Head of Software Engineering – Manchester

Reporting directly to the CTO, this strategic leadership role will help shape and drive the engineering vision, foster a high-performance culture, and lead initiatives around AI adoption, platform scalability, and potential offshore development expansion.

About the Role

As Head of Software Engineering, you will be responsible for the performance, direction, and cohesion of the engineering function, with a focus on people, process, and platform delivery. While this is not a hands-on coding role, your leadership will impact every part of the engineering lifecycle, from team structure and Agile maturity to DevSecOps and emerging technology adoption.

You will work closely with Product, InfoSec, Operations, and Delivery teams, playing a key role in driving innovation, improving delivery predictability, and scaling high-quality solutions aligned with business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the CTO to define and execute the engineering strategy.
• Lead and mentor Engineering Managers and senior technical leaders across multiple domains.
• Identify and implement opportunities in AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics.
• Oversee the expansion and integration of offshore development teams and delivery partners.
• Advance Agile ways of working to improve quality, consistency, and delivery confidence.
• Define team structures, roles, and skill sets using clear job specifications and skills matrices.
• Champion a DevSecOps culture and embed security, compliance, and scalability in all delivery processes.
• Set standards for technical excellence, including architecture, testing, and release governance.
• Lead major strategic initiatives including platform re-architecture and tooling modernisation.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, professional development, and staff engagement.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a senior, hands-off engineering leader within large-scale or high-availability environments.
• Strong background in Agile delivery leadership, process improvement, and engineering transformation.
• Experience working closely with C-level stakeholders, especially CTOs or CIOs.
• Deep understanding of modern software architecture and DevSecOps principles.
• Exposure to, or a strong interest in, AI / ML technologies and their business application.
• Ability to scale and integrate offshore engineering teams and delivery partners.
• Track record of building and retaining high-performing, motivated technical teams.

Why Join

• My client is a purpose-led, innovation-focused organisation with a track record of delivering meaningful technology outcomes.
• This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of a major platform while working closely with a collaborative executive team.
• Benefits include flexible hybrid working, personal development support, CSR days, on-site facilities, birthday leave, and more.

Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey?

Apply now to join a company that values innovation, purpose, and people at the core of its technology strategy.