Principal Engineer - Operations Technology

On; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tools for holistic development

Opportunities for innovation

Personal self-care for well-being

Job summary

On is searching for a Principal Engineer in London to enhance our Finance and Operations technology platforms. You will lead projects while ensuring collaboration and communication around critical business goals.

The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in high-performance systems and proficiency in languages like TypeScript and Node.js. This role offers an environment focused on growth, inclusion, and well-being.

Qualifications

• Over 10 years of experience building and optimising high-performance tech systems.
• Proven experience as a Principal Engineer, building high-traffic services.
• Experience working with external partners and technology vendors is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead diverse collaborative projects emphasizing shared knowledge.
• Align technology solutions with critical business goals.
• Communicate a compelling vision for future technology solutions.

Skills

Problem-solving

Team player

Excellent communication in English

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field

Tools

TypeScript

Node.js

PostgreSQL

GCP

Kafka Streams

Job description

In short, With On’s growth, our Finance and Operations Technology teams are expanding, and we’re looking for a Principal Engineer to help scale On’s operations and finance platforms.

In this role, you’ll be based in our London office, directly reporting to the Senior Director of Engineering of Operations and Finance Technology, working closely with our operations and finance engineering teams, the product management team and key stakeholders based in Zurich, Berlin and London. All with the end goal to re‑engineer and scale our core Finance and Operations technology platforms, encompassing critical areas such as supply chain, logistics, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and financial systems, all while using the latest technology. Your entrepreneurial and result‑driven mindset, combined with strong hands‑on technical oversight and execution skills, will make you a key member of the core team on which On’s future is built.

Mission

• Lead by example and with inclusion: Drive collaborative projects by seeking diverse viewpoints, emphasizing shared knowledge, and making balanced decisions that benefit both Technology at On and the broader company. When required, be eager to jump hands‑on to move On forward and create things from scratch to lead the team on the right path.
• Strategically align with business goals: Proactively identify and address critical business areas within Finance and Operations, balancing technical solutions with company objectives for optimal results. Craft strategies that not only respond to immediate operational needs but also anticipate future shifts, bridging the gap between visionary concepts and actionable strategies.
• Elevate technology through vision: Communicate a compelling vision for the future of technology within Finance and Operations at On, engaging team members and broader business stakeholders. Your passion and dedication to the vision should inspire and galvanize others to action.
• Drive continuous improvement: Foster a culture where the technical bar is consistently raised. Champion direct feedback and insights as tools to achieve this continuous evolution.
• Decisive leadership: Be at the forefront of high‑level decisions that resonate across the organization. Your choices should always align with, and amplify, On’s overarching strategy.
• Uphold security and compliance: Maintain and enhance On's security standards, ensuring processes minimise risks and stay compliant, particularly across critical Finance and Operations systems.

Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Have over 10 years of experience building and optimising high‑performance and high‑availability tech systems.
• Proven experience as a Principal Engineer, building and scaling high‑traffic services from the ground up and demonstrating strong business acumen.
• Strong problem‑solving skills to tackle complex technical and product challenges, a genuine team player, and excellent communication in English.
• Confidence working with a modern tech stack, including proficiency in more than one object‑oriented programming language or TypeScript, Node.js, PostgreSQL, GCP, and Kafka Streams.
• Experience in strategies to attract and retain top‑tier engineering talent and a commitment to continuously raise the bar within the team through effective mentorship and professional development.
• Experience working with external partners and technology vendors is a plus.

Attributes of a Successful Candidate

• Pragmatic problem solver: Excels at tackling complex challenges with practical, efficient solutions, prioritising simplicity and avoiding unnecessary system complexity.
• Collaborative influencer: A true leader rather than a manager, adept at guiding team decisions and fostering consensus through professional and constructive influence.
• Committed to growth and feedback: Comfortable providing candid feedback to peers and leadership, and equally eager to integrate feedback from others to continuously elevate own expertise.

What We Offer

On offers an environment centred around growth and progress, providing tools for holistic development, opportunities to stay active, learn, explore, and innovate, and personal self‑care for physical and mental well‑being.

On is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a work environment that is fair and inclusive, where all decisions related to recruitment, advancement, and retention are free of discrimination.