At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale engineering and product development across EMEA and APAC.
- Company: Fast-growing SaaS company transforming enterprise communication with top-notch security.
- Benefits: Remote work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on innovation and team building.
- Why this job: Join a visionary company and make a significant impact in secure communications.
- Qualifications: 10-15 years of engineering leadership experience and expertise in cloud-native architecture.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 € per year.
We are hiring on behalf of a client for a VP of R&D to lead and scale engineering and product development across EMEA and APAC. This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the CEO, with ownership over technical strategy, architecture, delivery, and team scaling in a fast-growing, enterprise SaaS environment focused on secure and compliant communications.
Our client is a fast-growing SaaS company transforming enterprise communication by integrating consumer messaging platforms with enterprise-grade security and compliance. They are recognized as a Visionary in Gartner's Magic Quadrant and are trusted by leading global institutions.
Role Overview
- Lead engineering and product development across EMEA and APAC
- Own delivery, architecture, and technical strategy
- Scale high-performing engineering teams
- Partner with global stakeholders across product, customer, and commercial teams
- Ensure compliance with enterprise-grade security and regulatory standards
Key Responsibilities
Technical Strategy & Architecture
- Define and execute regional R&D roadmap aligned with global strategy
- Oversee system architecture for scalability, security, and reliability
- Drive engineering excellence across CI/CD, DevOps, SRE, and observability
- Lead AI-driven innovation initiatives
Delivery & Execution
- Own quarterly and annual engineering OKRs
- Ensure predictable release cycles and enterprise-grade SLAs
- Improve development velocity while maintaining compliance and quality
Leadership & Talent
- Build and scale engineering teams across Backend, Frontend, QA, and DevOps
- Develop senior leaders including Directors and Engineering Managers
- Drive hiring strategy across UK and EU markets
- Establish strong engineering culture and succession planning
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Product, Customer Success, Security, and Sales Engineering teams
- Support enterprise deals requiring deep technical involvement
- Engage with strategic customers on architecture and roadmap discussions
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure alignment with data privacy and financial regulatory standards
- Strengthen SOC2, ISO, and enterprise security posture
Requirements
- 10–15+ years of engineering leadership experience
- 5+ years at VP or Director level
- Experience scaling B2B SaaS platforms in fintech, compliance-tech, communications, or cybersecurity
- Strong expertise in distributed systems and cloud-native architecture (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
- Experience building and managing teams of 70 engineers
- Exposure to regulated industries (financial services preferred)
- Experience operating across US, EMEA, and APAC regions
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working across multiple time zones
- Background in fast-paced, high-growth SaaS environments
- Track record of driving operational and engineering improvements
Role Details
- Work Setup: Remote
- Employment Type: Full-time
VP of R&D employer: LinkedIn
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and innovative work culture that empowers employees to lead in the fast-paced SaaS industry. With a strong focus on professional growth, team collaboration, and cutting-edge technology, employees are encouraged to drive AI-driven initiatives while ensuring compliance with enterprise-grade security standards. The remote work setup allows for flexibility, making it an attractive opportunity for top talent across EMEA and APAC to thrive in a visionary company recognised for its commitment to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VP of R&D
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at the company you're eyeing. A personal introduction can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company's recent projects and challenges. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals, especially in areas like technical strategy and engineering excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you've built and scaled teams in the past. Highlight your experience in driving operational improvements and fostering a strong engineering culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that VP of R&D role.
We think you need these skills to ace VP of R&D
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the VP of R&D role. Highlight your leadership experience in engineering and product development, especially in SaaS environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell your story! Explain why you're passionate about leading R&D in a fast-growing SaaS company and how your background in compliance and security can add value.
Showcase Your Achievements:Quantify your successes! Whether it’s scaling teams or improving delivery cycles, use numbers to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. This will help us see your potential at a glance.
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at LinkedIn
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
As a VP of R&D, you’ll need to showcase your deep understanding of technical strategy and architecture. Brush up on the latest trends in distributed systems and cloud-native architecture, especially if they relate to AWS, Azure, or GCP. Be ready to discuss how you've driven engineering excellence in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills, so prepare examples that highlight your experience in building and scaling high-performing teams. Talk about how you've developed senior leaders and established a strong engineering culture in your past positions.
✨Showcase Cross-Functional Collaboration
You’ll be partnering with various teams, so it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate how you’ve worked with product, customer success, and sales engineering teams to drive successful outcomes.
✨Understand Compliance and Governance
Given the focus on secure and compliant communications, make sure you’re well-versed in data privacy and regulatory standards. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous projects and how you plan to strengthen the company’s security posture.
