Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale a software team developing advanced aviation navigation systems.
- Company: Join a dynamic company focused on operational defence environments.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 30+ days leave, private medical, and more perks.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering while staying connected to code and team culture.
- Qualifications: 1-3 years managing software teams; strong communication and Agile experience required.
- Other info: Open to Senior or Lead Software Engineers looking to step into management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Already Leading? Time to Expand Your Influence? You’ve stepped into engineering management—and now you’re ready for more. More scope. More strategy. More say in how great software teams are built and run.
We’re looking for a Software Engineering Manager to lead and scale a growing team developing an advanced Aviation Navigation System used in operational defence environments. This is a hands-off managerial role that still keeps you close to the code and technical direction, ideal for someone looking to deepen their leadership and impact.
Due to the sensitive nature of the work, candidates must be UK Nationals and eligible for National Security Vetting (normally requiring 5+ years UK residency).
What's in it for you?
- Grow your impact: Lead team culture, delivery, and long-term technical decisions.
- Stay connected to the code: Provide high-level technical guidance without day-to-day coding.
- Shape the future: Help scale the team and improve how engineering is done.
- Hybrid working: Flexible remote options (1 day/week).
- Excellent benefits: 30+ days leave, private medical/dental, EV scheme, pension, training support, share incentives, and more.
What You’ll Own
- Line management and coaching for a high-performing team (currently 4 and growing).
- Establishing delivery cadence, team processes, and development best practices.
- Contributing to strategic technical direction and cross-functional planning.
- Recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing team development.
- Staying close to technical discussions, architecture, and code reviews when needed.
What You’ll Bring
- 1–3 years’ experience managing software teams (formal or blended with tech lead responsibilities).
- Strong communication and people management skills.
- A background in object-oriented programming (ideally C#/.NET; other languages like Java, C++, or VB.NET welcome).
- Solid understanding of Agile (Scrum, Kanban) and delivering software collaboratively.
- A passion for process improvement, tooling upgrades, and growing developer capabilities.
Also Open To
- Senior Software Engineers or Lead Software Engineers who have meaningful experience mentoring, coaching, or technically leading a team and are looking to transition into a more formal management path.
Package: £75-85,000 + Full Benefits Package included uncapped holiday.
Alternative Titles: Software Development Manager, Software Development Lead, Software Technical Lead.
Foster Growth provides services as an agency and an employment business.
Software Engineering Manager employer: Foster Growth
Contact Detail:
Foster Growth Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineering Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current and former employees of StudySmarter to gain insights into the company culture and expectations for the Software Engineering Manager role. This can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your understanding of the company's values during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in aviation navigation systems and defence technology. Being knowledgeable about industry advancements will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the role and its challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've fostered team culture, improved processes, or contributed to strategic decisions in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your technical background and experience with object-oriented programming languages, especially C#/.NET. Even though this is a managerial position, demonstrating your technical expertise will reassure the hiring team that you can guide your developers effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in managing software teams and your technical background. Emphasise any relevant projects, particularly those involving object-oriented programming and Agile methodologies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for leadership and process improvement. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to team culture and delivery in previous roles, and how you plan to bring that to the new position.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Clearly outline your experience in line management, coaching, and mentoring. If you're transitioning from a senior or lead software engineer role, detail your responsibilities that align with management tasks.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key for this role, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with teams and stakeholders. This could include leading meetings, facilitating discussions, or resolving conflicts.
How to prepare for a job interview at Foster Growth
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous management roles and how you've successfully led teams. Highlight specific examples where you improved team performance or culture, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead a growing team.
✨Understand the Technical Landscape
Even though this is a hands-off role, staying close to the code is essential. Brush up on your knowledge of object-oriented programming, particularly in C#/.NET, and be ready to discuss technical decisions you've made in past projects.
✨Emphasise Agile Methodologies
Since the company values Agile practices, be sure to articulate your experience with Scrum or Kanban. Discuss how you've implemented these methodologies in your previous roles to enhance collaboration and delivery.
✨Prepare for Cultural Fit Questions
Cultural fit is crucial for this role. Think about how you can contribute to team culture and processes. Be ready to share your thoughts on fostering a positive work environment and how you would approach team development and onboarding.
