We sat down with Muniba Rafiq, the new Engineering Manager at Waysafe, to talk about her journey into the role and the impact she’s already had on the business.

Q1: Congratulations on your new role. Can you tell us about your journey at Waysafe and how your role has evolved over time?

A: I joined Waysafe in an engineering role and quickly took on more responsibility as I gained a deeper understanding of the products, processes, and day-to-day operations. Over time, I became more involved in improving how things are done, supporting the team, and driving projects forward. Stepping into the Engineering Manager role felt like a natural progression, allowing me to have a bigger influence on both the team and the direction of the business.

Q2: How does your role as Engineering Manager differ from your previous position?

A: The biggest difference is the scope of responsibility. I’m now focused not only on the technical side but also on managing people, improving workflows, and making sure projects are delivered efficiently and to a high standard. I’m more involved in planning, decision-making, and problem-solving at a wider level, while still staying hands-on and close to the engineering work.

Q3: What impact have you had on the business since stepping into this role?

A: Since moving into the role, I’ve helped streamline engineering processes, improve communication between departments, and push for higher consistency and quality across builds. I’ve also focused on making the workshop more organised and efficient, which has improved turnaround times and reduced errors. These changes have helped the team work more effectively and have supported the business in delivering better results for customers.

Q4: How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it influenced the engineering team?

A: I lead by being approachable, hands-on, and supportive. I believe people do their best work when they feel listened to and trusted, so I encourage open communication and collaboration. Since taking on the role, the team has become more confident, engaged, and aligned, which has had a positive impact on productivity and morale.

Q5: What are you most proud of achieving so far, and what are your goals for the future at Waysafe?

A: I’m most proud of the progress the engineering team has made in such a short space of time — from improved processes to stronger teamwork and better overall output. Looking ahead, my focus is on continuing to grow the team, introducing further efficiencies, and supporting Waysafe’s long-term growth by maintaining high standards and pushing for continuous improvement.