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- Tasks: Lead and innovate in technology, integrating AI and enhancing engineering teams.
- Company: Dynamic London-listed business with a strong engineering focus.
- Benefits: Opportunity for permanent role, competitive salary, and leadership experience.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with potential for significant career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while leading a talented engineering team.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering leadership, Java proficiency, and AI integration skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
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. 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:
- 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
- Operating as a credible technology voice within the senior leadership team
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.
Requirements include:
- 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
Personal qualities:
- Comfortable building and shipping at pace
Head of Technology (Permanent) in London employer: Barker Owen
Contact Detail:
Barker Owen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technology (Permanent) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who might know about opportunities for a CTO role. Attend meetups or tech events to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for engineering leadership.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your hands-on experience! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, highlight your track record of building and leading engineering teams. Share specific examples of how you've integrated AI capabilities into projects to demonstrate your technical prowess.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your vision! Prepare to articulate how you would set the technical direction for the company. Think about how you can raise the bar for the engineering function and what strategies you’d implement to ensure measurable commercial impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that CTO role. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team, which can really make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technology (Permanent) in 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 integration, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for technology and leadership, and explain how your trajectory fits with our vision at StudySmarter. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on measurable outcomes. We want to see how your technical direction has led to commercial impact, so don’t hold back on the numbers and results!
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 with StudySmarter!
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 approach to leading engineering teams. Think about specific examples where you’ve built and developed teams, and how you’ve raised the bar in previous roles. This is your chance to demonstrate your trajectory and energy!
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Questions
Since this role is hands-on, expect questions that assess your technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Be prepared to discuss past projects where you’ve integrated AI capabilities or delivered measurable commercial impact through technology.
✨Engage with the Senior Leadership Perspective
As a CTO, you’ll need to operate as a credible technology voice within the senior leadership team. Think about how you can align technology initiatives with business goals and be ready to discuss how you would contribute to strategic discussions.