Head of Software Engineering

We are seeking to recruit a suitably qualified person to fill the position of:

The Head of Software Engineering will lead a team of software developers in executing CAL’s strategies, promoting the customer experience and operational excellence through business process digitization and automation. Ensure that processes such as information gathering, requirements analysis, algorithmic design, programming, coding, documentation, system testing, end-user acceptance testing, and user documentation are executed using the agile development process and best practice principles. You will support the senior management team by leveraging modern application software stacks and technologies to enhance the customer journey, develop solutions to existing and unfamiliar problems, and create innovative solutions and ways of working through process innovation, automation, and process-monitoring solutions and reporting tools as required, ensuring that daily operations and maintenance on all related solutions are efficient and lead and provide technical expertise to achieve the organization's goals and objectives. Appointment to this position will be offered on a fixed-term contractual basis.

I. Project and Backlog Management: Works with key stakeholders both internal and external to the organization to ascertain the unique parameters of their issue or request and gathers their specific requirements. Makes recommendations for viable solutions based on knowledge and experience and iterates on the user requirements until an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) can be scoped. 

II. System and Application Design: Designs simple and efficient algorithms for each unique assigned feature. Creates and implements scalable systems that are fault-tolerant, and performant based on the specific needs and parameters of the project; all within budget constraints. 

III. Sprint Planning and Management: Creates manageable sprints based on the available backlog and assigns relevant story points and personnel based on priority, availability, and training needs. Tracks sprints to completion and performs sprint retrospections to learn from and continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of sprints. 

IV. Scrum Master: Conducts concise and effective daily standup meetings with the key goal of ensuring proper pace to achieve organizational objectives, insight into hurdles based on any raised issues and blockers, and effective completion of assigned and running sprints. 

V. Code Reviews: Conducts and drives the code review process to ensure that engineers’ code is up to standard and makes recommendations where possible. Ensures reviews are respectful and fosters an open and learning culture. 

VI. DevOps: Drives the Software Development team’s automated pipeline for all projects. Ensures all projects follow the best practices for automated testing and deployment. Ensures proper restrictions and checks are in place for the full code development, reviews, testing and deployment cycle. 

VII. Whirlwind Management: Ensures that the organization's ad-hoc requests and issues are managed separately and apart from ongoing planned sprints. Ensures these requests are actioned in a timely manner based on priority and communicates the impact to ongoing sprints. 

 VIII Staffing & Performance Review: Recruits, develops, and manages a team of high-calibre software developers and UI/UX engineers. Also conducts unbiased employee performance reviews, using the information to recognise god performance and to identify and address areas for development.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Electrical and Computer Engineering (computer systems major).
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a similar role, including leadership experience.
• At least five (5) years’ experience in developing and deploying full-stack applications, with proficiency in building highly scalable, high-performing server-side technologies using frameworks like Flask. 
• Strategic perspective and an innovative mindset: Develops and maintains the software engineering roadmap in alignment with Caribbean Airlines’ strategic objectives.
• Strong knowledge of Agile development methodologies, DevOps practices and software engineering best practices.
• Proven project management skills and strong analytical thinking skill. 
• The ability to identify the most high-value projects by analysis of ROI and build/buy options.
• Strong customer orientation, while focusing on profitability and productivity. 
• Exceptional leadership ability and the ability to influence others.
• Proven ability to manage stakeholders, lead teams and deliver technology solutions that support business objectives.