Head of Development (Engineering)-KSA

Leading Edge; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 449,943 - 562,429; Full time

Job summary

A prominent technology firm in the Riyadh Region is seeking a Head of Development to lead engineering strategy and execution for a regulated remittance platform. Responsibilities include defining engineering strategy, providing executive leadership to engineering teams, ensuring architectural integrity, and collaborating with leadership across the organization. Ideal candidates will have 10+ years in software engineering, significant fintech experience, and expertise in microservices architecture, Java or Go. Competitive on-site position based in Saudi Arabia.

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in software engineering, including senior leadership responsibility.
• Strong expertise in microservices architecture supporting large-scale transaction systems.
• Technical depth in Java or Go, focused on performance, reliability, and secure system design.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the engineering strategy aligned with business growth and regulatory obligations.
• Provide executive leadership to multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Ensure architectural integrity and secure high-volume transaction processing.

Skills

Fintech/Remittance

Microservices

Java

Go

Agile

Job description

Urgent: Head of Development

Location: Saudi Arabia (On-site)

Probation Period: 6-Month Period | Potential Permanent Conversion

Industry Experience: Fintech, Remittance, or Digital Banking

Skills: Fintech/Remittance | Microservices, Java/Go, Agile

Immediate candidates must reside in KSA; GCC nationals preferred or Expat with transferable Iqama

Overview

Our client in KSA is seeking a Head of Development to lead engineering strategy and execution for a regulated remittance platform, with a clear mandate to scale a secure, high-availability transaction environment, accelerate delivery, and build a high-performance engineering function to support sustained growth within a regulated fintech landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the engineering strategy aligned with business growth, regulatory obligations, and long-term platform scalability
• Provide executive leadership to multi-disciplinary engineering teams, building a performance-driven culture focused on accountability, delivery excellence, and technical depth
• Ensure architectural integrity, system resilience, and secure high-volume transaction processing across a regulated infrastructure
• Establish robust engineering governance, quality frameworks, and operational standards to support sustainable scale
• Partner with Product, Compliance, Risk, and Operations leadership to align technology investments with commercial priorities and regulatory requirements
• Own end-to-end technology delivery, risk mitigation, and execution discipline across the engineering function
• Develop succession capability and strengthen organisational design to support future growth

Requirements

10+ years experience in software engineering, including senior leadership responsibility

Proven track record within fintech, remittance, or regulated digital banking environments

Strong expertise in microservices architecture supporting large-scale transaction systems

Technical depth in Java or Go, with focus on performance, reliability, and secure system design

Demonstrated success leading high-performing Agile engineering organisations

Strong executive stakeholder engagement and strategic decision-making capability

Eligibility Criteria

Currently based in Saudi Arabia and available for on-site engagement

Saudi or GCC National (Bahrain, Oman, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar), or Expat with transferable Iqama

Business Visit and Family Visit visas are not eligible

Application Process

Senior technology leaders ready to shape strategic outcomes are invited to apply via email at [e-mail] CC: [e-mail] , quoting the job title in the subject line.