About the Role
We are seeking a senior engineering leader to shape our evolution as our Head of Engineering, Platform & Resilience. If you are energised by building durable systems — and by raising the technical bar across teams — this role could be a great fit.
Frontline operates one of the UK’s most complex distribution and forecasting networks. Our systems underpin national retail operations, large-scale data flows, and commercially critical decision-making.
We are modernising our technology estate — strengthening cloud foundations, embedding DevSecOps, elevating engineering standards, and building a more resilient platform capable of supporting the next phase of growth.
This is an opportunity to shape the engineering backbone of a national-scale business in a senior, hands-on engineering leadership role, where you will still be close to the technology.
Job Opportunity
This role carries end-to-end ownership of engineering standards, platform direction, DevSecOps maturity, and production resilience.
You will define what “production-ready” means across the organisation and embed accountability between build and run.
We want to move quickly at the experimentation stage. But once a capability becomes operationally critical, it must meet clear standards of reliability, security, observability and recovery.
* You will design the operating model that makes that possible.
* You will influence architecture, structure and capability development.
* You will strengthen code quality governance.
* You will elevate automation and release confidence.
* You will reduce operational fragility through structural improvement — not firefighting.
Essential Skills
We are looking for someone who has:
* Led engineering or platform transformation in complex, high-availability environments.
* Owned systems where downtime had real commercial consequences.
* Embedded DevSecOps and automation at scale.
* Introduced measurable reliability standards (SLIs, SLOs, structured incident learning).
* Raised engineering quality and governance maturity.
About Company
Join the Frontline Group — Making the Complex Simple
Frontline Group is made up of three dynamic business units—Frontline Distribution Solutions, Frontline Retail Solutions, and Gold Key Media—supported by key enabling functions. United by our mission to ‘Make the Complex Simple’, we’re the UK’s leading retail sales, marketing, and distribution company, with a strong presence in publishing and home entertainment.
Who We Work With
We partner with iconic UK magazine publishers, representing titles like Radio Times, Good Housekeeping, TV Choice, Heat, Top Gear, Grazia, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Empire, National Geographic, and many more.
We also work with major film studios to manage DVD distribution in grocery retail: and run the book category for retailers such as Morrisons and Waitrose. We are currently expanding into additional categories such as music, collectables and other exciting products. At Gold Key Media we work closely with key venues such as four and five star hotels, airport lounges and world famous events internationally.
What We Do
We collaborate with UK and international retailers, wholesalers, and supply chain partners to deliver on our clients’ commercial goals with the vision to be the most valued Distribution and Retail solutions partner. Through Gold Key Media, we also manage premium brand placements across global events, travel hubs, and hospitality venues.
Who We Are
Jointly owned by Bauer Media and Immediate Media Company (Hubert Burda Media), Frontline Group offers career opportunities across a wide range of business areas. We’re passionate about developing talent and have a strong track record of helping our people grow and thrive.
Our Culture
Our teams are made up of trusted industry professionals. We celebrate diversity and ensure everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves.
Our I ACT values—Impact, Ambition, Collaboration, and Trust—drive sustainable performance, business growth, continuous innovation, and a happy work environment.
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DE&I
Bring ‘You’ to the interview
Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. We want to make sure that our selection processes are transparent and fair, providing a level playing field for anyone who wants to come and work with us. Therefore, if you require any reasonable adjustments to an interview process, please feel free to get in touch with the Hiring Manager who will be happy to discuss your needs in complete confidence.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your wellbeing and lifestyle, including:
* 28 days holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata)
* Contributory pension, including life assurance, and income protection
* Informal hybrid working arrangements, combining in-office and remote/home working.
* Additional leave: 2 paid volunteering days per year and family-friendly policy
* Wellbeing support, including our Employee Assistance Programme
* On-site gym and parking at Stuart House, Peterborough
* Reward Gateway scheme – Smart Spending App
* Salary‑sacrifice options including private medical insurance, car scheme, and holiday purchase scheme
* Learning and development opportunities
* Executive coaching and mentoring available to all colleagues