At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead R&D strategy and drive innovation in healthcare software.
- Company: Join Harris Health Alliance, a leader in healthcare technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extra personal days, and lifestyle rewards.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for AI consultancy development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare tech and improve patient outcomes.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in R&D leadership with a focus on software.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Are you ready to shape the technology and innovation strategy of a growing healthcare software business and make a real impact on patient care? At Harris Health Alliance, part of the Harris Computer Group and Constellation Software, we develop mission-critical software that healthcare organisations across the UK and Ireland rely on every day, from maternity and genomics to child digital health, NHS integration and quality management.
We're looking for a Vice President of Research & Development to lead our product, engineering, platform and quality teams, driving innovation while ensuring our solutions remain reliable, secure and compliant.
As a member of our Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Executive Vice President, you'll shape the future of our technology and product strategy. You'll take ownership of the R&D roadmap and budget, lead high-performing teams and drive innovation across our healthcare software portfolio. You'll also have the opportunity to help develop a future AI consultancy and Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) offering. Backed by the long-term stability and growth strategy of Harris Computer, you'll play a key role in advancing healthcare technology and supporting better patient outcomes.
What you will do
- Set and deliver the R&D strategy and product roadmap across our healthcare portfolio
- Lead product management, software engineering, platform engineering and QA
- Own the R&D budget and prioritise investment on clear customer and commercial returns
- Deliver releases on time and to a high standard, while tackling technical debt
- Keep live services stable and secure, and products compliant with ISO and medical device regulations
- Drive AI-enabled engineering to improve speed, quality and efficiency
- Coach and develop a talented team of product and technology leaders
What we are looking for
- 8+ years leading R&D, engineering or product teams, including 5+ at senior level
- Experience leading both product and engineering in a software business
- R&D budget ownership and investment decisions grounded in financial return
- A strong track record of predictable delivery and quality assurance
- Experience of regulated software, ideally healthcare (ISO 13485/27001, MDR, DCB0129)
- Hands-on enthusiasm for AI and modern engineering practices
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management and coaching skills
Desirable: NHS or public sector software, NHS integration standards, SaaS platforms
Harris Health Alliance is part of Harris Computer, a global provider of mission-critical software solutions and a subsidiary of Constellation Software Inc. (TSX: CSU), one of the world's largest software acquirers. We support healthcare organisations worldwide through innovative software that helps improve clinical and operational outcomes.
Benefits
Harris offer an extremely competitive UK employee benefits programme. 5 Personal Days leave entitlement are granted over and above the standard 25 days holiday and bank holidays. Harris also offers all UK employees an annual Lifestyle Reward amounting £325 per annum/pro rata.
Supporting your application
Our recruitment process will comprise of interviews and, at times, a written exercise, an assessment day and/or a presentation. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we want to make sure we do all we can to make this a positive experience for you. If your application is progressed, please make us aware of any adjustments or additional support we can provide you with.
Vice President of Research & Development employer: Harris
Harris’ International Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the United Kingdom where Corporate Development Associates can thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth through comprehensive training and mentorship from seasoned M&A professionals, the company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. Employees enjoy competitive benefits, including generous holiday allowances and performance-based bonuses, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in the fast-paced world of mergers and acquisitions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vice President of Research & Development
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Harris or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Harris.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Harris.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Harris that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Vice President of Research & Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Harris.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Harris and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Harris uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
