Company Description

We're ASOS. We blend our flair for fashion with our love of cutting- edge technology, but more importantly were interested in how we can bring the best out of you.

We exist to give people the confidence to be whoever they want to be, and that goes for our people too. At ASOS, you're free to be your true self without judgment, and channel your creativity into a platform used by millions.

Job Description

As an Engineering Lead, you will play a dual role in shaping both the technology we build and the people who build it. This unique combination of responsibilities is essential because our software engineers need a manager who understand their performance, potential and career, as well as their technical work. Engineering Leads are expected to be hands-on with technology, contributing directly to the architecture, design, technical roadmap, and ensuring that software developed by their team meets the highest standards. Their accountability spans the entire SDLC, making them responsible for the efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of the software development process. Engineering leads are always former individual contributor software engineers.

Working directly with a Product Manager on the same priorities, Engineering Leads usually form a 1:1 partnership that will be foundational to ASOS’s approach to product development. While Product Managers focus on defining the why and what—guiding the team towards the right problems to solve and the right solutions to build—the Engineering Lead ensures that the how is executed effectively and the when is based on the engineering effort required. Together, they ensure that the team aligns with the company’s strategic goals and customer needs, driving tangible business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Leadership

Software Development Lifecycle: Lead and be accountable for a team across all aspects of the SDLC, from design and architecture to coding and quality assurance. Ensure that technical decisions are made with a focus on scalability, maintainability, and performance.Hands-On Contribution: Actively contribute to the team’s output, providing guidance and hands-on support to ensure high-quality software delivery. Engineering leads typically lead design and quality discussions, while also contributing personally by doing one or more of writing code, doing code reviews, doing test engineering, solving difficult technical problems, or other hands-on technical workAccountability: Own the technical delivery of the team’s work, including timelines, code quality, feature or platform operability, and adherence to best practicesAgile Leadership: With their product manager peer, guide the team through agile practices, including planning, daily huddles, and retrospectives, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with business goals

2. People Management

Team Growth and Development: Manage a team of typically six to eight engineers, focusing on their growth and development. Provide regular feedback, recognize achievements, and create opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.Inclusive Leadership: Foster an inclusive and supportive environment where engineers can thrive. Encourage diverse perspectives and create a culture of collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose.Performance Management: Set clear expectations, conduct regular performance reviews, and provide coaching and support to help team members meet and exceed their goals. Address underperformance constructively, with a focus on growth.People Planning and Recruitment: Assist in people planning and team capacity management. Support recruitment efforts to build a high-performing, diverse team and ensure smooth onboarding for new hires.

3. Collaboration with Product Management

Vision and Priorities Alignment: Partner closely with Product Managers to align on the product vision, technical requirements, and work priorities. Translate product goals into actionable engineering tasks that drive meaningful business outcomes.Shared Accountability: Work together to lead planning sessions, agile ceremonies, and other key activities, ensuring that both the technical and business perspectives are balanced.Driving Business Outcomes: Focus on delivering value to customers by aligning engineering efforts with strategic business goals. Continuously improve processes and drive the team towards successful outcomes.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

Engagement with Other Teams: Work effectively with product designers, applied scientists, QA engineers, and other stakeholders to build cohesive, high-performing productsWork across ASOS to ensure we build the right way: work with senior individual contributors, other engineering leaders, and peer teams across the ASOS technology organisation as a custodian of ASOS’s overall architecture, engineering quality, engineering standards, technical operability, security, data, and other broad concernsStakeholder Communication: Act as a technical representative in product discussions, clearly communicating progress, challenges, and opportunities to senior management and other stakeholders

Qualifications

Our technology team is central to delivering exceptional digital experiences that differentiate ASOS in the competitive online retail space. The Engineering Lead role is vital to this mission, serving as both a technical leader and people manager who guides the team through complex challenges. By working closely with Product Managers and other stakeholders, you will ensure that our technology not only meets but exceeds our customers' needs, positioning us as an industry leader.

 

What We Are Looking For

Inspirational Leader and Line Manager: You want to or have managed and developed engineers to create an environment that empowers a team to thrive. You believe you can excel at providing feedback, setting clear goals, and fostering growthProduct-Centric Approach: Experience working in a product-focused environment with a deep understanding of the product development lifecycle. You are passionate about delivering value to customers through technology.Technical Expertise: Strong technical background with hands-on experience in software development or architecture, and modern technologies. Comfortable making technical decisions that drive product success.It would be advantageous to have experience of one or more of the following;  Oracle SQL, PL/SQL, ADF, Java, Pro*C and UNIX Shell Scripting. Knowledge of JavaScript (JET)Experience of one or more of the following would also be beneficial; Java Development Kit (JDK) up to version 17, Oracle RMS (Retail Merchandising System), RIB (Retail Integration Bus), ReSA (Retail Sales Audit), RPM (Retail Price Management) or more generally Experience in Oracle Retail v16 or above.Collaborative and Communicative: Excellent at working in cross-functional teams, engaging with Product Managers and other stakeholders. Skilled at bridging the gap between technical and non-technical audiences.Mentorship and Coaching Skills: Dedicated to helping your team members grow, providing guidance, training, and opportunities to advance. You create an environment where engineers feel valued and motivated.Problem Solver and Innovator: Thrive on solving complex problems and are not afraid to challenge the status quo. Encourage creative thinking and exploring new approaches to deliver better products.Agile Advocate: Experienced in agile methodologies with a focus on continuous improvement and delivering high-quality software.

 

Why You’ll Love Working as an Engineering Lead

Empowerment and Impact: Lead a talented team, shape the future of our products, and directly impact the success of our business.People-Focused Culture: Be part of a company that values your input, encourages personal and professional growth, and fosters a supportive work environment.Innovation-Driven Environment: Work on challenging projects that push the boundaries of technology and allow you to experiment with new ideas.Career Development: Access to training, conferences, and mentorship to help you advance your career and develop new skills.Collaborative and Inclusive Team: Join a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative team where every voice is heard and valued.

Additional Information

What's in it for you?

Competitive salary, pension, and private medical care schemePerformance related bonusFlex benefits allowance - which you can chose to take as extra cash, or use towards other benefits25 days paid annual leave + an extra day for your birthdayEmployee discount (hello ASOS discount!)Tech Develops - our internal tech focussed skills development programme to focus on your personal growth as a technologistOpportunity to represent ASOS at industry leading eventsOpportunity to help shape and drive our DE&I initiatives in Tech (like our WIT movement and Diversity mentoring in Tech)Opportunity to make an impact from day one and work with the latest in cutting edge of technology