Head of Engineering full time

The Global Head of Engineering leads Mercans’ global software development organization, setting its strategy, structure, processes, and performance standards. This role ensures effective daily operations, develops engineering talent, manages resources and budgets, and promotes innovation, security, quality, and continuous improvement.

• Define and execute the global engineering vision, strategy, and annual operating plan.
• Lead and govern global development teams, ensuring alignment with company objectives and the product roadmap.
• Plan resources, organizational structure, roles, and competencies to meet current and future business needs.
• Guide engineering leaders, monitor performance, and support professional development.
• Partner with HR and line managers on workforce planning, recruitment, goal-setting, and performance reviews.
• Support business development, client meetings, and relevant marketing activities.

• Establish engineering metrics aligned with company goals and industry standards.
• Align individual and team objectives with organizational performance targets.
• Track, report, and analyze performance data to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Define, document, implement, and continuously improve engineering procedures and process maps.
• Coordinate cross-functional processes with other department leaders and contribute to company policies.
• Maintain effective information, communication, and governance practices.

• Manage engineering budgets, forecasts, reporting, and cost-optimization initiatives.
• Ensure development processes comply with applicable security and quality standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 20001, ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, OWASP, SOC 1, and SOC 2.
• Support Compliance and Data Security teams during audits and certification activities.
• Develop and maintain the engineering Risk Management Framework, Risk Register, and Risk Matrix.
• Ensure engineering risks are identified, assessed, monitored, and actively mitigated.
• Maintain clear documentation of development processes and standards for clients and other external stakeholders.

• At least five years of relevant technology or engineering leadership experience.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Proven experience leading global software development teams and large-scale engineering projects.
• Strong knowledge of IT management, resource planning, performance measurement, and process optimization.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills.
• Experience with enterprise software architecture, cloud technologies, DevOps, and security frameworks is preferred.
• Knowledge of HR or payroll software solutions is an advantage.

1. Performance improvement: Achieve at least a 10% year-on-year improvement in key engineering performance metrics. Review results quarterly, identify inefficiencies, and implement targeted action plans.
2. Process optimization: Improve engineering processes by at least 10% annually through automation, workflow redesign, improved resource allocation, and reduced non-development activity. Assess progress twice yearly.
3. Development focus: Maintain at least 75% of engineering resources’ time on development-related work. Monitor quarterly and reduce unnecessary meetings, administrative tasks, and competing priorities.
4. Rework reduction: Reduce time spent on rework by 30% by year-end through stronger code reviews, automated testing, static analysis, coding standards, and early defect detection.
5. Backlog improvement: Reduce total backlog items by 30% by year-end. Ensure every remaining item has a clear priority, owner, business value, and acceptance criteria.