Head of Engineering

The Head of Engineering at Blend is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive technology strategy that aligns with our business goals. They lead a distributed team of over 150 engineers, ensure the security and reliability of our technology platforms, and drive innovation in our fintech solutions. This role also involves collaboration with other departments and managing the technology budget effectively.

To join Blend as the Head of Engineering, candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field, with a Master's degree preferred. Additionally, 15+ years of experience in B2B tech roles and at least 5 years in senior leadership is required, along with expertise in managing large teams and a strong understanding of fintech technologies.

Candidates for the Head of Engineering position at Blend should possess a robust technical background, preferably as a former engineer or developer. In-depth knowledge of agile methodologies, cloud-native platforms—especially AWS—and familiarity with fintech technologies such as payment systems and security protocols are essential.

The ideal Head of Engineering at Blend will be a visionary thinker, capable of anticipating technological trends and adapting accordingly. They should excel in people management, possess strong decision-making abilities, and thrive in fast-paced environments. A commitment to nurturing talent and encouraging continuous improvement is also vital.

Joining Blend as the Head of Engineering offers a unique opportunity to shape the technological landscape of a leading fintech company. You will be at the helm of innovation, collaborating with senior leadership, and driving initiatives that directly impact our customers’ efficiency and experience, all while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package.

In developing a technology strategy for a company like Blend, I start by aligning our technology initiatives with the overall business objectives. I gather insights from market trends, assess our current capabilities, and identify gaps that need addressing. I emphasize continuous improvement and prioritizing innovation to stay ahead in the fintech space.

In my previous roles, I successfully managed distributed teams by fostering a culture of collaboration despite the geographical spread. Utilizing agile methodologies and regular communication through diverse platforms ensured that the team worked cohesively while also allowing for flexibility and independence.

To foster innovation, I encourage a failure-tolerant environment that promotes experimentation. I implement regular brainstorming sessions, hackathons, and maintain open lines of communication to ensure that everyone feels empowered to share their ideas and take risks in exploring new concepts.

Security begins at the design phase. I ensure that security protocols are integrated into our development processes, conduct regular audits, and stay updated on industry's best practices. I also promote a culture of security awareness within the team, so everyone considers security a priority.

In a fast-paced environment, prioritization is crucial. I utilize methods such as the Eisenhower matrix to categorize tasks by urgency and impact. Regular collaboration with project stakeholders helps align resources efficiently and adapt to shifting priorities promptly.

I have extensive experience implementing agile methodologies, having transitioned several teams to agile frameworks. I focus on continuous delivery, regular feedback loops, and flexible planning to enhance team efficiency, ensuring timely project deliveries while adapting to stakeholder needs.

I approach conflict resolution with open communication and active listening. I facilitate discussions to understand different perspectives and guide the team towards a mutually agreeable solution while fostering respect and collaboration among team members.

I stay current with emerging technology trends by subscribing to industry publications, participating in webinars, and networking with other professionals. I also encourage my team to share insights and findings, which fosters a culture of continuous learning and adaptability.

When hiring, I look for candidates who demonstrate not only technical proficiency but also adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative mindset. Passion for technology and a willingness to learn and grow within the fintech space are also crucial attributes.

Aligning tech initiatives with business goals begins with a thorough understanding of the company's vision. I work closely with executive leadership to identify key objectives and ensure that the technology strategy addresses those areas effectively, facilitating cross-departmental collaboration along the way.