At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and code in a hands-on role, shaping the future of our software engineering team.
- Company: Join a rapidly expanding SaaS business with a dynamic and innovative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and remote-friendly work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by integrating AI and leading a talented engineering team.
- Qualifications: 4+ years of software engineering experience and startup mindset required.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow from 2 to 8 engineers in the next 18 months.
The predicted salary is between 42500 - 67500 £ per year.
Remote-friendly role based near London (within commuting distance). This is a hands-on coding leadership position in a rapidly expanding SaaS business, with equity and the opportunity to build and lead a software engineering team.
What You Will Do
- Lead & Code: In the early days, act as a player-coach. Spend about 80% of time on architecture, code reviews, and shipping features, and 20% on strategy and management. As the team grows, adjust the ratio.
- Define the rhythm: Establish a high-velocity shipping cadence. Value iteration over perfection.
- Pragmatic Architecture: Make technical choices balancing speed today with future scalability; avoid over-engineering.
- Strategic Partner: Serve as the technical right hand to the Founder/CEO and product, translating business vision into technical reality and ensuring fast delivery without breaking the product.
- Pragmatic Modernization: Implement lightweight engineering practices (CI/CD, code reviews, QA) that speed delivery.
- AI Integration: Lead the engineering side of integrating AI/LLM components into a robust SaaS architecture.
- Build the Engine: Grow the team from the current size to 8 engineers by end of 2026; drive hiring strategy to fit a high-velocity startup.
The Tech Stack
- Core: Python and/or TypeScript.
- Infrastructure: Azure (Functions, Containers), Kubernetes (managed simply for deployment, not complexity).
- Data: MongoDB Atlas.
- AI: Integration of LLM/AI components into a B2B workflow.
- Philosophy: Event-driven architecture, CI/CD automation, prioritize simplicity to move fast.
The Person
- Experience: 4+ years of software engineering experience.
- Startup DNA: Ideally at least 1 full year in a true startup (Seed–Series B); understands that process serves code and can operate with limited resources and tight deadlines.
- Technical Authority: Able to architect, code, and debug hands-on; this is not a people-management-only role.
- Leadership Potential: Mentored engineers or led a small squad and ready to own a function.
- Technical Versatility: Comfortable with modern cloud-native development and AI feature integration without being a data scientist.
- Transparent: Communicates issues early and clearly; does not hide technical debt.
Qualifications & Benefits
- Basic salary £50,000–£60,000 (dependent on experience) plus equity.
- Remote-friendly with a London-based commutable requirement.
- The role offers the opportunity to shape engineering culture and lead a lean, fast-moving unit.
Employment Details
- Location: UK (Greater London area) – Hybrid (1–2 days in-person per week).
- Role Type: Permanent, Full-time.
- Reporting to: Founder & CEO.
- Team Trajectory: Scale from 2 to 8 engineers in the next 18 months.
Company & Equal Opportunity
Advancing People Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities Employer and acts as both an Employment Business and Employment Agency.
How to apply: If you are looking to join a forward-thinking and rapidly expanding SaaS company, APPLY NOW or contact the recruiter directly.
Lead Software Engineer in England employer: Advancing People Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Advancing People Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at local meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions and coding challenges. We recommend setting up mock interviews with friends or using platforms that simulate the real deal. The more you practise, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Whether it's on GitHub or your personal website, having a portfolio of your work can really set you apart. We love seeing what you can do, so make sure to highlight your best coding feats.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who want to join our fast-paced team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Lead Software Engineer role. Highlight your hands-on coding experience and any leadership roles you've had, as we want to see how you can lead and code effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share your passion for software engineering and how your startup experience aligns with our fast-paced environment. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Python, TypeScript, and any experience with Azure or Kubernetes. We’re looking for someone who can jump right into our tech stack, so make it clear how you fit in.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team. Let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advancing People Recruitment
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in Python, TypeScript, and the cloud infrastructure mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of Azure, Kubernetes, and MongoDB Atlas. Being able to discuss how you've used these technologies in past projects will show that you're not just a leader but also a hands-on coder.
✨Show Your Startup Experience
Highlight your experience in a startup environment, especially if you've been through the Seed to Series B stages. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've thrived under tight deadlines and limited resources. This will demonstrate that you understand the unique challenges of a rapidly expanding SaaS business.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Mentorship
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and any mentoring experiences you’ve had. Share stories about how you've guided junior engineers or led small teams. This will help convey your readiness to grow and lead a team of engineers as the company scales.
✨Communicate Clearly About Technical Debt
Be transparent about your approach to technical debt and how you communicate issues within a team. Discussing your strategies for managing technical challenges and ensuring clear communication will resonate well with the interviewers, especially since they value transparency.