Head of Engineering

Company Description/ Business Unit

Location: Basingstoke (hybrid working 3 office days per week)

Employment Type: Permanent, full time

Additional Benefits: Annual Bonus, Cash-Car Allowance & Private Medical Insurance

Think the AA is just about roadside assistance? Think again.

For over a century, we've been evolving and adapting. Today, as the nation's leading motoring organisation, we offer a wide range of products and services to millions of customers. From roadside assistance to home and motor insurance, and the latest driving technologies, we have it all. As we continue to expand, diversify, and modernise, joining us as a Head of Engineering means you'll play a crucial role in our success and be part of this exciting motoring journey.

Our Chief Operating Office (COO) are the backbone of The AA, providing both stability and structure to support growth and innovation. We are the drivers of change.

This is the job

At the AA, we’re transforming how we deliver roadside services - leveraging cutting-edge technology, agile ways of working, and a bold vision for the future. We’re looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking Head of Engineering to lead our Roadside IT function through a major transformation programme. This is a rare opportunity to modernise legacy systems, simplify a complex technology estate, and inspire a high-performing engineering team to deliver real impact.

We’re proud to foster an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and we’re committed to creating a supportive environment where your leadership and ideas will shape the future of mobility.

What will I be doing?

• Lead the end-to-end technical delivery across Roadside value streams, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and high-quality outcomes.
• Drive engineering transformation by implementing a Scaled Agile Framework, modernising legacy systems, and simplifying a complex technology estate.
• Oversee multi-project delivery across value streams, ensuring excellence throughout the software delivery lifecycle and effective stakeholder engagement.
• Foster a high-performing engineering culture, mentoring and developing diverse teams, and managing supplier relationships to ensure consistent delivery standards.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Architecture, DevOps, Test, and Operations to ensure cohesive, secure, and scalable technology solutions.
• Champion engineering best practices, including performance, security, maintainability, and continuous improvement across tools, frameworks, and methodologies.
  
  

What do I need?

• Proven experience leading engineering transformation within a Scaled Agile Framework, modernising legacy systems, and simplifying complex technology estates.
• Strong track record of strategic technical delivery across multiple projects and value streams, with deep expertise in the full software delivery lifecycle.
• Inspiring and collaborative leadership style, with the ability to engage, motivate, and develop high-performing, cross-functional teams.
• Commercially astute and delivery-focused, with experience managing budgets, supplier relationships, and large-scale engineering operations.
• Technically versatile, with familiarity across a broad tech stack including .NET, Angular, Node.js, React, Azure, PEGA, APIs, Oracle, Linux, Jira, and Azure DevOps.
• Strategic and adaptable thinker, comfortable navigating ambiguity, balancing short- and long-term priorities, and communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  
  

Additional information

Benefits

We’re always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA team, you’ll have access to a range of benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme
• Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
• Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friends
• Discounts on AA products including car and home insurance
• Employee discount scheme that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and more
• Company funded life assurance
• Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family
  
  

Plus, so much more!

We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change.