Associate Director - Product Engineering

We are looking for a highly-motivated, experienced SquadLeader with an enthusiasm for all aspects of product development who knows how to work with a team of highly skilled engineers. Our goal is to create an environment where continuous improvement of the development process is in focus and where everyone's common goal is to deliver outstanding software as fast as possible. You will be a proven expert in using the Agile / Scrum / Lean software development methodologies, a guardian of the delivery team's development processes and driven by delivering value. The Squad Lead will be an excellent communicator and facilitator, and not afraid to raise issues and drive change to remove impediments from the delivery team. You will have some familiarity with leading squads that incorporate AI solutions into their product(s).

We will count on you to:

• Run the software delivery for your Squad ensuring there are smooth and efficient processes for getting software through from requirements to working in production

• Identify and work to eliminate blockers

• Responsible for ensuring your Squad is motivated, collaborative, efficient and empowered

• e2e Delivery of working software for 1 or more products or solutions into production

• You will generally be responsible for 2 squads of between 5-9 people each

• You will have an Enterprise mind-set able to foster collaboration, break down silos, identify and work to remove blockers

• You will be a recognized Agile Expert intimately familiar with the processes and practices required for successful and sustainable delivery. Our main delivery methodologies are Scrum and Kanban

• You will be proficient at creating highly performing teams and take a hands on approach where required

• Hands on experience of a range of squad based roles is an advantage

• Solid understanding of Software Development, Architecture, Test Engineering and Security best practice in an Agile environment

• Pods support the full lifecycle of a product and we operate on the philosophy that the work comes to the team. You will need to consider tech debt, obsolescence, security and modernization

• Ensure our Agile governance and ceremonies are in place and effective

• Plan product releases, conduct Increment Planning sessions

• You will be familiar with leading teams developing and maintaining AI based solutions

• Our standard metrics are visible and actively being used to drive making choices

• Own the Continuous Improvement backlog for your squad. This is the key mechanism by which we deliver improvements for the following; time to market, efficiency and quality

• You will provide coaching and support to your squad ensuring that they operate well as a team and foster o culture of ownership and respect

• You may be asked to be a line manager to 1 or more other squad leads

• In addition to your day to day activities you will be assigned 1 or more workstreams leadership opportunities that will deliver cross-functional benefits to our organization

What you need to have: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

• 10-12years of experience

• Experience and track record of successful delivery in a regulated, complex, multi-product technological landscape. We also have significant security processes and legislative requirements to protect our customers and their data

• You will be expected to have a broad technical understanding to support your Agile credentials from software architecture through test, DevOps practices, Generative AI, security and operational run

• A metrics driven approach to delivery evaluation and drive out systems and processes that help define and report on the metrics we believe to be important

• Excellent stakeholder management skills.  As we work to transform the Mercer IT and Business into a truly Agile organization you will need to influence and coach senior executives, many of whom will be new to Agile

• Ideally familiarity with managing AI model developments into existing and new applications

• Pods and squads are distributed globally and utilise a mix of permanent and partner staff who work largely remotely so experience of working with and motivating distributed teams is vital

• You will be collaborative, Inquisitive and interested in technology and best practices

• Experience of a wide range of Technology roles is desirable, ideally with some form of development engineering background

• Rounded and holistic understanding of Agile Methodologies

• Certification such as PSM, CSP,  SAFe, ICP-ACC or their equivalent

• Experience of working/managing delivery of technology solutions using Dot Net, Sql stored procedures, Angular, MongoDB, workflow automations

• Experience of using ADO as tool for managing work through its full life-cycle

• Expert with Metrics based tracking of work and relate to business value

• Super Annuation and/or Investments Functional domain knowledge and experience of managing related products

• Minimum 12 months experience as Manager/Senior Manager

• Should have at least “On track” or above in last appraisal

• Should not be under any Performance Continuity Plan, or had any official Disciplinary action within the last 3 months

• Should not have applied for any other IJP within Marsh McLennan in the last 3 month

What makes you stand out?

• Adaptable communicator, facilitator, influencer and problem solver

• High attention to detail

• Good relationship skills, Proven ability to work on own initiative as well as in a team 

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize time effectively.

• Ability to work in a global and remote team.

• Strong project management, communication, and customer service skills

• Track record of realizing solutions from conception to implementation and support

• Attention to detail and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

• Payroll Accounting Knowledge is preferrable.

Why join our team:

• We help you be your best through professional development opportunities, interesting work and supportive leaders.

• We foster a vibrant and inclusive culture where you can work with talented colleagues to create new solutions and have impact for colleagues, clients and communities.

• Our scale enables us to provide a range of career opportunities, as well as benefits and rewards to enhance your well-being