Head of Engineering
Remote
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Full Time
03-03-2025
Job Specifications
Engineering Leadership That’s About Execution, Not Bureaucracy.
Are you an engineering leader who thrives in a fast-paced, execution-driven environment? Do you cut through the noise, make high-impact decisions, and drive teams to deliver at speed? If so, we want to talk.
At Gecko, we’re revolutionising how higher education institutions engage with students. Our SaaS platform is used by some of the world’s leading universities, and we need a Head of Engineering who can take our engineering team to the next level.
The Role
This is not a ‘sit-back-and-observe’ leadership role. As our Head of Engineering, you will be hands-on - leading, coaching, making critical calls, and ensuring flawless execution. You’ll own delivery, drive high performance, and optimise processes to keep our engineering team aligned and efficient.
You’ll manage a team of 16 engineers, including Tech Leads, an Engineering Manager, and QA, while working cross-functionally with Product, Security, CS, and Sales. We need someone who can make rapid, high-impact decisions and create an engineering culture that’s focused on outcomes, speed, and impact.
What You’ll Be Doing
Own Engineering Delivery: Ensure projects, features, and system improvements are delivered on time and at a high standard.
Lead & Scale the Team: Manage and coach Tech Leads and an Engineering Manager, ensuring clarity, accountability, and professional growth.
Optimise Engineering Processes: Refine sprints, stand-ups, and planning to cut inefficiencies, eliminate unnecessary meetings, and remove roadblocks. Drive a lean approach to engineering execution that maximises impact while minimising wasted effort.
Drive Technical & AI Strategy: Oversee the harmonisation of our PHP-based stack, ensuring we’re AI-ready and scalable.
Cut Through Noise & Focus on Impact: Make fast, pragmatic decisions that accelerate delivery.
Ensure Security & Compliance: Work closely with our Security & Compliance Manager to embed best practices and industry standards (ISO, SOC2, etc.).
Manage Stakeholders & Resources: Work with Product, CS, Sales, and Security to align priorities, while keeping AWS and software costs under control.
What We’re Looking For
Proven Engineering Leadership: Experience leading 10+ engineers in a SaaS or scale-up environment.
Delivery-Driven Mentality: A no-nonsense, get-it-done approach to execution, with a strong focus on measuring and improving performance to track velocity and continuously optimise output.
Technical Background: Deep understanding of backend engineering, ideally PHP (Laravel, Lumen) and AWS infrastructure.
AI & Machine Learning Exposure: Familiarity with AI-driven technologies and their application within SaaS products.
Startup DNA: Comfortable working in an agile, fast-moving environment where priorities shift and execution speed is king.
Process Optimisation Mindset: Experience improving engineering velocity while maintaining high-quality output.
High-Impact Decision Maker: Able to make bold, pragmatic decisions quickly.
Security & Compliance Awareness: Understanding of best practices and industry standards (ISO, SOC2, GDPR, etc.).
Excellent Communication & Stakeholder Management: Ability to engage with engineers, leadership, and customers to drive results.
What’s In It for You?
Work-Life Balance: 33 days of holiday, optional compressed 4-day workweek, and flexible working arrangements.
JFDI Attitude: We believe in getting things done within a short 34-hour workweek - work with a team that moves fast and delivers real impact.
Remote Flexibility: Embrace remote working with a stellar home office setup, also including MacBook Pro and headphones of your choice.
Workation: Take your work on the road and explore new horizons.
Perks Galore: Private healthcare, pension, death in service, EAP, and employee discounts & benefits via Perkbox.
Dynamic Virtual Environment: Work with some of the best in the biz in a dynamic, energetic, and super fun vibrant virtual office environment, where collaboration knows no bounds.
You can find out more about working with us here
Ready to Lead, Build, and Deliver?
If you’re the kind of Head of Engineering who makes things happen, leads from the front, and thrives in a high-performance culture, then we want to hear from you.
Click Apply Now and let’s talk...
Using AI in Your Application
At Gecko, we encourage you to use AI tools to enhance your application, but we value authenticity and honesty. Use AI to refine your content, but do ensure it truly reflects your skills and experiences.
For more on responsible AI use in job applications, visit our AI guidance page
We’re excited to see your authentic skills and experiences shine!
Please note that we can only accept applications from UK-based applicants who already have a valid right to work in the UK.
Agencies, we kindly ask that you read this Hiring Notice before getting in touch.
About the Company
We provide smart solutions to common challenges in the Higher Education sector. With Gecko tech, you can optimize the efficiency of your time and human resources, allowing you to focus on what you do best - engaging, exciting, and educating your students. Why? Because we believe in the power of education. In a rapidly advancing technological landscape, where expectations rise from students, parents, and alumni, we believe it's time for you to expect more as well. Know more
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