Product Engineer (John Lewis Commercial)

John Lewis Partnership; London; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in retail is seeking a Principal Engineer to enhance its engineering strategies and modernize technology systems. This hybrid role involves collaboration across teams to improve operational efficiency and product delivery while fostering an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Strong engineering background with modern techniques.
• Leadership experience across multiple teams.
• Knowledge of various architectural styles.

Responsibilities

• Align engineering strategies with business objectives.
• Modernize and simplify complex tech stacks.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance capabilities.

Skills

Continuous Delivery

Domain Driven Design

System resilience

Integration patterns

Lean Thinking

Systems Thinking

Job description

Apply on JLP Jobs - the official careers website for John Lewis Partnership, John Lewis & Partners, and Waitrose & Partners.

About the role

The Partnership is the UK’s most successful omni-channel retailer, including two of the UK’s most loved department store and grocery brands with annual sales revenues exceeding £12B. Our Engineering practice comprises 80+ teams working on Cloud Platforms, Mobile Apps, E-Commerce, and Machine Learning. We emphasize collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning to stay abreast of the latest technologies.

John Lewis Commercial ensures the right products are available at the right price across all sales channels, managing stock levels to meet customer demand in our omnichannel business. Our technology stack includes third-party platforms, bespoke systems, and legacy mainframe applications interconnected through integrations, all required to be resilient and adaptable to enhance operational efficiency.

Learn more about being a Software Engineer in the Partnership and the technologies we use.

At a glance

• Contract type: This position is a permanent contract.
• Salary: £75,000 - £140,000
• Flexible Working: Hybrid role, primarily from home and London Head Office, with occasional visits to other locations as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• As a Principal Engineer, you will align engineering strategies with business objectives, influence system operations, and guide team structures and practices to deliver optimal capabilities.
• You will modernize and simplify complex heritage tech stacks to enhance agility, productivity, and maintainability, helping to establish Product ways of working.
• Collaborate with stakeholders including Product Leads, Delivery Managers, Infrastructure Leads, and Senior Engineers, and work with other Principal Engineers across different business areas.
• Bring a passion for innovative software solutions, with a track record of delivering complex, high-quality software.

Essential skills/experience

• Strong engineering background with experience in modern techniques like Continuous Delivery and Domain Driven Design.
• Experience integrating package solutions into large, complex environments with modern and heritage technologies.
• Leadership experience across multiple teams, working with senior stakeholders, and influencing significant investments.
• Knowledge of various architectural styles and integration patterns, and techniques to increase system resilience and scalability.
• Experience applying Lean and Systems Thinking techniques.

Desirable skills/experience

• Retail experience
• Hands-on software engineering experience
• Management or architecture roles across large enterprises

Next Steps

• Complete the application form, including CV upload and questions, ensuring all steps are completed before the deadline.
• Successful candidates will undergo screening, interviews, and possibly informal discussions.
• Support available for adjustments during recruitment.

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The partnership

We’re the UK’s largest employee-owned business, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. We focus on retail excellence, innovation, and diversity, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. We believe in shared ownership and responsibility, with a commitment to kindness, respect, and inclusivity.

Important points to note:

Some roles require pre-employment vetting, including DBS checks, which will be communicated during recruitment. We encourage prompt completion of necessary documentation to avoid delays. DBS checks are conducted by registered bodies, and financial probity checks may also be required.

Apply early, as vacancies may close if high application volumes are received.

We support flexible working arrangements, including flexible hours, job sharing, or shorter contracts. Discuss these options with the hiring manager during interviews.