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- Tasks: Lead engineering strategy for a high-growth SaaS platform and elevate engineering standards.
- Company: Dynamic enterprise SaaS organisation with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, substantial bonus, car allowance, and hybrid working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building a world-class engineering capability.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in enterprise SaaS and strong cloud-native expertise.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of engineering in a thriving company.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 £ per year.
Permanent | £100,000 base + 30% bonus + £6,500 car allowance | Hybrid – Manchester
Are you ready to build something that actually matters? This is a pivotal, permanent leadership opportunity within a high-growth, enterprise SaaS organisation entering a defining stage of its evolution. The platform is established, profitable and scaling internationally - but the next phase is about engineering maturity, architectural clarity, and building a world-class capability that can deliver at genuine scale. This is not a caretaker role. It is a build-and-elevate mandate.
The Opportunity
You will take ownership of the engineering strategy behind a complex, high-transaction SaaS platform serving enterprise clients across multiple markets. The product estate is sophisticated, commercially critical and already embedded at scale - but now requires sharper architectural direction, stronger engineering standards and a leader who can unite delivery, platform and product into one high-performing engine. You will work directly with executive leadership to define a clear, modern roadmap - balancing innovation with reliability, speed with stability.
What You’ll Be Accountable For
- Defining and executing a modern, cloud-first technical strategy for a multi-tenant SaaS platform
- Elevating engineering standards across DevOps, CI/CD, automation, security and observability
- Leading and developing distributed engineering teams (20+ engineers across UK and nearshore)
- Driving architectural consistency across .NET, JavaScript/TypeScript and SQL-based systems
- Embedding data-driven engineering performance (DORA metrics, delivery KPIs, continuous improvement)
- Managing third-party delivery partners with clear accountability and measurable outcomes
- Creating a culture of ownership, technical curiosity and commercial awareness
What We’re Looking For
- Proven Head of Engineering / Director / VP background within enterprise SaaS
- Experience leading engineering transformation, not just maintaining it
- Strong cloud-native expertise (AWS or Azure)
- A leader who can operate at board level but still challenge architectural decisions when needed
- Deep understanding of DevOps, automation pipelines and modern delivery practices
- A hands-on technical foundation - credible with senior engineers
Why This Role Stands Out
This is a business that values engineering as a competitive advantage, not a cost centre. There is executive backing, real investment and the appetite to do things properly. The bonus structure is meaningful. The remit is genuine. The scope is broad. The impact is visible.
If you’re looking for a role where you can build, elevate and leave a lasting technical footprint within a serious SaaS organisation - this is worth a conversation. Confidential enquiries welcome.
Head of Software Engineering in Manchester employer: djr
Contact Detail:
djr Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Software Engineering in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. 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 interviews by researching the company and its tech stack. Understand their challenges and think about how you can contribute to their engineering maturity. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've led teams through transformation and elevated engineering standards. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to unite delivery, platform, and product.
✨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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Software Engineering in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Software Engineering role. Highlight your leadership in engineering transformation and cloud-native expertise to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your vision for engineering maturity and how you plan to elevate standards. We want to see your passion for building something that matters.
Showcase Your Technical Foundation: Don’t shy away from showcasing your hands-on technical skills. Mention your experience with .NET, JavaScript/TypeScript, and SQL-based systems. We love seeing candidates who can engage with senior engineers on a technical level.
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 to make a real impact!
How to prepare for a job interview at djr
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, like AWS or Azure. Brush up on your knowledge of .NET, JavaScript/TypeScript, and SQL systems, as you’ll likely be asked to discuss how you would elevate engineering standards and drive architectural consistency.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your experience leading engineering transformations. Think of specific examples where you’ve united teams and driven change. This role is all about building and elevating, so demonstrate how you can inspire a culture of ownership and technical curiosity.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Since you’ll be working directly with executive leadership, be prepared to discuss how you would define a modern, cloud-first technical strategy. Have a few ideas ready on balancing innovation with reliability, and be ready to challenge architectural decisions when necessary.
✨Understand the Business Impact
This role values engineering as a competitive advantage, so show that you understand the commercial side of things. Be ready to discuss how your engineering strategies can drive business outcomes and improve performance metrics like DORA metrics and delivery KPIs.