About the RoleThe role of Head of Engineering & Platform is a senior, hands-on engineering leadership role for someone who still wants to be close to the technology. As Head of Engineering & Platform, you will own how Frontline’s technology is designed, built, run, and improved. You will lead Software Engineering, Platforms and Infrastructure, and the Service Desk as one joined-up system, with real accountability for technical decisions, delivery quality, and how systems behave in production. This is not a coordination or oversight role. While this is a leadership position, you should expect to remain materially involved in technical design, critical delivery work, and complex problem-solving. You will shape architecture, guide technical decisions, and set the standard for how engineering is done.
Job OpportunityYou’ll define and evolve Frontline’s engineering approach, shaping architecture and technical direction so systems are built to change, scale, and improve over time. You’ll work closely with engineers during delivery, particularly on complex or high-impact work, helping teams make sound trade-offs between speed, quality, and long-term maintainability. You’ll shape and own technical product roadmaps, working closely with the business to decide what gets built, why, and when. Technology here is treated as products, not projects — built around real problems and continuously improved rather than delivered and forgotten. Innovation at Frontline is practical. You’ll encourage experimentation where it leads to learning, supported by fast feedback from live systems and clear engineering judgement rather than heavy process. You’ll own the platforms and environments that underpin delivery, making hands-on decisions around tooling, automation, and platform evolution. Improving developer experience and removing friction from day-to-day engineering work will be a core part of the role. Operational support sits within your remit to keep engineering grounded in reality. You’ll be involved in significant incidents and service issues, using them as signals to improve design and platform health rather than applying temporary fixes. You’ll lead Engineering, Platform, and Service Desk managers while remaining technically engaged. Our Leadership here is about clarity, availability, and technical credibility — Decisions are made close to the work.
Essential SkillsFrontline operates in a .NET-based engineering environment. This role requires hands-on experience across C#, SQL-based data stores, Azure-hosted platforms, and Azure DevOps–driven delivery pipelines. You don’t need to be a specialist in every tool, but you do need to be technically credible and comfortable working within this ecosystem. We’re looking for a Senior Engineer who has grown into leadership without losing their technical edge. You’ll have experience leading engineering teams in environments where systems are evolving and innovation is expected, and you’ll be comfortable staying close to the code, the platforms, and the problems being solved. You’ll bring sound engineering judgement, curiosity, and the confidence to make clear technical calls. You’ll care about delivery, but also about building systems that don’t fight you six months later. Most importantly, you’ll want to build something — not just manage it.
About CompanyJoin the Frontline Group — Making the Complex Simple Frontline Group is made up of three dynamic business units—Frontline Distribution Solutions, Frontline Retail Solutions, and Gold Key Media—supported by key enabling functions. United by our mission to ‘Make the Complex Simple’, we’re the UK’s leading retail sales, marketing, and distribution company, with a strong presence in publishing and home entertainment. Who We Work With We partner with iconic UK magazine publishers, representing titles like Radio Times, Good Housekeeping, TV Choice, Heat, Top Gear, Grazia, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Empire, National Geographic, and many more. We also work with major film studios to manage DVD distribution in grocery retail: and run the book category for retailers such as Morrisons and Waitrose. We are currently expanding into additional categories such as music, collectables and other exciting products. At Gold Key Media we work closely with key venues such as four and five star hotels, airport lounges and world famous events internationally. What We Do We collaborate with UK and international retailers, wholesalers, and supply chain partners to deliver on our clients’ commercial goals with the vision to be the most valued Distribution and Retail solutions partner. Through Gold Key Media, we also manage premium brand placements across global events, travel hubs, and hospitality venues. Who We Are Jointly owned by Bauer Media and Immediate Media Company (Hubert Burda Media), Frontline Group offers career opportunities across a wide range of business areas. We’re passionate about developing talent and have a strong track record of helping our people grow and thrive. Our Culture Our teams are made up of trusted industry professionals. We celebrate diversity and ensure everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our I ACT values—Impact, Ambition, Collaboration, and Trust—drive sustainable performance, business growth, continuous innovation, and a happy work environment.
DE&IBring ‘You’ to the interview Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. We want to make sure that our selection processes are transparent and fair, providing a level playing field for anyone who wants to come and work with us. Therefore, if you require any adjustments to an interview process, please feel free to get in touch with the Hiring Manager who will be happy to discuss your needs in complete confidence. Curious what it’s like to work here? Visit our Frontline Group website to hear directly from our people. Please also review our Candidate Privacy Policy available on our site.
BenefitsBenefits That Work for You We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your wellbeing and lifestyle, including: 28 days holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata) Contributory pension, life assurance, and income protection Learning and development opportunitiesExecutive coaching and mentoring available to all Informal hybrid working Additional leave: volunteering, family-friendly, and loyalty schemes Wellbeing support, including our Employee Assistance Programme On-site gym and parking at Stuart House, PeterboroughReward Gateway scheme – Smart Spending AppPlus flexible, salary-sacrifice options:Private medical insurance Car scheme Holiday purchase scheme
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