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- Tasks: Lead the full software lifecycle and guide a team in building robust systems.
- Company: Growing engineering-led company focused on real-world monitoring solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, hybrid work, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Step into a true ownership role with direct influence on impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Strong Java experience and proven track record in system lifecycle management.
- Other info: Stable environment with significant autonomy and long-term growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Hertfordshire (Hybrid)
Salary: ÂŁ100,000 + bonus + benefits
We’re partnering with a growing, engineering-led company building real-world monitoring and data systems used across critical infrastructure environments. This is a rare opportunity to step into a true “owner” role, taking over responsibility for a complex, live platform where you’ll shape architecture, lead technical direction, and work closely with senior leadership as the business scales.
If you’re looking to move beyond feature delivery and API building, into end-to-end system ownership, long-term technical decision-making, and high-impact work, this is that step.
About the Company- Established, profitable UK business entering a high-growth phase
- Engineering-led, with a strong focus on building robust, real-world systems
- Small, highly technical team with significant autonomy and influence
- No external investor pressure → stable, long-term environment
This is not a typical “senior developer” position. You’ll be stepping into a lead / successor role, taking responsibility for a core platform currently owned by a founding technologist.
You’ll:
- Own the full software lifecycle; design, build, deployment, and ongoing operation
- Lead and guide a small team of developers and support engineers
- Drive stability, security, and performance of a live production system
- Work on complex, data-heavy systems with real-time inputs and high availability requirements
- Define technical direction and roadmap in collaboration with leadership
This is a role for someone who wants to run systems, not just build features.
Tech Stack (High-Level)- Backend: Java / enterprise middleware environment
- Infrastructure: Linux-based, privately hosted systems
- Integration: APIs, messaging (e.g. MQTT), distributed systems
- Data: High-volume, real-time data processing and storage
The platform operates across multiple layers. From data ingestion and processing through to end-user applications, requiring strong system-level thinking.
RequirementsMust-have:
- Strong experience in Java or similar backend systems
- Proven track record across the full software/system lifecycle
- Experience building and running high-availability, production systems
- Strong understanding of databases, system performance, and architecture
Nice-to-have:
- Experience with messaging systems (e.g. MQTT) or distributed systems
- Exposure to containerisation / cloud / infrastructure
- Experience mentoring or leading developers
- Salary: ÂŁ100,000
- Bonus: Performance-related
- Working setup: Hybrid (Hertfordshire-based office)
- Benefits: Pension, private healthcare, additional perks
More importantly:
- A genuine “step up” into ownership
- Direct influence on technical and business direction
- The chance to work on real-world systems with tangible impact
- A stable environment with long-term growth potential
If you’re looking for a role where you can take real ownership of a complex system and grow into a strategic technical leader, apply directly or get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Lead Full-Stack Software Engineer - Java in Plymouth employer: Foster Growth
Contact Detail:
Foster Growth Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Full-Stack Software Engineer - Java in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those that highlight your experience with Java and full software lifecycle management. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on system-level thinking and real-time data processing. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially around high-availability systems. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨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 joining our team and taking on that ownership role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Full-Stack Software Engineer - Java in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Lead Full-Stack Software Engineer role. Highlight your Java expertise and any experience with high-availability systems to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this ownership role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or managed complex systems in the past – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! If you’ve worked with messaging systems or have experience in cloud infrastructure, make sure to include those details. We want to see what you can bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foster Growth
✨Know Your Tech Stack Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Java and the associated technologies mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of enterprise middleware, Linux systems, and high-volume data processing. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re ready to take ownership of the platform.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a small team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully guided developers or managed projects in the past. Highlight your experience in mentoring and decision-making, as this will resonate with the company's focus on autonomy and influence.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly around system stability and performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, demonstrating how you tackled complex issues and contributed to high-availability systems.
✨Align with Company Values
Research the company’s engineering-led approach and their focus on building robust systems. Be ready to articulate why you’re excited about working in a stable, long-term environment and how your goals align with their growth phase. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly fits their culture.