Engineering Manager - Applied Intelligence

The Engineering Manager - Applied Intelligence at Acast is responsible for leading a team of engineers, driving execution through organized team work, goal setting, and accountability. This role involves a strong collaboration with the tech leadership to ensure team growth and value delivery. Plus, the manager plays a critical part in product decision making alongside the Product Manager, shaping strategies that influence both product and engineering cultures.

To excel as an Engineering Manager - Applied Intelligence at Acast, candidates should have extensive experience in developing and supervising high-performing teams. Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills are essential, along with a solid understanding of agile software development practices. Familiarity with technologies including PHP, Python, Node.JS, and AWS infrastructure is also required to meet the team’s technical demands.

Acast embraces a remote-first working environment, allowing Engineering Managers and their teams to collaborate effectively, regardless of physical location. Most teams operate within the CET timezone, facilitating regular communication and collaboration while supporting a healthy work-life balance for all team members, whether they are working in the office or remotely.

The Engineering Manager - Applied Intelligence will oversee projects that focus on automating campaign planning and enhancing targeting strategies through data-driven insights. The role is integral to advancing Acast's podcast advertising efforts, enabling innovative solutions that create value for advertisers, creators, and the overall podcast ecosystem.

Acast stands out for its commitment to innovation in the podcast industry, particularly through applied intelligence. As an Engineering Manager, you’ll not only lead a talented team but also have the opportunity to influence the direction and culture of the engineering organization. The supportive environment encourages personal growth, work-life balance, and collaboration, making it an exciting place to further your career.

In answering this question, highlight specific instances where you led teams, focused on your leadership style, your methods for fostering team growth, and how you navigated challenges. Use examples to illustrate your success in building high-performing teams and the positive impact on project outcomes.

Describe your approach to conflict resolution, focusing on communication and mediation skills. Provide an example where you successfully resolved a conflict, emphasizing your ability to listen to both parties, find common ground, and foster a collaborative environment.

Share specific strategies such as goal setting, regular check-ins, and utilizing agile methodologies to keep your team on track. Discuss how you monitor progress, keep team members accountable, and adjust plans when necessary to ensure successful project completions.

Explain your prioritization process, which may include understanding project impacts and aligning tasks with team members' strengths and business goals. Providing examples where your prioritization led to successful project outcomes will strengthen your answer.

Discuss your familiarity and hands-on experience with these technologies. Highlight specific projects where you utilized them effectively, the challenges you faced, and how you kept your skills up-to-date within a rapidly changing tech landscape.

Provide a detailed account of a product initiative you managed, including your role, the team's collaboration, the challenges faced, and the metrics that defined success. Emphasizing data-driven outcomes will illustrate your strategic thinking and leadership abilities.

Describe techniques you use to foster an innovative environment, like hackathons, regular brainstorming sessions, or encouraging continuous learning. Share examples where your initiatives have led to innovative solutions within your team.

Discuss your mentoring philosophy and methods, emphasizing how you support their growth through feedback, coaching, and providing opportunities for professional development. Specific examples can enhance your credibility and showcase your investment in team development.

Talk about your strategies for continuous learning, such as attending conferences, reading industry publications, participating in online courses, or engaging in professional networks. Use this opportunity to emphasize your curiosity and willingness to learn.

Articulate your view on key qualities, such as strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, or technical expertise. Back up your answer with examples of how these qualities have been essential in your previous roles.