Engineering Manager

Review: Engineering Manager (Parental Cover) - A Strategic Opportunity with Co-op

This 9-month fixed-term contract for an Engineering Manager at Co-op presents a compelling opportunity for experienced technical leaders seeking to make a significant impact within a purpose-driven organisation. Located in the vibrant Manchester city centre with a hybrid working model, this role offers a pro-rata salary of £75,000 plus a comprehensive benefits package, making it an attractive prospect for career advancement and personal growth.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Leadership and Mentorship: This role offers the chance to manage, coach, and mentor a diverse team of up to 10 engineers. You'll have a direct influence on their technical and professional development, fostering their growth within a supportive environment.
• Strategic Impact: As digital is central to Co-op's strategy, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their engineering community. Your contributions will be instrumental in delivering high-quality, impactful digital solutions that benefit customers, colleagues, and member-owners.
• Flexible Working: Co-op demonstrates a strong commitment to work-life balance by offering flexible working arrangements, including condensed hours, shorter working days, or a 4-day week. The hybrid model further enhances this, allowing for regular collaboration in the Manchester office while maintaining personal flexibility.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Beyond the competitive salary, candidates will benefit from a generous package including private healthcare, a pro-rata of 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, a strong pension scheme with up to 10% employer contributions, and exclusive Co-op discounts. The inclusion of Wagestream and virtual healthcare services underscores Co-op's dedication to employee wellbeing.
• Purpose-Driven Culture: Joining Co-op means becoming part of a movement that prioritises people and communities. This inherent purpose can provide a deeply rewarding and meaningful career experience.
• Skill Development and Diversity: The role encourages collaboration across various disciplines and offers exposure to recruitment activities, allowing you to hone a broad range of skills. Co-op's commitment to building diverse teams ensures an inclusive and dynamic work environment.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Temporary Contract: This is a 9-month fixed-term contract covering parental leave. While offering valuable experience, candidates should be aware of the temporary nature of the position.
• Rapid Start Required: The description explicitly mentions the need for someone who can step into the role quickly. Candidates should assess their availability for an immediate or near-immediate start.
• Technical Breadth: The role requires a solid understanding of at least one programming language (e.g., Java, C#, Python, JavaScript) or experience with infrastructure as code tools (e.g., Terraform, Puppet, Chef) or cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP), or a background in quality assurance. Candidates should ensure their experience aligns with these requirements.
• Matrix Management Experience: Previous experience managing or coaching large, multi-disciplinary teams within a matrix environment is a key requirement.
• External Representation: The opportunity involves representing the engineering community externally. Candidates should be comfortable with public-facing activities and partnership engagement.

In summary, this Engineering Manager position is an excellent opportunity for a skilled and motivated leader to gain valuable experience in a well-established, purpose-led organisation. The focus on mentorship, strategic impact, and flexible working makes it particularly appealing for those looking to contribute meaningfully while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Candidates who are adaptable, possess strong leadership qualities, and are ready for a dynamic, short-term engagement will find this role both challenging and rewarding.