At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the evolution of a cutting-edge internal developer platform and drive engineering transformation.
- Company: Join RELX, a global leader in information-based analytics and decision tools.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on innovation and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering with AI and automation while making a societal impact.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in platform or software engineering with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 € 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. This 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.
Responsibilities
- Platform Strategy & Vision: 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.
- Leadership & Organization Design: 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.
- Developer Experience & Enablement: 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.
- AI & Automation Integration: 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.
- Operational Excellence: Ensure reliability, observability, and cost efficiency of platform services. Define resilience, incident management, and operational models. Track and report on platform maturity and performance.
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.
Qualifications
- 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.
Company Purpose
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers, enabling them to make better decisions, get better results and be more productive. Our purpose is to benefit society by developing products that help researchers advance scientific knowledge; doctors and nurses improve the lives of patients; lawyers promote the rule of law and achieve justice and fair results for their clients; businesses and governments prevent fraud; consumers access financial services and get fair prices on insurance; and customers learn about markets and complete transactions. Our purpose guides our actions beyond the products that we develop. It defines us as a company. Every day across RELX our employees are inspired to undertake initiatives that make unique contributions to society and the communities in which we operate.
Compensation
Base pay ranges (U.S.): New York: $130,200 – $241,800; New York City: $142,000 – $263,800; Rochester, NY: $118,300 – $219,800; U.S. National Base Pay Range: $118,300 – $219,800. Geographic differentials may apply in some locations to better reflect local market rates.
Head of Platforms - Technology, Infrastructure and Operations in Oxford employer: RELX Group
At Elsevier, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. As the Head of Platforms, you will lead a dynamic team in New York, driving engineering transformation while benefiting from our commitment to employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and a supportive work environment. Our focus on AI integration and operational excellence not only enhances developer experience but also empowers you to make a meaningful impact on society through our information-based analytics and decision tools.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Platforms - Technology, Infrastructure and Operations in Oxford
✨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
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal project that highlights your expertise in platform engineering and AI integration. It’s a great way to stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to platform strategy and developer experience. We want you to feel confident and ready to impress!
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Platforms - Technology, Infrastructure and Operations in Oxford
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 transformation. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Elsevier, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Leadership Experience:Since this role is all about leading a global platform organisation, it’s crucial to emphasise your leadership skills. Share examples of how you've driven cultural change and managed large teams in the past. We love seeing how you’ve made an impact!
Highlight Technical Depth:We’re looking for someone with strong technical expertise, especially in AI-enabled engineering practices. Be sure to mention any relevant technologies or methodologies you’ve worked with that can help us modernise our internal developer platform.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RELX Group
✨Know Your Platform Strategy
Make sure you understand the core principles of platform-as-a-product and how it aligns with the company's vision. Be ready to discuss how you would define and drive a platform strategy that enhances developer experience and integrates AI practices.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully led large teams through cultural and operational transformations. Highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and drive an engineering-led culture focused on automation and self-service.
✨Emphasise Developer Experience
Be prepared to talk about how you've improved developer productivity in previous roles. Discuss specific metrics or frameworks you've used, like DORA or SPACE, and how they can be applied to enhance the internal developer portal capabilities.
✨Demonstrate Technical Depth
Brush up on your technical knowledge related to SRE, observability, and secure-by-design practices. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure reliability and cost efficiency in platform services while integrating AI across the software development lifecycle.
