Head of Platform
Location: Global (Hybrid)
Reports to: SVP, Technology Infrastructure & Operations (TIO)
Function: Technology
Purpose of the RoleThe Head of Platform leads the delivery and evolution of Elsevier’s internal developer platform as a core driver of engineering transformation.
This role is accountable for shifting Elsevier from fragmented infrastructure services to a unified internal developer platform (IDP) that accelerates modernization, reuse, and AI-enabled engineering.
This leader combines strong technical depth with enterprise influence, driving large-scale cultural and operational change across engineering.
They will shape the platform as a product while embedding new ways of working focused on self-service, automation, and developer experience.
Key ResponsibilitiesPlatform Strategy & Vision• Define and drive the platform strategy aligned with Elsevier standards and enterprise priorities.
• Translate strategic objectives (DevEx, reuse, AI-enabled SDLC) into clear platform roadmaps.
• Establish and evolve a platform-as-a-product operating model.
Leadership & Organization Design• Build and lead a global platform organization (95–125 engineers) across key domains.
• Partner with TIO leadership, architecture, and change teams to align operating models.
• Drive an engineering-led, automation-first culture across the organization.
Developer Experience & Enablement• Deliver internal developer portal capabilities (e.g., Backstage) and golden paths.
• Embed DORA and SPACE metrics to improve developer productivity.
• Champion reuse and inner sourcing across engineering teams.
AI & Automation Integration• Integrate AI across the SDLC including code generation, testing, and automation.
• Drive adoption of AI-enabled engineering practices.
• Ensure secure and efficient-by-default platform services through automation.
Operational Excellence• Ensure reliability, observability, and cost efficiency of platform services.
• Define resilience, incident management, and operational models.
• Track and report on platform maturity and performance.
Collaboration & Influence• Partner with Business Unit CTOs, product leaders, and engineering teams.
• Drive alignment between platform capabilities and business outcomes.
• Communicate effectively across executive and technical audiences.
Experience & Skills• 15+ years in platform, software, or infrastructure engineering.
• Proven experience leading large-scale cultural and operational transformations.
• Strong background in platform-as-a-product and developer experience.
• Demonstrated stakeholder influence across complex organizations.
• Experience leading distributed engineering teams.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled engineering practices.
• Strong grounding in SRE, observability, and secure-by-design.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
Success Measures• Increased developer productivity and satisfaction.
• Adoption of platform capabilities across engineering teams.
• Reduction in toil and time-to-market.
• Increased reuse through standardized patterns and golden paths.
• Improved operational reliability and cost efficiency.
• Demonstrated shift in engineering culture toward ownership and automation.
If performed in New York, the base pay range is $130,200 - $241,800.If performed in New York City, the base pay range is $142,000 - $263,800.If performed in Rochester, NY, the base pay range is $118,300 - $219,800.U.S. National Base Pay Range: $118,300 - $219,800. Geographic differentials may apply in some locations to better reflect local market rates.We know your well-being and happiness are key to a long and successful career. We are delighted to offer country specific benefits. Click here to access benefits specific to your location.
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Skills Required
- 15+ years in software/platform/operational engineering
- Experience leading transformations and scaling organizations
- Strong background in platform as a product and developer experience
- Track record of growing distributed engineering teams
- Familiarity with GenAI integration in SDLC
- Strong grounding in SRE and observability
- Able to partner across architecture and product teams
What We Do
Elsevier is a world-leading provider of information solutions that enhance the performance of science, health, and technology professionals, empowering them to make better decisions, and deliver better care. Because informed decisions lead to better outcomes, Elsevier is a leader in information and analytics for customers across the global research and health ecosystems. Elsevier helps researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. We do this by facilitating insights and critical decision-making for customers across the global research and health ecosystems.
