Head of Design and Engineering

NextEnergy Group; London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NextEnergy Group is seeking a Head of Design and Engineering to lead their IT function. This pivotal role involves shaping a technology transformation program, overseeing design and engineering strategies, and ensuring the delivery of innovative digital solutions aligned with the company's mission to transition to clean energy.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of cross-functional technology teams.
• Deep expertise in human-centered design and product lifecycle delivery.
• Strong knowledge of cloud-native platforms and microservices.

Responsibilities

• Lead integration of design, architecture, and software engineering.
• Define and lead design and engineering strategy.
• Inspire and lead a team of over 15 professionals.

Skills

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Flexibility

Delivery focus

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or UX Design

Tools

Cloud-native platforms

APIs

DevOps

Job description

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THE ROLE

This newly created and critical role sits at the core of NextEnergy Group’s evolving IT function. Reporting directly to the CTIO, you will be a key member of the IT senior leadership team. As Head of Design and Engineering, you will lead the integration of human-centred design, technical architecture, and modern software engineering to deliver scalable, secure, and intuitive digital solutions.

You will be instrumental in shaping and delivering a three-year technology transformation programme. Your work will ensure technology platforms support business growth and empower end users to drive innovation and operational excellence, aligning with our mission: leading the transition to clean energy through data-driven, technology-enabled innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy
• Champion the role of end users in shaping IT services that drive productivity, collaboration, and insight across our investment, development, and asset management businesses
• Define and lead the end-to-end design and engineering strategy, ensuring alignment with business priorities and CTIO goals
• Bring external perspective and advisory experience to shape best-in-class engineering and design approaches across the technology function
• Inspire and lead a growing team of 15+ professionals across software engineering, architecture, UX, research, and DevOps
• Oversee budgeting and financial planning for design and engineering, ensuring investments are value-driven, scalable, and aligned with NextEnergy Group's strategy

Human Centred Design & Innovation

• Embed user research, usability testing, and feedback loops to ensure solutions are frictionless, empowering, and aligned with the real needs of our users and customers
• Lead the transition from prototype to production, delivering enterprise-grade platforms
• Drive collaboration within IT and across our business and core functions, building trusted partnerships

Engineering & Technical excellence

• Oversee the design and delivery of cloud-native, API-driven architectures aligned to enterprise strategy as we transition to the cloud
• Establish technical standards and reusable frameworks that support scalability, speed, and operational resilience for our growing business
• Promote a PaaS-first approach with robust automation, testing, and DevOps pipelines guiding the engineering practice on what is great

Governance & Risk

• Lead design and architecture governance processes, balancing agility with quality and compliance, particularly for regulated entities within NextEnergy Group
• Work closely with the security and compliance lead to ensure alignment with all relevant security, privacy, and regulatory standards

People & Capability

• Build, coach, and retain a diverse, high-performing team across design and engineering
• Define career paths and development frameworks that align with NextEnergy Group's learning culture, with emphasis on emerging technologies and user-centred capabilities
• Promote a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement

Skills & Competencies

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Time management & prioritisation skills - effective workload management is critical
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (in English or/and other European languages)
• Flexibility and team spirit, open to new challenges
• Intellectual curiosity and ability to bring fresh ideas
• Delivery focus and proactive work ethic
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Passion for our mission of a sustainable future and transition to clean energy
• Alignment with our values: leadership, trust, responsibility, innovation, and bringing your alpha

Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering, UX Design)
• Proven leadership of cross-functional technology teams in design, engineering, and architecture, preferably in data-intensive sectors
• Deep expertise in human-centered design and full product lifecycle delivery
• Strong knowledge of cloud-native platforms, microservices, APIs, and DevOps
• Experience in scaling prototypes to enterprise systems with standards compliance
• Background in consulting or advisory roles, with external insight and hands-on experience in scaling environments
• Certifications in agile, cloud architecture, or design leadership
• Experience in regulated or fast-growing tech environments
• Right to work in the UK