Head of Digital Front End Technology

Job Introduction

Main Responsibilities 

Handelsbanken is looking to significantly improve its customer touchpoints and needs a Head of Digital Front End Technology to take technical ownership of these areas. The role will be responsible for building up and then leading a modern software capability in the UK that can deliver outstanding web and mobile offerings at pace. 

The successful individual will hire and lead a technical team, take technical ownership of our Digital Front End applications, provide technical strategic direction for both new and pre-existing services, improve the ways of working with Group teams, and support as we move those digital offerings onto the Cloud. The successful individual will need to collaborate with key stakeholders in all areas of the business to achieve this. In addition, the bank is looking to move to a modern agile mindset and way of operating, so the right individual will also be able to influence and shape that transition.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced technical lead to help shape our digital front end.

Technical Leadership

• Take system ownership of UK web and mobile services whether Group or UK owned
• Lead the technical designs and oversee all engineering related aspects
• Provide input into technical buy vs build decisions as the mobile / web journeys expand, and ensure they align with our modernisation strategy
• Ensure that we safely and securely incorporate third party solutions and / or Group solutions into our Digital offerings
• Support the move to performant, micro-service based Cloud applications as it becomes possible
• Evaluate technical efficiency, and be able to talk to long term costs, time to market, technical debt
• Ensure all products and services are supported by excellent third line support
• Stay up to date with latest digital technology trends and bring them to bear in our system designs

Delivery aspects

• Own technical aspects of delivery for our digital customer touchpoints
• Optimise the delivery throughput for web front end and back end components
• Lead technical initiatives to improve delivery efficiency (move away from Athena, control of build pipelines, ways of working improvements)
• Support and enhance the existing agile ways of working
• Be able to marry Agile and Waterfall where necessary

People leadership of the UK web and mobile teams as they grow

• Build, continuously develop and lead a modern software capability (Java, React, native mobile) in the UK
• Line manage, mentor and coach engineers
• Ensure best practice is shared across teams and empower the teams to drive change themselves
• Provide structured performance reviews to support ongoing professional development within teams
• Convert department-level objectives into key results for your team

Ideal Candidate

Research (by Harvard University) shows that women are particularly likely to second guess themselves and not apply - so if you are worried you don't meet all the criteria, get in touch anyhow and let us do the worrying…

• Experience of product engineering and delivery, of which at least 2 years should be in a people management role
• Hands-on experience working in full-stack web-based and native app product development, database, build pipeline and networking technologies
• Demonstrable experience of Agile and of leading and scaling distributed autonomous engineering teams across remote locations
• Experience with Java, React and native IOS/AOS mobile would be strong plusses
• Ability to work well in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and to pick up new skill sets quickly
• Track record of delivering well engineered solutions using current technologies
• Experience running engineering teams over a sustained period and can demonstrate excellent leadership across technology domains like development, quality, support, architecture and integration
• Knowledge of developing and operating modern distributed software applications in the cloud would be ideal
• Experienced in product development life cycles and working in a lean-agile way.
• Can think and act strategically, as well as recognising when to act tactically and operationally
• You are a people leader who can inspire and grow talent
• You understand how to influence others and how to build collaborative, productive relationships with your peers
•  Able to form a clear compelling vision for the future, incorporating diverse sources of input.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to  analyse, articulate and present complex issues clearly and concisely
• Professional standard of presentation skills
• Ability to build strong professional relationships at all levels and represent Handelsbanken effectively 
• •    Interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with impact with people at all levels 
• Integrity and discretion
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Attention to detail and an organised approach to work

Company Information

Handelsbanken is a relationship bank with a decentralised way of working, a strong local presence thanks to a nationwide network of branches, and a long-term approach to customer relations. Each Handelsbanken branch operates as a local business enabling it to make decisions at a local level and provide a bespoke service. The focus is always on the need of the individual customer and not on the sale of specific products.  

We are embarking on an exciting Business Transformation journey. This transformation will significantly enhance our technology system systems, processes and services, bringing evolution to our ways of working. Join us in this transformative journey, where your dedication, adaptability and commitment will play a crucial role in shaping the future of banking for our valued customers.

The Bank is deeply committed to embedding good equality and diversity practice into all of our activities. This is so that we are an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to work that encourages everyone to apply, regardless of socio-economic background, age, disability, pregnancy and/or parental status, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), veteran status, marital and civil partnership status, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment or sexual orientation. 

Check our Handelsbanken website for further information

At Handelsbanken, we deeply value our unique culture and values including trust in and respect for each individual. We take pride in nurturing a work environment where people flourish, and where they are empowered to take decisions in their areas of expertise. We take a long term perspective in everything we do and want each employee who joins us to build a long terms successful career with the Bank.  

What is in it for you?

• We have a wide range of learning and development available, empowering and enabling our colleagues to take ownership of their own development. 
• Competitive Salary and an extensive range of benefits is provided, including private medical insurance, income protection and life assurance
• A market-leading pension contribution of 15% paid by the bank, which can be invested in a wide range of funds (including ESG and Shariah funds)

Application next steps

Your journey with us begins once you have submitted your application. One of our Handelsbanken recruiters will be reviewing your details and will later organise a phone conversation if you match the role requirements. If there is a mutual fit, we will extend an invitation for you to participate in an interview.  

 There will be two stages of interview including technical and competency interviews. 

How can we support you to be your best self? Our Talent Acquisition team will be happy to provide support e.g. if you need additional time to prepare for an interview or you have any requirements for any part of the interview/hiring process – just let us know by email uk_talent@careers.handelsbanken.co.uk. 

This advert will be live for a minimum of two weeks. However, please note that after the two weeks, the closing date could change at any time depending on the number of responses received.

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