Engineering Manager - 5yrs

I have been an engineering manager since 2016 i.e. 5+ yrs, as I write this blog. More often, I have thought to myself as - what is my role as an engineering manager. This is just a brain dump and not an exhaustive list and not in any specific order.

Technical:

• Solid understanding of the requirements and architecture - team deliverables
• Reasonable overall breath and few focussed depth - understanding of the design
• Ensure the testing stratergy (Automated and Manual) - has appropriate coverage
• Quality: Follow best known practices of Software Engineering like Test Driven Development, CI/CD.

Talent: For each team member

• Strength and weakness
• Short term and mid term - development focus areas
• Mentor or coach
• Training Needs

Team:

• Onboarding plan for new hires
• Understanding of Cross functional teams - that your team colloborates with
• Clarity on the ownership overlap between your team and cross functional team
• Updated: skill and ownership matrix

Hiring:

• Estimate the # of new hires - required for you team ~1yr timeframe
• Clear job(s) description of all new positions
• Work closely with Talent Acquition team on filtering resumes, scheduling and debriefing Sessions
• Identify buddy to help the new member settle in

Roadmap:

• Clear understanding of the division’s roadmap and business priorities
• Project roadmap - that your team would be working on ~6 to 12months.
• Project Plan/Schedule for the projects: in progress and next one in pipeline
• Identifying technical debt in your functional area
• Functional roadmap to pay off technical debt
• New technologies that your team shall pay attension to
• Technical conferences your team can attend/follow