organisation committed to enhancing developer experience and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Platforms - Technology, Infrastructure and Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how you can drive their platform strategy and enhance developer experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've led transformations and built teams in the past. We want to see your impact on engineering culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Platforms - Technology, Infrastructure and Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in platform engineering and cultural transformation. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at StudySmarter!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Platforms, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead large teams and drive change. Share specific examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and led successful projects in the past.
Highlight Technical Expertise:Don’t forget to mention your technical background! We’re looking for someone with strong knowledge in AI-enabled engineering practices and platform-as-a-product. Make it clear how your expertise can benefit us.
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 ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Limelight Health
✨Know Your Platform Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Elsevier's internal developer platform and its evolution. Understand the key responsibilities of the Head of Platforms role and be ready to discuss how you would drive the platform strategy and enhance developer experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading large-scale cultural and operational transformations. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced stakeholders across complex organisations and how you can apply that to build a global platform organisation.
✨Emphasise AI Integration
Since AI-enabled engineering practices are crucial for this role, come prepared with insights on how you've integrated AI into software development lifecycles. Discuss specific tools or methodologies you've used to enhance productivity and automation.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing technical concepts. You’ll need to communicate effectively with both executive and technical audiences, so think about how you can tailor your message to different stakeholders.
