Engineering Manager

The Engineering Manager at Nine is responsible for developing and supporting systems that facilitate content planning and collaboration across newsrooms. This role also involves overseeing the technical design and delivery of software solutions, collaborating with product managers to define project scopes, and driving continuous improvement in engineering processes.

To qualify for the Engineering Manager role at Nine, candidates should possess excellent communication skills, at least 2+ years in a team or technical leadership role, and 4+ years of web or software development experience. Strong knowledge of the software development lifecycle, agile practices, and stakeholder management skills are also essential.

At Nine, promoting teamwork is a core focus for the Engineering Manager. By fostering a collaborative culture, leading mentoring sessions, and encouraging open communication, the company ensures that team members support one another effectively and continuously seek ways to enhance their collective output.

An ideal Engineering Manager at Nine should have hands-on experience with technologies like GoLang, ReactJS, Kubernetes, and Docker. Familiarity with media and publishing tools is also highly desirable, as these skills are critical in developing solutions tailored to the unique needs of the publishing environment.

Nine is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for all employees. For the Engineering Manager position, this means actively encouraging candidates from diverse backgrounds—including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those with disabilities—ensuring a rich variety of perspectives contribute to the workplace culture.

As an Engineering Manager, I prioritize projects based on their impact on business goals. I also implement agile methodologies to manage timelines effectively, keeping open lines of communication with stakeholders to ensure everyone is aligned and informed on priorities.

Mentoring is a significant aspect of my role as an Engineering Manager. I focus on providing constructive feedback, conducting regular one-on-ones, and creating personalized development plans that encourage both technical and professional growth.

I encourage a culture of innovation by fostering open communication, brainstorming sessions, and recognizing and rewarding creative solutions. I also support continuous learning opportunities, such as workshops or tech talks, to inspire fresh ideas.

I ensure alignment by regularly communicating organizational goals and initiatives to my team. I involve team members in strategy discussions and translate high-level objectives into actionable tasks, so everyone understands how their work contributes to the larger mission.

In evaluating a software project's success, I consider factors such as meeting delivery timelines, quality of the output, user satisfaction, and whether the project achieved its initial objectives. I also review team feedback to identify areas for improvement.

My approach to quality assurance revolves around integrating testing throughout the development lifecycle. I advocate for code reviews, automated tests, and regular face-to-face communications to ensure that quality standards are met at every stage.

I adapt my management style by understanding the individual strengths and preferences of team members. I provide flexibility in how they work and offer tailored feedback, ensuring that each member's unique approach contributes to our overall success.

I believe in addressing conflicts promptly and directly. I facilitate open dialogue between the involved parties, encourage empathy, and work toward a resolution that acknowledges everyone’s viewpoint while focusing on team cohesion.

I have successfully implemented agile methodologies, such as Scrum and Lean, within my teams. This has involved facilitating ceremonies, fostering self-organizing teams, and focusing on iterative progress to increase productivity and adaptability.

I stay current by engaging with professional communities, attending conferences, and participating in continuous learning opportunities. I also subscribe to industry newsletters and publications to gain insights into emerging technologies and best practices.