At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead software engineering teams to evolve platform architecture and improve product delivery.
- Company: Established UK tech company with millions of users and a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £160,000, bonus, hybrid work, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team at a pivotal moment of growth and transformation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while driving impactful AI and data-driven initiatives.
- Qualifications: Strong architectural judgement and experience in scaling technology environments.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 160000 £ per year.
A well-established UK tech company with millions of users is looking to appoint a Head of Software Engineering to shape the next phase of its platform evolution at a time of significant growth for the business. This is a senior leadership role focused on enabling product teams through strong architectural direction, modern platform capabilities and pragmatic technical strategy.
Working closely with executive stakeholders across Product and Technology, the Head of Software Engineering will lead 7 teams evolving core domains and APIs that power multiple product teams, helping the organisation scale sustainably while increasing engineering velocity.
The Head of Software Engineering sits at the heart of platform strategy and engineering effectiveness. You will be responsible for building foundations that improve product throughput, reduce duplication and allow teams to experiment faster — while modernising legacy architecture through safe, incremental change.
The business is investing heavily in AI and data-driven capabilities, and you will play a key role in embedding an AI-forward mindset into how platforms are built and operated.
Key Responsibilities:- Define and evolve platform architecture, core services, and shared domains used across product teams.
- Improve engineering throughput by simplifying systems and reducing complexity as the organisation scales.
- Lead the incremental evolution of monolithic systems into modern, flexible architectures.
- Partner with senior leadership to communicate technical trade-offs in clear, business-focused language.
- Enable growth across users, teams, and product lines through scalable platform design.
- Foster a high-agency culture focused on measurable outcomes rather than process overhead.
- Support the adoption of AI capabilities across the engineering ecosystem.
- Strong architectural judgement with hands‐on technical credibility.
- Experience building or evolving platforms within scaling technology environments.
- A growth‐oriented mindset, viewing technology decisions through a commercial and product lens.
- Confidence operating at executive level, influencing senior stakeholders with clarity and pragmatism.
- A strategic thinker who understands how platform choices shape long‐term product capability and delivery speed.
- A leader who challenges assumptions, makes difficult decisions and operates close to the work.
- Platform improvements directly increase engineering velocity and product delivery.
- Growth in teams and users does not create disproportionate technical complexity.
- Architectural modernisation that happens safely and incrementally.
- Technical decisions are transparent and grounded in measurable outcomes.
- Executive stakeholders clearly understand trade‐offs and direction.
This is an amazing opportunity for a technically strong Head of Software Engineering to join a well-established technology at a moment of exciting growth.
Head of Software Engineering in London employer: Burns Sheehan
Burns Sheehan offers an exceptional work environment in Oxford, where innovation meets collaboration. As a Platform Engineer, you will not only tackle unique engineering challenges but also benefit from a culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With access to cutting-edge technology and a commitment to making a visible impact in the robotics field, this role provides a rewarding opportunity for those looking to thrive in a high-growth technology landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Software Engineering in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who might know someone at the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a referral, which is gold when it comes to landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the company's platform and products. Understand their architecture and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their evolution. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one who can drive their tech forward!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a nice touch that can set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website for openings and updates. Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed. We’re all about finding the right fit, so let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Software Engineering in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in platform evolution and architectural judgement, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your leadership in tech environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re excited about the role and how your growth-oriented mindset aligns with our vision. Don’t forget to mention your experience with AI and data-driven capabilities!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We want to know how you lead teams and influence stakeholders. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to foster a high-agency culture and make tough decisions. This will help us see how you can fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Burns Sheehan
✨Know Your Architecture
Make sure you have a solid understanding of platform architecture and how it impacts product delivery. Be ready to discuss your experience with evolving platforms and simplifying systems, as this will show your hands-on technical credibility.
✨Speak Their Language
When discussing technical trade-offs, use clear, business-focused language. This will help you connect with executive stakeholders and demonstrate your ability to influence decisions at a senior level.
✨Showcase Your Growth Mindset
Highlight your growth-oriented mindset by sharing examples of how you've viewed technology decisions through a commercial lens. This will resonate well with the company's focus on scaling sustainably while increasing engineering velocity.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Be ready to engage in strategic conversations about architectural modernisation and its impact on long-term product capability. Show that you can challenge assumptions and make difficult decisions while staying close to the work.
