Head of Software Engineering in London
Head of Software Engineering

Head of Software Engineering in London

London Full-Time 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and shape the engineering vision for a global fintech firm.
  • Company: High-growth financial technology firm with a mission-driven focus.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, long-term incentives, and hybrid working options.
  • Why this job: Enjoy autonomy while tackling complex engineering challenges in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in engineering teams and expertise in C# or Java.
  • Other info: Opportunity for significant impact and career growth in a global setting.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.

We're partnering with a high-growth, global financial technology firm building mission‐critical platforms used by some of the world's most sophisticated investment managers. This is a senior leadership role for someone who has scaled large engineering organisations in Big Tech or top‐tier product companies, and now wants ownership, influence, and genuine impact.

What you'll be doing:

  • Set technical vision, architecture standards, and engineering culture at scale.
  • Own and lead a multi-team software engineering organisation across C# / Java.
  • Drive delivery of highly available, distributed, cloud‐native systems.
  • Partner closely with Product, Architecture, and Executive leadership.
  • Build, mentor, and retain senior engineering leaders and ICs.
  • Balance hands‐on technical depth with strategic execution.

What we're looking for:

  • Proven experience leading engineering teams (20–30+ engineers).
  • Strong background in C# or Java within complex, high‐scale environments.
  • Experience in Big Tech or elite product‐led organisations.
  • Deep understanding of distributed systems, cloud platforms, and modern SDLC.
  • Comfortable operating at exec level while still technical and credible.

Why this role:

  • Greenfield leadership mandate with real autonomy.
  • Complex domain, long‐term roadmap, and meaningful engineering challenges.
  • Competitive compensation + long‐term incentive upside.
  • Hybrid working, senior visibility, and global scope.

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

If you are interested in learning more please click on the apply button below or reach out to Con at Harrington Starr.

Head of Software Engineering in London employer: Harrington Starr

Harrington Starr is an exceptional employer for the Head of Software Engineering role, offering a unique opportunity to lead and shape a high-growth global financial technology firm. With a focus on innovation and autonomy, employees benefit from a competitive compensation package, hybrid working arrangements, and the chance to tackle complex engineering challenges in a dynamic environment. The company fosters a culture of mentorship and growth, ensuring that leaders can make a genuine impact while collaborating with top-tier professionals in the industry.
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Contact Detail:

Harrington Starr Recruiting Team

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 have experience in Big Tech or financial technology. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're aiming for a senior leadership role.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Prepare to discuss your past experiences leading engineering teams and scaling organisations. Be ready with specific examples that highlight your technical depth and strategic execution—this is your chance to shine!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! When you get the opportunity to interview, make sure you can clearly articulate your vision for engineering culture and architecture standards. This role is all about influence, so be confident in sharing your ideas.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a high-growth firm where you can make a real impact.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Software Engineering in London

C#
Java
Leadership
Software Engineering
Cloud-Native Systems
Distributed Systems
Technical Vision
Architecture Standards
Engineering Culture
Mentoring
Strategic Execution
Collaboration with Product and Architecture Teams
High-Scale Environments
Executive Communication

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 experience, especially in scaling engineering teams and working with C# or Java.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've set technical vision and driven delivery in previous positions, and don’t forget to show your passion for the fintech space!

Showcase Your Technical Depth: While we want to see your strategic thinking, don’t shy away from showcasing your hands-on technical skills. Discuss your experience with distributed systems and cloud platforms to demonstrate your credibility at an executive 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 in a high-growth environment.

How to prepare for a job interview at Harrington Starr

✨Know Your Tech Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in C# and Java, as well as distributed systems and cloud platforms. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss how you've applied these skills in high-scale environments.

✨Showcase Leadership Experience

Prepare examples that highlight your experience leading engineering teams of 20-30+ engineers. Discuss how you’ve built and mentored senior leaders, and how you’ve influenced engineering culture in previous roles.

✨Align with Company Vision

Research the company’s mission and values. Be ready to articulate how your technical vision aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their long-term roadmap.

✨Balance Strategy and Hands-On Skills

Demonstrate your ability to operate at an executive level while still being technically credible. Prepare to discuss how you balance strategic execution with hands-on technical depth in your previous roles.

Head of Software Engineering in London
Harrington Starr
Location: London

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