Head of LATAM Engineering

📋 Description

• • As the Head of LATAM Engineering at Front, you will embody the critical role of the senior-most technical executive in the region, effectively serving as the 'CTO of LATAM.' This is a transformational leadership position, tasked with not only scaling a high-performing engineering team but also defining the very essence of our engineering culture, setting the benchmark for technical excellence, and establishing the operational rhythm for what is poised to be our fastest-growing engineering hub.
• • You will be the ultimate owner of delivery outcomes for all LATAM-centric Engineering, Product, and Design (EPD) teams. This involves a deep partnership with Global Product, Design, and Engineering leadership to ensure the seamless delivery of our roadmap, maintaining the highest standards of quality, reliability, and delivering tangible customer value. Your strategic oversight will drive the adoption of consistent engineering standards, tooling, and development practices that are harmoniously aligned with our global teams, ensuring a unified approach to innovation and execution.
• • A key aspect of your role will be the proactive identification of potential delivery risks, capacity constraints, and execution gaps. By anticipating challenges and implementing preemptive strategies, you will ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the engineering function.
• • Beyond technical delivery, you will serve as the Site Executive and Cultural Anchor for our Santiago engineering presence. This means owning the overall health and success of the engineering organization in Santiago, acting as the primary technical representative for the region. You will be instrumental in establishing Front as a premier destination for top engineering talent in Chile, acting as a true talent magnet. This involves crafting and championing a compelling narrative that attracts and retains the best minds in the industry.
• • A significant part of your mandate will be to build a robust bench of strong Engineering Managers and Directors who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and effectiveness. You will foster a high-performance, inclusive engineering culture where innovation thrives, collaboration is paramount, and every team member feels valued and empowered. While not directly responsible for office logistics or HR administration, you are the embodiment of 'The Voice of Front' on the ground, ensuring our high-performance culture and core values are deeply integrated into every facet of the Santiago office environment.
• • You will own the LATAM operating rhythm and site leadership, acting as the primary conduit for communication from Front executives to all Fronteers in LATAM, encompassing Engineering, EPD, and any other functional areas. This involves establishing clear operating cadences, defining communication norms, and ensuring well-defined escalation paths are in place to facilitate efficient problem-solving and decision-making.
• • Furthermore, you will ensure strong, symbiotic collaboration between the LATAM teams and their global cross-functional partners, breaking down silos and fostering a unified approach to product development and customer success.
• • Your strategic contributions will extend to supporting Front’s long-term regional strategy for LATAM. This includes providing critical input on location planning and scaling initiatives, advising on optimal team composition, seniority mix, and growth sequencing to build a sustainable and effective engineering organization. You will play a pivotal role in maturing Front’s distributed operating model as the region continues its rapid growth.
• • You will be the advocate for LATAM Fronteers, representing their voices and perspectives in global decision-making groups concerning organization, brand, processes, and culture, ensuring regional needs and insights are considered at the highest levels.
• • Success in this role will be measured by the consistent, high-quality delivery of customer value and roadmap execution. It will also be evident in the strength of our engineering culture, demonstrated by high velocity and exceptional quality in our output. A key indicator will be your effectiveness as a talent magnet, marked by efficient hiring and onboarding of exceptionally talented team members, and the cultivation of a strong employer brand across LATAM. High engagement, retention, and demonstrable manager effectiveness within your direct reports and the broader LATAM team are crucial. Finally, healthy collaboration and seamless alignment with global product and engineering teams will be a hallmark of your success.
• • This role operates in a hybrid model, requiring presence in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to foster collaboration and maintain strong team connections.