At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead software engineering, drive delivery, and shape strategic decisions.
- Company: High-growth tech business with a focus on innovation and leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, equity potential, and hybrid working model.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and pave your way to a Deputy CTO role.
- Qualifications: Strong Java experience and proven leadership in engineering teams.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
A high-growth technology business is looking to appoint a Head of Software Development to lead its engineering function, drive delivery across multiple platforms and play a key role in the wider leadership team. This is a senior hire with a clear route into a future Deputy CTO position for the right individual.
This opportunity would suit an experienced engineering leader who can operate strategically while still being close enough to technology to challenge decisions, guide teams and raise standards.
The Opportunity
- You will take ownership of the software development function end-to-end, leading engineering strategy, delivery performance, architecture direction and team growth.
- The business has both onshore and offshore capability, so experience managing distributed teams is important.
- You will work closely with senior stakeholders across technology and the wider business, helping shape roadmap decisions, improve engineering maturity and scale the platform for future growth.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead the software engineering function across products and internal platforms.
- Define and execute development strategy aligned to business goals.
- Own software delivery processes, timelines, quality standards and output.
- Provide hands-on technical leadership within a Java environment.
- Drive best practice across Agile, DevOps, CI/CD and engineering governance.
- Manage and develop offshore engineering teams across multiple locations.
- Build strong communication frameworks across distributed teams.
- Hire, mentor and retain high-performing engineers and managers.
- Partner with executive leadership on roadmap, investment and technology planning.
- Support architecture, scalability, security and compliance initiatives.
- Act as a succession hire for a future Deputy CTO role.
What They're Looking For
- Strong background in software engineering with deep Java experience.
- Proven leadership experience running engineering teams and delivery functions.
- Track record managing offshore or distributed development teams.
- Experience owning the full software development lifecycle.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with commercial awareness.
- Able to balance strategic leadership with hands-on technical credibility.
- Background in capital markets, fintech, SaaS or complex enterprise systems.
- Strong understanding of cloud environments, modern architecture and DevOps practices.
Desirable Experience
- Previously held a Head of Engineering / VP Engineering / Director level title.
- Experience in a scale-up or fast-growth environment.
- Exposure to AI / ML or automation tooling.
- Knowledge of regulatory and security frameworks.
- Experience with trading systems or post-trade platforms.
Package
- Competitive base salary.
- Performance bonus.
- Equity potential.
- Clear progression path to Deputy CTO.
- Hybrid working model.
- Strong benefits package.
If you'd like a confidential discussion, get in touch with Ciara Clarke at Harrington Starr for full details on the business, package and long-term opportunity.
Head of Software Engineering in London employer: LinkedIn
Join a high-growth technology business that prioritises innovation and employee development, offering a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and equity potential. With a hybrid working model and a clear progression path to a Deputy CTO role, this company fosters a collaborative work culture where your leadership in software engineering will directly impact the organisation's success. Experience the unique advantage of managing distributed teams while driving best practices in a dynamic environment focused on growth and excellence.
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 might know about opportunities at companies you're interested in. A personal referral can make all the difference in getting noticed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and leadership experience. Be ready to discuss how you've driven engineering strategy and managed teams, especially in a hybrid environment. We want to see your hands-on approach!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight specific projects where you led teams to success. Use metrics to back up your claims – numbers speak volumes!
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Software Engineering in London
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 managing distributed teams and your hands-on technical expertise in Java.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've driven engineering strategy and improved delivery performance in previous roles.
Showcase Your Technical Leadership:In your application, emphasise your ability to balance strategic leadership with technical credibility. We want to see how you've guided teams and raised standards in past projects, particularly in Agile and DevOps environments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and allows us to keep track of all candidates efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at LinkedIn
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Head of Software Engineering, you need to be well-versed in Java and the latest tech trends. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss how you've applied it in past roles. This will show that you can lead from the front and make informed decisions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership experience, especially with distributed teams. Share specific examples of how you've managed offshore teams and improved delivery performance. Highlight your ability to mentor and retain talent, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Align with Business Goals
Understand the company's vision and how the software engineering function fits into it. Be ready to discuss how you've previously aligned development strategies with business objectives. This shows that you can think strategically while still being hands-on.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Prepare to demonstrate how you've built communication frameworks across teams. Practice articulating complex technical concepts in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand, as this will be vital in your interactions.
