The Opportunity
This is a genuine technical leadership role managing one of Australia’s most critical customer-facing platforms, carrying 60–70% of all web traffic and integrating with more than 200 internal systems. It is not just another technical lead position, you are essentially running the digital front door of the business.
This role would suit either an established Engineering Manager, or a strong Lead Engineer
ready to step into platform leadership at scale.
Why Now?
The organisation is in the midst of a significant digital transformation following a change in ownership. They are modernising core systems and investing heavily in engineering. This role is about shaping technical direction as the business gears up for growth and future scale.
What You’ll Do
• Lead 6 direct reports and manage 3 vendor pods (15 people in total)
• Oversee a Java/microservices platform on AWS, with DevOps, Node.js and some React exposure
• Drive strategy and ensure platform stability without hands-on coding
• Balance vendor relationships (75% of development) with the in-house team (25%)
• Work with security and infra teams on performance, reliability and remediation
What They’re Looking For
• A proven engineering-first leader with a strong Java, AWS, microservices background who has grown into leadership
• Experience managing both internal engineers and vendor partners
• Someone comfortable engaging in complex technical discussions while leading at scale
• Background in enterprise integrations or high-traffic platforms, experience in logistics or similar industries is a bonus but not essential
The Practicalities
• Hybrid working, tech teams typically do 2–3 days on-site
• Multiple office locations across Melbourne
• Standard onboarding processes including compliance checks
Why Consider This?
If you are already leading technical teams but want to step into a role with greater scale, visibility and impact, this is a rare chance to own a platform at the centre of a national transformation.
Bottom line: They want an engineer who can lead, not a manager trying to learn tech.
About the Process
The first step is an online technical test:
• Duration: approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour
• No hands-on coding required, but you’ll be given technical scenarios to assess your Java, DevOps and AWS knowledge, as well as leadership and problem-solving skills
• The test is designed to check your depth of understanding and how you approach technical challenges, not just theoretical knowledge
• Successful candidates then move to interviews with senior leadership
