Head of Software Engineering in Ipswich

Established in 1963, Fred. Olsen Ltd is a diverse, global organisation operating across Renewable Energy, Forest Management, Logistics and Travel. Headquartered in the UK, we provide central support services across Finance, HR, IT and Facilities to a wide range of businesses. We’re proud of our strong family culture and authentic heritage. Our continued success is driven by the passion of our people, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive and grow.

As we continue to grow, we’re looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Software Engineering to lead and scale high-performing engineering teams across the Fred. Olsen group. This is a strategic leadership role with the opportunity to shape the future of software delivery across a diverse portfolio spanning eCommerce, renewable energy solutions, and business-critical applications. This position is based at our Ipswich Head Office on a hybrid basis with 3 days in the office. We are offering a 6 figure salary with a competitive benefits package.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the CTO, you’ll lead a shared service function delivering software engineering, automated testing, and low-code development across multiple businesses. You’ll play a key role in defining the technical vision, driving engineering excellence, and ensuring the delivery of secure, scalable, and high-quality software products. Working closely with teams across AI, Cloud Infrastructure, Service, and Delivery, as well as external technology partners, you’ll ensure consistent standards and best practices across all development activity.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Setting the strategic direction, priorities, and OKRs for the software engineering function
• Leading the design, development, and delivery of high-quality, secure, and reliable software
• Owning and evolving the technical strategy, including low-code and citizen development initiatives
• Building and scaling high-performing teams through hiring, mentoring, and talent development
• Driving continuous improvement across engineering practices, tools, and technologies
• Managing the balance between internal capability and external partners
• Ensuring high-velocity delivery while maintaining quality and performance standards
• Collaborating with senior stakeholders across the business to align technology with commercial goals
• Bringing external insight and innovation into the organisation through industry engagement

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience leading and scaling software engineering teams in complex environments
• Strong technical background across software engineering, automated testing, and cloud platforms (ideally Azure)
• Deep understanding of Agile methodologies (Scrum/Kanban), CI/CD, and Site Reliability Engineering
• Experience developing and supporting software for 24/7/365 environments
• Commercial mindset with the ability to balance customer needs and business objectives
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing distributed teams and mixed resource models
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior level
• Strategic thinker who can translate business challenges into technical solutions

Nice to Have

• Experience within the travel, cruise, or renewable energy sectors
• Exposure to low-code platforms and citizen development approaches

Why Join?

This is a unique opportunity to take on a senior leadership role within a well-established, globally operating organisation with a strong entrepreneurial culture. You’ll have the autonomy to shape engineering strategy, build impactful teams, and deliver innovative solutions across multiple industries. Travel to other locations may be required as part of the role.

Our Commitment

We are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate diversity. We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and supporting candidates throughout the recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of your application or interview process, please let us know.