At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing software engineering team while coding alongside them.
- Company: Fast-growing tech company with a strong digital presence and exciting future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping engineering culture.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in engineering and hands-on technical skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Bracknell (3 days per week in office)
Salary: £90,000 – £100,000 + bonus
Tech: PHP/Laravel, React/NextJS, AWS microservices, and a modern CI/CD pipeline managed through GitHub and Jira.
This is an opportunity to join a fast-growing business at a genuinely exciting point in its evolution and lead their Software Engineering function. With close to half a million customers, a national retail footprint and a digital business that accounts for more than 70% of sales, the company is scaling at pace. With other business areas and ideas in the pipeline this is a great time to be joining them.
The team is a focused team of circa 10-12 developers and needs someone to bring a little more structure and purpose to them on a day to day basis whilst also being able to advise and work alongside them technically. Working directly alongside an experienced CTO, you’ll help shape an engineering culture built on high standards, pragmatic delivery, and continuous improvement. This is a place where developers are trusted, quality is taken seriously, and the right person will have the platform to build something genuinely high-performing.
This is a genuine 50:50 hands-on/leadership position — you’ll be coding and reviewing alongside a team, not just directing from a distance. You’ll own the architecture, set development standards, and be accountable for how the team performs and grows. Regular 1-2-1s, capability development, and building a hiring bar that raises the whole team are central to this role, not afterthoughts.
We’re looking for someone who has already led engineering teams and can demonstrate it — someone with a track record of building high-performing teams, owning technical architecture, and setting the development practices others follow. This is not a step-up role for a senior developer moving into leadership for the first time; we want proven leadership experience paired with hands-on technical credibility. Experience in e-commerce or high-traffic web platforms is a strong advantage, as is familiarity with security compliance in regulated environments (FCA, GDPR, PCI DSS).
If you’re an experienced engineering leader who still loves to build, thrives in a fast-moving environment, and wants the room to make a genuine difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Head of Software in Bracknell employer: Dentro Talent
Contact Detail:
Dentro Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Software in Bracknell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage with online communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to leadership and technical challenges. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! When discussing your past roles, highlight specific projects where you led teams and made a tangible impact. Use metrics to back up your achievements; numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Software in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match our job description. Highlight your leadership experience and technical expertise in PHP/Laravel, React/NextJS, and AWS microservices. We want to see how you’ve built high-performing teams and driven successful projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Software role. Share specific examples of your past achievements and how they relate to our needs. Show us your passion for building and leading engineering teams.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role is hands-on, don’t shy away from discussing your coding experience. Mention any relevant projects or contributions you've made using our tech stack. We love seeing candidates who can balance leadership with technical prowess!
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 the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dentro Talent
✨Know Your Tech Stack Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in PHP/Laravel, React/NextJS, and AWS microservices. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these technologies and how you've used them to solve real-world problems. This will show that you’re not just a leader but also someone who can get into the nitty-gritty with the team.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led engineering teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where you’ve built high-performing teams or improved development practices. This is crucial since they’re looking for someone with proven leadership skills, not just a senior developer stepping up.
✨Showcase Your Architectural Vision
Be ready to discuss your approach to software architecture and how you set development standards. Think about how you would structure the team’s workflow and ensure quality delivery. This will help convey your strategic thinking and ability to shape an engineering culture.
✨Engage with the Company’s Growth Story
Research the company’s journey and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their scaling efforts. Show enthusiasm for their digital business model and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their exciting evolution.