I'm Dima Svetov — Engineering Manager at OpenTable. 17+ years leading cross-functional engineering teams, driving modernization, and turning technical organizations into strategic business drivers.
Three pillars define how I lead engineering organizations — from strategy to the people who execute it.
Shift-left development, CI/CD adoption, and AI-first engineering — cutting release escapes in half while improving reliability and delivery cadence.
Building high-performing, high-ownership teams. Restructuring around OKRs, coaching engineers into leaders, and keeping engagement and retention high.
Translating technical investment into business ROI — delivering 100% of cost targets, landing projects ahead of schedule, and partnering with stakeholders up to the C-suite.
Unstable releases were escaping to production and eroding client confidence.
Led multiple squads through a shift-left transformation, rebuilt the roadmap on OKRs, and drove CI/CD adoption across products.
50% fewer release escapes, 100% of cost-cutting targets hit, and multiple technical-investment projects delivered ahead of schedule.
Cross-regional delivery across timezones with high-profile enterprise clients.
Managed up to 15 engineers with clear OKRs, coached overseas contractors, and partnered with sales on strategic engagements.
High engagement and multiple promotions across the team, with sustained delivery on key client and trade-show commitments.
I write about what managing people and organizations actually looks like — the hard parts, the honest parts.
For executive opportunities, advisory conversations, or a good book recommendation.