Chief Digital Engineering & AI Transformation

Barclays; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Barclays is seeking a strategic engineering leader to set direction across web, mobile, file transfer, API and Payments applications in a regulated environment. You will influence Principal Engineers and define engineering standards while advancing AI-enabled engineering practices.

The role emphasizes shaping the engineering agenda through technical credibility and stakeholder influence rather than direct line management, with a focus on delivering high-quality software at scale.

Qualifications

• Deep engineering credibility across Java and JavaScript/TypeScript ecosystems.
• Experience operating in an organisation using Agile at scale, including LeSS or SAFe.
• 10+ years in Software Engineering, Computing Science or a related discipline.
• A track record of owning engineering practices for customer-facing services in a regulated environment.
• Practical experience implementing and scaling AI-assisted engineering through Claude Code.
• Experience defining engineering standards across multiple technology estates and channels.
• Proven ability to influence senior engineering stakeholders without direct authority.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering teams effectively, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure delivery of high-quality software solutions.
• Set direction and influence across a complex, regulated digital estate.
• Define engineering standards across web, mobile, file transfer, API and Payments applications.
• Drive practical adoption of AI-enabled engineering and improve consistency, quality, and developer productivity.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Enforce robust testing practices and peer reviews to ensure high-quality delivery.

Skills

Java

JavaScript/TypeScript

Agile at scale

10+ years experience

Engineering practices ownership

AI-assisted engineering

Engineering standards

Influence without authority

Education

Computing Science or related degree

Tools

Claude Code

Job description

Barclays is seeking a strategic engineering leader to set direction across web, mobile, file transfer, API and Payments applications in a regulated environment. You will influence Principal Engineers and define engineering standards while advancing AI-enabled engineering practices.

The role emphasizes shaping the engineering agenda through technical credibility and stakeholder influence rather than direct line management, with a focus on delivering high-quality software at scale.