At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering strategy and develop AI capabilities for government services.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking tech company focused on impactful digital infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous leave, professional development, and health insurance.
- Other info: Enjoy a flexible hybrid work environment with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the UK's digital landscape while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven engineering leadership and strong software engineering background required.
The predicted salary is between 58540 - 71548 £ per year.
Engineering Leadership & Technical Excellence
Own Arran’s engineering strategy, standards and technical assurance across client engagements. Champion secure, scalable and maintainable services using modern cloud, DevSecOps and software engineering practices.
Build our AI Engineering Capability
Develop Arran’s practical capability to build and integrate AI into production government services. Establish engineering approaches for technologies such as LLMs, RAG and agentic systems, ensuring solutions address security, privacy, responsible AI, operational resilience and government constraints.
Government Digital & Technical Assurance
Ensure engineering aligns with the GDS Service Standard, Technology Code of Practice, NCSC Secure by Design and relevant accessibility and data protection requirements. Work with architects and client technical authorities to provide effective technical governance and assurance.
People & Capability
Act as Head of Profession for Engineering, building and developing high-performing engineers and technical leaders. Identify future capability needs and create opportunities for people to develop practical AI and emerging technology experience through delivery, accelerators and learning.
Client Leadership & Consultancy
Act as a trusted senior technical advisor to Central Government clients, translating complex problems into pragmatic technical approaches. Challenge assumptions, communicate trade-offs and represent Zaizi in senior client and technical governance discussions.
Growth, Propositions & Bids
Shape technical propositions, solutions, teams and estimates for strategically important opportunities. Turn successful delivery into credible, reusable capabilities and propositions that strengthen Arran’s position in the government market.
Club Leadership
Share accountability with the Club Executive and Heads of Product and Delivery for Arran’s overall performance. Help protect and grow clients, build capability through delivery and balance client outcomes, people, quality and commercial performance.
You will bring:
- Significant engineering leadership experience across complex digital services, ideally within UK Central Government or another regulated environment.
- A strong software engineering background and sufficient technical depth to command the confidence of senior engineers, architects and client technical leaders.
- Experience leading multiple engineering teams rather than only a single programme or product.
- Strong understanding of modern cloud engineering, DevSecOps, CI/CD, security, architecture and operational practices.
- Experience with GDS-style multidisciplinary delivery and an understanding of the Service Standard and Technology Code of Practice.
- Strong understanding of security and privacy by design.
- Evidence of developing engineering capability through coaching, mentoring, standards and communities of practice.
- Strong consultancy skills and the ability to operate credibly with senior government stakeholders.
- Commercial awareness, including experience shaping work, estimating delivery and contributing to bids or proposals.
- The ability to balance technical quality, user outcomes, delivery constraints and commercial reality.
You do not need to be an AI researcher. We are looking for an engineering leader who understands how to turn emerging technology into production-grade services.
Benefits
- Compensation
Competitive Pay: Salaries reviewed annually to ensure they reflect your performance and market value. - Loyalty Pension: We invest in your future. Starting at a 5% employer contribution, we increase this by 0.5% every year after your third anniversary, up to a maximum of 8%.
- Protection: Comprehensive Group Life Assurance for peace of mind.
- Purpose & Culture
Real Impact: Work on mission-critical projects that secure and improve the UK's digital infrastructure. - Autonomy: A culture that empowers you to make decisions, prototype rapidly, and iterate towards success.
- Service & Community: We support those who serve. 10 paid days for Reservist Military Service.
- Work / Life Balance
Time Off: 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, with the flexibility to Buy/Sell additional days to suit your lifestyle. - Giving back: 2 paid volunteering days per year.
- Development & Growth
Master Your Craft: Fully funded professional certifications (AWS, GCP, Agile, etc.) supported by 5 days paid study leave. - Expand Your Horizons: An additional £500 annual "Personal Choice" fund to learn whatever inspires you—work-related or not.
- Support: Access to 1-2-1 professional coaching and team training to accelerate your career.
- Health & Balance
Premium Health: BUPA Private Medical Insurance. - Flexibility: Genuine hybrid working with a WFH equipment allowance to perfect your home setup.
- Wellbeing: Cycle to Work scheme and a commitment to sustainable, healthy working practices.
Head of Engineering employer: Zaizi Ltd
Zaizi is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth and a culture that encourages continuous learning, you will have the opportunity to contribute to impactful UK government projects while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working. Join us to be part of a team that values knowledge sharing and embraces the latest advancements in machine learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head of Engineering role you’re after at Zaizi Ltd.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Zaizi Ltd a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Zaizi Ltd.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Head of Engineering at Zaizi Ltd, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head of Engineering, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Zaizi Ltd a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Zaizi Ltd specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zaizi Ltd
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Zaizi Ltd, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Zaizi Ltd want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
