Hiring Your First Engineering Manager

You've grown your team to 8-10 engineers. You're stretched thin. It's time to hire your first Engineering Manager.

What to Look For

1. Technical Credibility

They don't need to be your best engineer, but they need to earn respect from the team.

2. Empathy & Communication

Engineering management is 80% communication. Look for evidence of strong interpersonal skills.

3. Process Orientation

Can they establish healthy team processes without becoming bureaucratic?

Red Flags

Can't articulate their management philosophy

Treats 1:1s as status updates

No examples of developing others

Focused solely on hitting deadlines

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Check out our Interview Questions for Engineering Manager candidates