Head of Engineering

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary & bonus structure

Hybrid work model

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan with company}

Stock options and equity incentives

Professional development & conferences

Relocation assistance

Home office stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Head of Engineering in Randburg, Gauteng, to lead product development and innovation. This executive role combines on-site collaboration with remote flexibility to build high‑quality, scalable solutions.

You will oversee software and hardware teams, shape engineering roadmaps, manage budgets, and foster a culture of technical excellence. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in engineering, 5+ in leadership, and a proven track record delivering complex technology

Qualifications

• 10+ years in engineering
• 5+ years in a senior leadership or management role
• Proven track record delivering complex technology products
• Deep understanding of software development lifecycles and agile methodologies
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience with hybrid work models and distributed teams
• Experience managing budgets and resource allocation

Responsibilities

• Oversee engineering operations including product design, development, testing, and deployment.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse team of engineers and technical staff.
• Develop and implement engineering strategies and roadmaps aligned with business objectives.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in product development processes and technologies.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality, reliable, and scalable products.
• Manage engineering budget and allocate resources effectively.
• Collaborate with product management, marketing, and sales to define requirements and strategies.
• Establish and maintain high standards for code quality, testing, and performance.
• Oversee selection and implementation of engineering tools and technologies.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, high-performance engineering culture.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Budget management

Hybrid work

Education

Master's or PhD in Computer Science or Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary and results-driven Head of Engineering to lead their product development and innovation efforts. This is a key leadership role based in our Randburg, Gauteng, ZA office, with a hybrid work arrangement allowing for a balance of on-site collaboration and remote flexibility. The Head of Engineering will be responsible for managing all aspects of the engineering department, including software development, hardware design, research, and quality assurance. You will lead a talented team of engineers, foster a culture of innovation and technical excellence, and ensure the successful delivery of high-quality products that meet market demands. This position requires strong technical expertise, exceptional leadership skills, and a strategic mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all engineering operations, including product design, development, testing, and deployment.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse team of engineers and technical staff.
• Develop and implement engineering strategies and roadmaps aligned with business objectives.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in product development processes and technologies.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, reliable, and scalable products.
• Manage the engineering budget and allocate resources effectively.
• Collaborate closely with product management, marketing, and sales teams to define product requirements and strategies.
• Establish and maintain high standards for code quality, testing, and performance.
• Oversee the selection and implementation of engineering tools and technologies.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performance engineering culture.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in engineering, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or management role.
• Proven track record of successfully leading engineering teams and delivering complex technology products.
• Deep understanding of software development lifecycles, agile methodologies, and modern engineering practices.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with hybrid work models and managing distributed engineering teams.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience managing budgets and resource allocation for engineering departments.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and technical excellence.
• Willingness to work a hybrid schedule from our Randburg, Gauteng, ZA office.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and bonus structure.
• Hybrid work model offering a blend of remote and office-based work.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Stock options and other equity incentives.
• Opportunities for professional development, conferences, and further education.
• A dynamic and innovative work environment.
• Generous vacation and paid time off.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Company-provided tech equipment and home office stipend.