Role: Backend Engineering Manager

Company: Pearson

Division: Mondly

Location: Madrid, Spain (Remote or Hybrid*)

*If you live in Madrid, you will be able to enjoy our brand-new office because we a have a remote / hybrid working model policy in place!

Join Mondly by Pearson , one of the leading language learning platforms worldwide, in our mission to revolutionize language education.

Mondly offers high-quality online learning in English and 40 other languages in a combination of 1300+ different language pairs. With innovative technology and engaging gamified content, we have won the trust of over 110 million customers globally. We lead the industry with cutting-edge technology such as VR, AR, and AI integrated into our core products, earning accolades like "Best New App" by Apple, "App of the Year" in EMEA by Facebook, "Editors' Choice" by Google, and "Best Apps of 2020" by Huawei.

With Mondly by Pearson , you'll be part of a company that is dedicated to making language learning accessible, innovative, and transformative for all. Our core values, from programming to design, marketing, and language courses, are anchored in innovation. Together, we can empower individuals to unlock their full language learning potential and make progress in their lives.

Role Overview

Mondly by Pearson is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager with strong technical expertise in Backend development using Spring Framework and Kotlin, as well as some knowledge of PHP. We are looking for a leader who can drive technical excellence while maintaining a pragmatic, product, and business-driven approach. As an Engineering Manager at Pearson, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of educational technology and making a positive impact on learners worldwide.

This role will report to the Head of Engineering and operate as part of the Technology team, unless the Employer determines otherwise.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership : Lead and mentor a team of Backend engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, best practices, and innovation. Provide guidance on architectural decisions and ensure the team delivers high-quality code.

• Product and Business Alignment : Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, and stakeholders to define and prioritize product features and enhancements. Balance technical feasibility with business value and user needs.

• Technology Stack Mastery : Demonstrate expertise in Backend development using Spring Framework and Kotlin. Stay up-to-date with industry trends and continuously evaluate and adopt new technologies and tools where appropriate.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration : Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful delivery of projects. Collaborate with frontend engineers, QA, DevOps, and other stakeholders to achieve product goals.

• Team Development: Cultivate a high-performing engineering team by providing clear goals, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities. Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture. Provide direction, guidance and training to their team; manage the onboarding plan of new employees and ensure consistency around practices, tools and technologies used inside the team. Promote a culture of partnership, teamwork, innovation and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Agile and DevOps Practices : Advocate for and implement agile methodologies and DevOps practices within the team. Drive automation, CI/CD, and a focus on rapid and reliable software delivery.

• Quality and Scalability : Ensure that systems are designed, developed, and maintained with an emphasis on quality, scalability, and reliability. Implement and enforce coding standards and best practices.

• Problem Solving: Identify technical challenges and proactively address them. Collaborate with the team to troubleshoot and resolve issues as they arise.

• Recruitment : Collaborate with HR and talent acquisition teams to identify, hire, and onboard top-tier Backend engineering talent.

• Duly observe all applicable health and safety laws and regulations.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field.

• Proven experience in Backend development using Spring Framework and Kotlin, with some knowledge of PHP.

• Substantial experience in a leadership or management role, preferably in a technology-driven environment.

• Strong understanding of modern software engineering practices, including agile methodologies and DevOps principles.

• Strong understanding of best practices in infrastructure (Kubernetes, Docker, Terraform, etc), Observability, Stability, Availability, CI / CD, etc

• Ability to balance technical and business considerations and make data-driven decisions.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering value to the business and customers.

• Evident fluency in English, being confident in speaking, reading and writing communication.

We look forward to receiving your application - Talent Acquisition Team

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: 14240

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