Pearson

At Pearson, we’re committed to a world that’s always learning and to our talented team who makes it all possible. We are bold thinkers and standout innovators who motivate each other to explore new frontiers in an environment that supports and inspires us to always be better. With a rich heritage that combines 150 years of experience in publishing with the latest learning technology and digital services, we help people learn whatever, wherever and however they choose.

Role Overview

Do you want to be part of the biggest digital transformation in the EdTech and help people around the world to learn languages and realize their dreams?

The English Language Learning (ELL) division of Pearson is looking for a talented and motivated professional to join our growing team as Director of Engineering for Digital Learning Platforms.

Reporting to the ELL Chief Technology Officer, you will lead teams and inspire a high performing Agile organization through coaching, mentorship, technical and strategic leadership to deliver new digital solutions for our Institutional business.

High Level Responsibilities

• Defines technology strategy for the product in the Digital Learning space and contributes to building the overall ELL Learning Management Systems strategy

• Accountable for cross divisional alignment on the technology strategy in his/her area of competence

• Accountable for ensuring that all the applications in the portfolio of responsibility align to the rest of Pearson’s apps to offer a seamless customer experience

• Build a strong internal network and interact with VP and SVPs across Pearson divisions to create strategic alignment and synchronize on delivery and cross divisional projects execution

• Managing multimillion yearly budget to deliver agreed roadmaps with cost efficiency

• Build a sourcing strategy and negotiate contracts with external suppliers for provisioning of technology services and systems

• Oversees planned production outages and communications to customers to prevent penalties and reputational damages to Pearson

• Continuously scout for new technologies and innovate the applications and products for creating competitive advantage for Pearson

• Accountable for security and compliance (e.g. CCPA, GDPR) for digital solutions in the portfolio of responsibility

• Utilize data to inform strategy, improve existing products, systems and to develop holistic solutions for the area of competence

• Recruit, coach and mentor top engineering talents.

• Provide inspirational, value driven leadership to the teams providing timely and constructive feedback, establish improvement plans when necessary

• Delegate responsibility effectively and follow-up for ensuring accountability

• Foster a culture of agility and continuous improvement in all areas of technology

• Promote a culture of partnership, teamwork, innovation and diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Lead continuous improvement of development processes - thinking simpler, leaner, and faster - to accelerate innovation and time to market

Qualifications & Skills

• Degree in Software engineering or Computer Science (or equivalent experience)

• Extensive years of experience in engineering leadership with proven track record of successfully leading engineering teams for digital products

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English with the ability to efficiently articulate ideas, pass along information and present visionary concepts to key decision-makers

• Passion for education and learning

• Experience in working with multinational, multicultural and distributed teams

• Able to think strategically and to “connect the dots” when it comes to large system design and understand, communicate, and solve for enterprise scale technical integration concerns

• Proven track record of developing a Strategy and Vision for multiple Platforms as well as in large technical transformation projects

• Strong understanding of emerging technologies and software engineering methodologies

• Extensive engineering expertise in the areas of tooling, product maintenance, budgeting, and software development

• Proven success working closely with Product Management, contributing to the product strategy and helping to successfully deliver product roadmaps

• Relevant experience in managing and mentoring SW global and distributed engineering teams in a complex and matrix organization as well as in building relationships with senior stakeholders

• Track record of effectively delivering large scale programs through Agile practices with consistent velocity/throughput improvements

• Ability to build agile and high performing teams that can deliver business value in short period of time

• Experience in managing contracts and external vendors

• Evidence of strategic & analytical thinking, negotiation skills, problem-solving, planning skills, and good judgment is required

Please submit a CV and cover letter (optional) in English.

What to expect from Pearson

Did you know Pearson is one of the 10 most innovative education companies of 2022?

At Pearson, we add life to a lifetime of learning so everyone can realize the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are on a journey to be 100 percent digital to meet the changing needs of the global population by developing a new strategy with ambitious targets. To deliver on our strategic vision, we have five business divisions that are the foundation for the long-term growth of the company: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills and Higher Education. Alongside these, we have our corporate divisions: Digital & Technology, Finance, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, Legal, Strategy and Direct to Consumer. Learn more at We are Pearson.

We value the power of an inclusive culture and also a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to building a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.

Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We want a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, navigate to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Pearson.

If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing ppsmhr@pearson.com.

Note that the information you provide will stay confidential and will be stored securely. It will not be seen by those involved in making decisions as part of the recruitment process.

Job: TECHNOLOGY

Organization: English Language Learning

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Req ID: 11912

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