At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering teams and set the technical direction for innovative projects.
- Company: Dynamic London-listed business with a strong engineering focus.
- Benefits: Opportunity for permanent role, hands-on leadership, and impactful work.
- Other info: Ideal for energetic leaders ready to make a significant impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while leading a talented engineering team.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering leadership and proficiency in Java and AI tools.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 130000 £ per year.
About the role
Barker Owen have been retained to appoint a Chief Technology Officer for a London-listed business with a substantial in-house engineering function. The CTO is the senior engineering leader, responsible for setting technical direction, leading the engineering organisation, and ensuring technology delivers measurable commercial impact. This is an interim opportunity but comes with the possibility of a future permanent appointment.
This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role for an engineering leader on an upward trajectory and will suit individuals excited by both leading teams and hands-on building.
What you will do
- The CTO leads an in-house engineering function spanning software engineering, application development, automation, DevOps and architecture.
- Working in close partnership with peer technology leaders, the CTO is accountable for:
- Setting and executing the companies engineering strategy
- Leading the integration of AI capabilities across the technology estate
- Building, developing and raising the bar of the engineering function, with autonomy over hiring and team composition
- Setting technical direction and engineering standards
- Operating as a credible technology voice within the senior leadership team
Who we are looking for
This role is best suited to a VP of Engineering styled profile currently operating in a tech-led business and ready to step into their first CTO seat. We are looking for trajectory, energy and engineering credibility; prior CTO experience is non-essential.
Essential experience
- Hands-on engineering leadership at scale, with a track record of running mature engineering organisations in tech-led environments
- Strong proficiency with Java-based technology stacks
- Experience with the Microsoft enterprise ecosystem
- Use of AI-assisted development tools (Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Claude Code or equivalents) with demonstrable productivity outcomes
- Demonstrated ability to integrate AI capabilities into customer- or user-facing technology layers
- Substantial people leadership experience
Personal qualities:
- Intellectually rigorous, with a strong analytical approach to business problem-solving
- Collaborative and effective at translating business requirements into engineering execution
- Comfortable building and shipping at pace
- Energetic and self-motivated
- Open to continuous learning and rapid adaptation
Interim Chief Technology Officer in City of London employer: Barker Owen
Contact Detail:
Barker Owen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Chief Technology Officer in City of London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend tech meetups, conferences, or even online webinars. You never know who might have the inside scoop on that perfect CTO role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just talk about your experience; demonstrate it! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving AI integration or Java-based tech stacks. This will make you stand out as a hands-on leader.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn to share your insights on engineering trends and AI advancements. Engaging with others in your field can lead to opportunities and show potential employers your thought leadership.
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, especially for high-level positions like CTO.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Chief Technology Officer in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the CTO role. Highlight your hands-on engineering leadership and any experience with AI capabilities, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell your story! Explain why you're excited about this interim opportunity and how your trajectory fits with our vision at StudySmarter. Be genuine and let your passion shine through.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t shy away from detailing your proficiency with Java-based technology stacks and the Microsoft enterprise ecosystem. We want to see how you’ve integrated AI tools in your past roles, so give us the specifics!
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Let’s make it happen!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barker Owen
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Java-based technology stacks and Microsoft enterprise ecosystem. Brush up on your knowledge of AI-assisted development tools like GitHub Copilot, as you’ll want to showcase how you’ve used these to drive productivity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your hands-on engineering leadership experience. Think about specific examples where you’ve built and led teams, and how you’ve raised the bar in engineering functions. This is your chance to demonstrate your people leadership skills!
✨Align with Business Goals
Be ready to explain how you can translate business requirements into engineering execution. Highlight any past experiences where you’ve successfully integrated technology strategies that delivered measurable commercial impact.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with other technology leaders, so be prepared to talk about how you foster collaboration within teams. Share examples of how you’ve worked cross-functionally to achieve common goals and drive innovation.