Job Description As an Engineering Lead, you will play a dual role in shaping both the technology we build and the people who build it. This unique combination of responsibilities is essential because our software engineers need a manager who understand their performance, potential and career, as well as their technical work. Engineering Leads are expected to be hands-on with technology, contributing directly to the architecture, design, technical roadmap, and ensuring that software developed by their team meets the highest standards. Their accountability spans the entire SDLC, making them responsible for the efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of the software development process. Engineering leads are always former individual contributor software engineers. Working directly with a Product Manager on the same priorities, Engineering Leads usually form a 1:1 partnership that will be foundational to ASOS’s approach to product development. While Product Managers focus on defining the why and what—guiding the team towards the right problems to solve and the right solutions to build—the Engineering Lead ensures that the how is executed effectively and the when is based on the engineering effort required. Together, they ensure that the team aligns with the company’s strategic goals and customer needs, driving tangible business outcomes. Key Responsibilities 1. Technical Leadership Software Development Lifecycle: Lead and be accountable for a team across all aspects of the SDLC, from design and architecture to coding and quality assurance. Ensure that technical decisions are made with a focus on scalability, maintainability, and performance. Hands-On Contribution: Actively contribute to the team’s output, providing guidance and hands-on support to ensure high-quality software delivery. Engineering leads typically lead design and quality discussions, while also contributing personally by doing one or more of writing code, doing code reviews, doing test engineering, solving difficult technical problems, or other hands-on technical work Accountability: Own the technical delivery of the team’s work, including timelines, code quality, feature or platform operability, and adherence to best practices Agile Leadership: With their product manager peer, guide the team through agile practices, including planning, daily huddles, and retrospectives, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with business goals 2. People Management Team Growth and Development: Manage a team of typically six to eight engineers, focusing on their growth and development. Provide regular feedback, recognize achievements, and create opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. Inclusive Leadership: Foster an inclusive and supportive environment where engineers can thrive. Encourage diverse perspectives and create a culture of collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose. Performance Management: Set clear expectations, conduct regular performance reviews, and provide coaching and support to help team members meet and exceed their goals. Address underperformance constructively, with a focus on growth. People Planning and Recruitment: Assist in people planning and team capacity management. Support recruitment efforts to build a high-performing, diverse team and ensure smooth onboarding for new hires. 3. Collaboration with Product Management Vision and Priorities Alignment: Partner closely with Product Managers to align on the product vision, technical requirements, and work priorities. Translate product goals into actionable engineering tasks that drive meaningful business outcomes. Shared Accountability: Work together to lead planning sessions, agile ceremonies, and other key activities, ensuring that both the technical and business perspectives are balanced. Driving Business Outcomes: Focus on delivering value to customers by aligning engineering efforts with strategic business goals. Continuously improve processes and drive the team towards successful outcomes. 4. Cross-Functional Collaboration Engagement with Other Teams: Work effectively with product designers, applied scientists, QA engineers, and other stakeholders to build cohesive, high-performing products Work across ASOS to ensure we build the right way: work with senior individual contributors, other engineering leaders, and peer teams across the ASOS technology organisation as a custodian of ASOS’s overall architecture, engineering quality, engineering standards, technical operability, security, data, and other broad concerns Stakeholder Communication: Act as a technical representative in product discussions, clearly communicating progress, challenges, and opportunities to senior management and other stakeholders