Dir, Software

We are CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We’re looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we’ll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it. 

Role Summary 

The Director of Software holds the primary accountability for leading teams responsible for overseeing software development within the hardware platform development division. Their key role is to guarantee the successful identification, evaluation, and endorsement of technical solutions aligning with sustainable business strategies and needs. As the Director of Software, they will leverage their leadership acumen and technical proficiency to assemble high-caliber software engineering teams, fostering growth within CARIAD, Inc. Their scope of responsibilities encompasses spearheading software development efforts, orchestrating financial planning, overseeing personnel management, and cultivating internal and external networks. 

Role Responsibilities  

Leadership and Management (70%) 

• Develop and execute a strategic vision for software development in collaboration with VP of Engineering, aligning it with the broader organizational strategy and long-term goals 
• Direct multiple software engineering teams, led by senior managers, within CARIAD. Foster a high-performance culture across all teams by promoting collaboration, integrity, inclusion, transparency, accountability, and compassion. 
• Oversee and align budgets and staffing demands across software development teams in coordination with CARIAD stakeholders 
• Lead the development of talent pipelines and succession plans to ensure a robust and skilled workforce for the future 
• Act as an advocate for the software development division within CARIAD, representing its interests to VP of Engineering, executive leadership, and external stakeholders 
• Drive cross-functional collaboration and communication across multiple software engineering teams, ensuring that information and best practices are shared effectively 
• Provide advice, guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback to software team members and senior managers 
• Implement organizational practices for staffing, EEO, diversity, performance management, development, reward and recognition, and retention across different teams 

Budgeting, Finance and Administration (20%) 

• Collaborate with VP, Engineering HW Platform Development and lead forecast budgetary requirements for annual planning rounds 
• Develop and execute a comprehensive financial strategy for software development, aligning budgeting efforts with the long-term goals of the organization and the specific needs of software development teams 
• Implement financial controls and reporting mechanisms to monitor expenditures, ensuring that budgets are adhered to across software development teams. 
• Drive financial transparency and accountability within software development teams, ensuring that senior managers are informed and responsible for their budgets 
• Define initial budgets and project definitions for strategic technology initiatives, prioritizing approved initiatives across various teams 

Software Development (10%) 

• Develop and maintain a roadmap for software architecture and technology stack evolution, ensuring it aligns with the long-term business strategy 
• Lead the development of software solutions, considering factors like cost-effectiveness, scalability, and compatibility with existing system 
• Foster innovation within software development teams to explore emerging technologies and methodologies that can enhance product quality and efficiency 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define software requirements, specifications, and performance metrics, ensuring alignment with overarching business goals 

Years of Experience 

• 12+ years of relevant experience of software development 
• 7+ years of leadership experience in the automotive industry, technology industry, or related industries 

Required Education 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering 

Desired Education 

• Master’s Degree in Engineering 

Skills: 

• Technical Leadership skills 
• Analytical and conceptual thinking