At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering excellence in AI and ML for personalisation across digital channels.
- Company: Join M&S, a leader in digital innovation and customer engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy bonuses, pension plans, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and influence in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on 5 billion customer interactions with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Extensive software engineering experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
About the Role
You will be championing Engineering excellence for one of the key strategic areas for M&S, which drives Personalisation & Growth across all of our Digital channels using Customer data, AI and ML capabilities and journey orchestrators. We aim to become global leaders in Personalisation and personalise 5BN Omni channel interactions with our customers.
Tech Stack
- Python 3
- Javascript – React, Node.js and Vanilla JavaScript specific frameworks (will be migrating to Next.Js and Typescript)
- Java Spring Boot
- Confluent Kafka
- Tealium CDP :mParticle
- Optimizely/Adobe Target
- Databricks and Azure Data Factory
- Cloud - Azure
- CI/CD - Azureops and GitHub Actions
- BDD: Playwright, Selenium, Cyprus
Key Experience – the ideal candidate will have
Essential:
- Excellent knowledge in all stack areas, from front-end through to back-end
- Extensive background in software engineering with several years’ experience in a variety of systems and technologies
- Consistent track record in delivering, operating, leading, hiring and shifting at Product Group level and above
- Strong experience of leading successful delivery in a scaled agile software environment
- Experience building and leading teams of highly skilled, senior software engineers that deliver high-quality software
- Excellent understanding of system design, software architecture, cloud, and software engineering standard methodologies
- Expert knowledge and advocate for Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery
- Promoter of DevOps: you build it, you run it
- Strong understanding of testing strategies and reliability engineering
- Highly organised and able to handle multiple workstreams, lead senior customers and their expectations
- Excellent people management, interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to lead and line manage senior engineers, engineering managers and technical partners to a desired outcome, without prescribing it
- Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken and able to adjust for different, including non-technical, audiences
- A servant-leadership mentality that is willing to take responsibility
- Able to influence people at senior levels and from the highly technical to non-technical
Desirable:
- Previous polyglot hands-on senior software engineer
- Leading large product areas with 5+ teams
- Previous software engineering community leadership experience
- Presentation delivery at internal and external events
- An ambition to be an open-source contributor, technology writer or speaker
- Knowledge of Software approaches like Domain Driven Design
- Experience in event driven API architectures and associated best practices
- Advanced experience with cloud engineering
- Cares about the business and the bigger picture with significant prior examples
- A senior leadership mentality that is willing to take responsibility
- Demonstrable entrepreneurship in previous organisation(s)
Company Benefits
- Bonus
- Pension
- Hybrid working
Interview Process
- 1st stage conversational
- 2nd stage system design
- 3rd stage leadership and culture
- 4th stage presentation to CTO
Head of Engineering - Machine Learning / AI employer: Marks and Spencer
At M&S, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the Head of Engineering - Machine Learning / AI role. Our commitment to engineering excellence fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where you will lead a talented team in driving personalisation across our digital channels. With hybrid working options, competitive bonuses, and a strong focus on employee growth and development, M&S offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering - Machine Learning / AI
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at M&S or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you ace the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to engineering leadership and AI/ML. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Bring along examples of your previous work, especially anything that highlights your experience with Python, cloud engineering, or agile environments. This will demonstrate your hands-on skills and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering - Machine Learning / AI
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your expertise in Python, Java, and any relevant cloud technologies. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of personalisation and growth!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about engineering excellence and how your leadership experience aligns with our goals. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on projects that demonstrate your knowledge of AI, ML, or any of the tech stack mentioned, make sure to include them. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills and how you've tackled challenges in the past.
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 the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description. Brush up on Python, JavaScript frameworks like React and Node.js, and cloud services like Azure. Being able to discuss your experience with these tools will show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams and delivered projects in a scaled agile environment. Highlight your ability to manage senior engineers and influence stakeholders. This role is all about leadership, so be ready to demonstrate your servant-leadership mentality.
✨Master System Design
Since the second stage involves system design, practice articulating your thought process when designing systems. Be prepared to discuss architecture, cloud solutions, and how you ensure reliability and quality in your engineering practices.
✨Engage in the Culture Fit
The third stage focuses on leadership and culture, so think about how your values align with the company’s. Prepare to discuss your approach to team dynamics, communication, and how you foster a positive work environment. Show them you’re not just a tech whiz but also a great fit for their team.
