Renaissance® is a global leader in education technology. We help schools and school groups in the UK and around the world with educational assessments, practice and intervention solutions, and data analytics. Renaissance now incorporates GL Assessment (known internationally as GL Education), too – a leading provider of educational assessments.
Together, our assessments offer the ideal starting point to help teachers understand their students’ strengths and pinpoint areas of need. Our teaching and learning tools then provide effective next steps, with online literacy and maths solutions that meet students exactly where we are.
Worldwide, we support over 18 million students, operating in over 100 countries.
Ready to shape the next chapter of engineering excellence? We're searching for an ambitious Director of Engineering to spearhead our transformation into an AI-powered, platform-first organization serving customers across the globe.
This isn't just a leadership role—it's your opportunity to architect the future, building world-class teams that deliver products people love.
- Empower people: Build, mentor, and inspire high-performing engineering and QA teams in a culture that celebrates collaboration, diversity, and growth
- Shape the future: Drive career development, succession planning, and retain the talent that will define our success
- Think strategically: Own workforce planning, org design, and capability roadmaps that scale with our ambition
- Deliver excellence: Champion predictable, quality-first delivery across multiple teams working on complex, meaningful problems
- Break barriers: Establish smart processes, eliminate friction, and create an environment where innovation thrives
- Connect globally: Partner with US-based and international tech teams to deliver seamless, world-class experiences
What Makes You Perfect for This:
- You’ve led engineering organizations and managed managers—and loved every minute of it
- You’re a team builder with a proven track record of creating diverse, high-performing cultures
- You understand the business side: workforce planning, budgets, and resource optimization are second nature
- You’ve shipped complex products in agile, product‑led environments and know what great looks like
- You’re passionate about modern QA practices, test automation, and quality as a competitive advantage
- DevOps, CI/CD, operational excellence—you get it and you’ve implemented it
- You’re a communication powerhouse who can inspire stakeholders at every level
- You’ve navigated international, distributed teams and driven organizational transformation
The Details:
Hybrid – Houghton Le Spring office (couple of days per week in‑person collaboration) with flexibility tailored to you with some travel to other offices.
Why You’ll Love Working Here:
- Take your birthday off
- 5 volunteering days to give back to causes you care about
- Top‑tier benefits: BUPA Healthcare, Life Assurance, Permanent Health Insurance
- Up to 8% employer pension contribution
- Workplace Nursery Scheme for families
- Thousands of discounts on retail, leisure, dining & more
- Season ticket loan & Employee Assistance Programme
- Christmas shutdown included
Ready to lead with impact? Let's talk about how you'll shape the future of engineering with us.
We have an ongoing commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and have taken strides to become a more welcoming and inclusive workplace, including the introduction of our DEI Matters Network which is owned and driven by our staff.
We are an equal opportunities employer. We encourage and welcome applications from all underrepresented groups, as we believe and strive for community representation within our organization.
This role is subject to DBS and background checks.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Engineering in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Renaissance Learning, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Renaissance Learning specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Renaissance Learning
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Renaissance Learning, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Renaissance Learning value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
