THE ROLE
This newly created and critical role sits at the core of NextEnergy Group’s evolving IT function. Reporting directly to the CTIO, appointed in January 2025, you will be a key member of the IT senior leadership team. As Head of Design and Engineering, you will lead the integration of human-centred design, technical architecture, and modern software engineering to deliver scalable, secure, and intuitive digital solutions.
You will be instrumental in shaping and delivering a three-year technology transformation programme. Your work will ensure technology platforms support business growth and empower end users across NextEnergy Group to drive innovation and operational excellence in pursuit of our mission: leading the transition to clean energy through data-driven, technology-enabled innovation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Strategy
* Champion the role of end users in shaping IT services that drive productivity, collaboration, and insight across our investment, development, and asset management businesses
* Define and lead the end-to-end design and engineering strategy, ensuring alignment with business priorities and CTIO goals
* Bring external perspective and advisory experience to shape best-in-class engineering and design approaches across the technology function
* Inspire and lead a growing team of 15+ professionals across software engineering, architecture, UX, research, and DevOps
* Oversee budgeting and financial planning for design and engineering, ensuring investments are value-driven, scalable, and aligned with NextEnergy Group's strategy
1. Human Centred Design & Innovation
* Embed user research, usability testing, and feedback loops to ensure solutions are frictionless, empowering, and aligned with the real needs of our users and customers
* Lead the transition from prototype to production, delivering enterprise-grade platforms
* Drive collaboration within IT and across our business and core functions, building trusted partnerships
2. Engineering & Technical excellence
* Oversee the design and delivery of cloud-native, API-driven architectures aligned to enterprise strategy as we transition to the cloud
* Establish technical standards and reusable frameworks that support scalability, speed, and operational resilience for our growing business
* Promote a PaaS-first approach with robust automation, testing, and DevOps pipelines guiding the engineering practice on what is great
3. Governance & Risk
* Lead design and architecture governance processes, balancing agility with quality and compliance, particularly for regulated entities within NextEnergy Group
* Work closely with the security and compliance lead to ensure alignment with all relevant security, privacy, and regulatory standards
4. People & Capability
* Build, coach, and retain a diverse, high-performing team across design and engineering
* Define career paths and development frameworks that align with NextEnergy Group's learning culture, with emphasis on emerging technologies and user-centred capabilities
* Promote a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement
Skills & Competencies
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:
* Time management & prioritisation skills - the ability to effectively manage workload in a dynamic environment
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (in English or/and other European languages) – ability to communicate clearly and compellingly in both written and verbal form
* Flexibility and team spirit – open to new challenges and approaches
* Intellectual curiosity – interest in our field and ability to bring fresh ideas
* Delivery focus – proactive, efficient, and quality-oriented work ethic
* Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
* Passion for our mission of transitioning to clean energy
* Alignment with our values: leadership, trust, responsibility, innovation, and ‘bring your alpha’
Experience & Qualifications
* Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering, UX Design)
* Proven experience leading cross-functional teams in design, engineering, and architecture, preferably in data-intensive sectors
* Deep expertise in human-centered design and full product lifecycle delivery
* Strong knowledge of cloud-native platforms, microservices, APIs, and DevOps
* Ability to scale prototypes to enterprise systems while maintaining standards
* Background in consulting or advisory roles, with hands-on experience in scaling environments
* Certifications in agile, cloud architecture, or design leadership
* Experience in regulated or fast-growing tech environments
* The right to work in the UK
What We Offer
* A dynamic role in a supportive team with learning opportunities
* International scope, operating in over 8 countries
* Hybrid working model – in-office in Mayfair at least twice a week, with remote work the rest of the time
* 30 days’ holiday per year (including festive shutdown)
* Private pension, BUPA Healthcare, cycle to work, electric vehicle schemes
* Annual discretionary bonus
How To Apply
Interested candidates should apply via the provided link or send their CV to careers@nextenergygroup.com. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 14 days.
By applying or sending your CV, you acknowledge reading NextEnergy Group’s Candidate Privacy Notice.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Our approach to diversity and inclusion reflects our values. We foster a culture that values difference, individual expression, and innovation. We are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or gender identity.
About Us
NextEnergy Group, founded in 2007, is a leader in the international solar sector, involved in development, construction, and ownership of solar assets worldwide. Our operations include NextEnergy Capital, WiseEnergy, Starlight, NextSTEP, and the NextEnergy Foundation, each contributing to our mission of sustainable energy and social impact.
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