Head Of Engineering

Nationwide Group; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Nationwide Group is seeking an executive engineering leader to set the direction for engineering excellence across Nationwide as we evolve our software delivery lifecycle (SDLC).

Reporting directly to the CTO, this strategic role shapes roadmaps, architecture and tooling to deliver secure, resilient digital services that users can rely on. Hybrid work is available with on-site collaboration when needed.

Responsibilities

• Set direction for engineering excellence across the SDLC and modernise tools, practices and architecture.
• Provide thought leadership and drive improvements in software delivery, AI adoption and engineering performance.

Job description

We’re looking for an executive engineering leader to set the direction for engineering excellence across Nationwide as we evolve our software delivery lifecycle (SDLC).

Reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer, this is a strategic engineering leadership role with impact across Nationwide. You’ll set the direction for how we simplify and modernise the tools, practices and architecture that underpin software delivery. By enabling teams to bring changes to market faster, more safely and at lower cost, you’ll help Nationwide respond more quickly to customer needs and deliver secure, resilient and high-quality digital services that are easier for our customers and members to use and rely on.

Working in close partnership with the Engineering Practice and engineering leaders across the organisation, you’ll provide thought leadership and drive improvements in how we build software, adopt artificial intelligence and modern engineering tools, and measure and improve engineering performance.

This is primarily a strategy and thought-leadership role, shaping the direction, roadmaps and architecture of engineering across Nationwide. You’ll also remain close to the engineering, taking a practical, hands‑on approach where it adds value through targeted proofs of concept and testing new capabilities in the tools already in our estate. This practical involvement will ensure our strategy and standards are grounded in real engineering insight and can be adopted effectively by engineering teams.

We are happy to consider flexible working approaches to help you perform at your best.

At Nationwide we offer hybrid working wherever possible. More rewarding relationships are supported through our hybrid approach, bringing colleagues together across our UK wide estate, whilst also supporting generous access to home working. We value our time in the office to solve problems, to learn, and to feel connected.

For this role, you'll be based at your nearest regional office or hub. We value time spent together to connect with colleagues for collaboration so there will be a requirement to attend our Swindon site sometimes once or twice per month for team and other collaboration events. If you are based at an office location, you'll be expected to meet our hybrid working requirement of at least two days a week, or 40% of your working time if part-time, in the office. If you’re based at our Glasgow office, this will apply from 1 April 2027 and ahead of that there will be a need to regularly connect with colleagues for collaboration events. If your application is successful, your hiring manager will provide further details on how this works.

If we receive a high volume of relevant applications, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so please apply as soon as you can.