Employee of the Month: Ritz Patel
Congratulations to Ritz Patel, our IT Director, for being awarded Employee of the Month.
Ritz was in fact one of the company’s very first team members. Nearly eight years on, he’s played a key role in supporting our growth from the early days to where we are now.
Scroll down to learn more about Ritz and the exciting innovations he’s bringing to Engineius next!
What do you do for Engineius?
As IT Director, I’m responsible for ensuring that Engineius’ technology is secure, reliable, and aligned with the company’s goals. I oversee our IT platform and infrastructure, support colleagues with the tools they need to work effectively, and lead on technology projects that help Engineius grow.
From protecting data to exploring new solutions, my role is about making sure our tech quietly does its job in the background, so the rest of the team can focus on theirs, and occasionally save the day with the timeless classic: “Have you tried turning it off and on again?”
What innovations or tools are you most excited about implementing in the near future?
I’m particularly excited about introducing smarter automation and AI-driven tools to streamline how we work at Engineius. From simplifying repetitive tasks to supporting development with AI coding tools and better QA automation, these technologies will help us move faster and with more confidence. I’m also exploring enhanced security solutions and cloud-based collaboration tools that give us the flexibility to grow securely.
For me, it’s not about chasing flashy tech, but choosing innovations that genuinely make life easier, safer, and more efficient for the team
What is the best thing you’ve introduced to Engineius and your team?
Super difficult question, as what do you even count as the best? I’m very proud of many of the initiatives we’ve introduced over the years, from developing our platform and infrastructure to scale with the business, to enhancing the product, implementing smarter automation, and strengthening our cybersecurity.
But if I had to highlight one thing, it would be the culture within the IT function. I’ve been able to build a very talented team from scratch that’s not only technically strong but also collaborative, curious, and confident to try new ideas. That culture has made all the difference: it’s the foundation that allows everything else to succeed.
What do you like most about working for Engineius?
What I like most about working at Engineius is the people, and I know that may sound cliché, but it’s true. Having been here nearly eight years, and as the second ever employee, I’ve seen the company grow from its earliest days.
Throughout that growth, the culture has stayed collaborative, fast-moving, and open to new ideas. Being surrounded by talented people who all pull in the same direction makes challenges exciting and successes even more rewarding.
What’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy day?
I have a real love for both watching and playing sports, so that’s my favourite way to unwind after a busy day. Sometimes it’s football, cricket, or tennis on the TV, and other times it’s getting out to play a bit of cricket or five-a-side myself. As a Liverpool fan, there’s usually a match or some sporting action to follow, so one way or another, I tend to wind down with something sport-related.
I’ve also set myself a goal to try golf and padel in 2026, whether my swing or serve will actually cooperate is another story!
How do you ensure your team stays ahead with rapidly changing technology trends?
It’s a mix of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning. I encourage the team to actively explore new tools and ideas, while also creating space to share knowledge and learn from each other. We keep a close eye on industry developments, work with trusted partners, and test new solutions to see what genuinely adds value. Personally, I use my long runs as a chance to tune into tech podcasts; it’s a great way to keep up with trends while clearing my head. It’s not about chasing every trend but about spotting the ones that can really make a difference and being ready to adapt quickly when they do.
What’s a hobby or interest you have that might surprise your colleagues?
Most people don’t know how much I love running. My family jokes that I’m addicted to collecting medals, and they might be right! But for me, it’s about more than just the recognition: I love the challenge of breaking PBs and pushing myself further.
A big ambition of mine is to complete the 7 major marathons. With Berlin coming up, I’ll soon be two down, and while I sometimes wonder if I’ve got enough miles left in my legs to get all the way, it’s definitely a goal I’d love to chase.
What’s the most rewarding part of leading an IT department?
For me, the most rewarding part is seeing the impact technology has on people’s day-to-day work. When the platforms run smoothly, security is strong, and the right tools are in place, it allows the whole business to perform at its best. I also really value helping the team grow, seeing their skills develop, and their confidence build as they take on new challenges.
Leading IT isn’t just about the tech; it’s about enabling people to do their best work.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned in my career is that change is the only constant, so adaptability is key. Not every shiny new piece of tech is worth chasing, and the real trick is spotting what genuinely adds value and ignoring the rest. I’ve also learned it pays to be proactive; preventing problems before they happen is always better than firefighting. And perhaps the biggest lesson is that leadership isn’t about having all the answers - it’s about creating the right environment for the team to grow, experiment, and succeed.
In short, stay curious, don’t get blinded by hype, and never underestimate the power of a good Plan B!
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