Director, Product Engineering (Experience)

iO Associates

  • Manchester
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 13 days ago
Director of Product Engineering (Experiences)Flexible Hybrid (with regular time in key BBC locations like Salford, Leeds, Harrogate, Cardiff, Manchester, Newcastle or London)Permanent RoleAbout the RoleWe're looking for a senior engineering leader to join the BBC at a transformative moment in our digital journey. This role isn't just about owning the experience layer across mobile, web and TV - it's about shaping how 400+ engineers collaborate, innovate, and deliver seamless digital products that truly serve our audiences, wherever they are.As Director of Product Engineering (Experiences), you'll lead with deep technical credibility and a visible, people-first presence. You'll work cross-functionally with product, design and delivery peers - as well as the wider Technology & Product Group - to build modern, resilient platforms and drive transformation at scale.You'll be a core part of the BBC's future as they look ahead to 2027 and beyond - ensuring they don't just keep pace, but lead.Who We're Looking ForWe're after someone who can do more than manage, someone who can lead, influence and inspire. The ideal person is:
  • A T-shaped leader - someone who brings deep engineering expertise and breadth of vision to connect dots across disciplines, systems and teams.
  • A builder of engineering culture - who understands that people, practice, and purpose go hand in hand.
  • A visible and trusted presence - someone who shows up, listens, challenges, mentors, and steers teams where they need to go.
  • Politically and socially astute - able to navigate nuance, engage stakeholders toe-to-toe, and make confident, empathetic decisions in a complex organisation.
  • Transformation-savvy - this is a large-scale, multi-year shift. You'll help us thrive, not just survive.
You'll be comfortable moving across their UK footprint - especially in Salford (engineering hub), but also Leeds, Harrogate, Cardiff and beyond - making in-person time count where it's needed most. A day a fortnight onsite in certain locations is realistic, and flexibility is built in.What You'll Be Doing
  • Own and deliver the engineering vision for the BBC's audience-facing digital experiences - mobile, web, apps, TV, voice, and more.
  • Lead a 400-strong engineering community across multiple sites and functions.
  • Drive the delivery of complex technical programmes and help mature our practices, capabilities, and leadership bench.
  • Partner with senior BBC stakeholders to align engineering work with organisational goals and public value.
  • Build a connected, inclusive, and high-performing culture that empowers teams and nurtures talent at all levels.
  • Constantly evolve our engineering strategy to meet the demands of audiences, technology shifts, and industry disruption.
  • Champion continuous improvement and modern software practices - from CI/CD to cloud infrastructure to scalable systems design.
What You'll Need
  • Proven track record delivering large-scale technical programmes in complex environments.
  • A strong software engineering background - you've been on the journey and know what great looks like.
  • Experience leading high-performing teams across distributed locations.
  • High emotional intelligence and the ability to influence diverse, senior stakeholders.
  • Strong commercial acumen - with experience managing significant budgets and regulated procurements.
What We Offer
  • Excellent career progression in one of the UK's most respected organisations
  • Flexible hybrid working, including regular time on-site as needed
  • Competitive salary and pension, with 35-hour weeks and 26+ days annual leave
  • Access to outstanding development opportunities through the BBC Academy
  • Inclusive, values-driven culture that encourages everyone to show up as their authentic self
What's Next?We're excited to hear from leaders who want to make a real difference at scale. If you're passionate about modern engineering, inspired by public purpose, and ready to lead bold transformation then I would love to hear from you.

iO Associates