At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering and AI initiatives, transforming investment platforms with cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Top buy-side investment firm in London, focused on innovation and AI integration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Hands-on role with a focus on reducing external dependencies and enhancing in-house capabilities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI development in finance, making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in financial services, strong technical skills, and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Join a leading buy-side investment firm as Head of Engineering and AI, taking ownership of proprietary investment and operations platforms while driving the transformation to AI-augmented development. This is a hands-on leadership role for an engineering leader who treats software as a craft, has strong opinions on modern application architecture, and is energized by building AI-native delivery capabilities.
What You'll Own:
- Proprietary Applications
- Lifecycle ownership of core investment and operations systems
- Application portfolio including architecture, technical roadmap, framework modernization
- Decommissioning legacy components and driving technical evolution
- AI-Augmented Delivery
- Drive adoption of Claude Code, agentic pipelines, and AI-generated testing across the development lifecycle
- Productionize existing PoCs (unit test generation, codebase documentation, ADO-to-GitHub automation)
- Build AI-native delivery model reducing external supplier dependency
- MCP & Integration Architecture
- Build MCP connector layer exposing proprietary systems to firm's AI estate
- Implement governance, audit trails, and access controls
- Enable secure, governed AI integration with core platforms
- Team & Supply Model
- Lead small senior in-house engineering squad augmented by selected contractors
- Set engineering standards, code review culture, and delivery cadence
- Reduce dependency on external development suppliers through AI-augmented in-house capability
- Governance & Audit Readiness
- Ensure institutional investor scrutiny standards met
- AI code provenance, container hardening, change control, full audit trails
- FCA regulated environment compliance without slowing delivery
We're Looking For
An engineering leader who has done the work, not just managed it.
Essential:
- Strong track record building and running proprietary applications in financial services
- Experience of managing onshore and offshore teams.
- Deep .NET background with modernization programme experience
- Multi-language fluency - .NET, Python, TypeScript, SQL
- Hands-on AI tooling experience - Claude Code, Cursor, or equivalent AI-native development tools with clear POV on effective use
- MCP, agent frameworks, or LLM integration - practical production experience
- Cloud & data platforms - Azure and Databricks fluency
- Team leadership - experience leading small senior teams and managing supplier relationships
- In-house ownership bias - proven track record reducing external dependency for critical IP
- FCA regulated environment - judgement to maintain compliance without blocking velocity
Interim Head of Engineering and AI in Slough employer: McCabe & Barton
Join a leading buy-side investment firm in London, where innovation meets opportunity. As an employer, we foster a dynamic work culture that values craftsmanship in software development and encourages the adoption of cutting-edge AI technologies. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer hands-on leadership roles that empower you to shape the future of our proprietary applications while ensuring compliance in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Engineering and AI in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and AI space. Attend industry meetups or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren’t advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your hands-on experience with proprietary applications and AI tools. Use platforms like GitHub to share your projects and demonstrate your coding prowess. 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 your technical knowledge and leadership experiences. Be ready to discuss your approach to building AI-native delivery models and managing teams. Practice common interview questions, but also be prepared to dive deep into your past projects and decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the specific role and showcasing your unique qualifications. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Engineering and AI in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim Head of Engineering and AI. Highlight your experience with proprietary applications and AI tools, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills in managing teams and projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this hands-on leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've driven transformation in engineering and AI, and how you’ve built effective teams.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your technical prowess! Be sure to mention your experience with .NET, Python, and any AI-native development tools you’ve used. If you’ve worked on cloud platforms like Azure or Databricks, make that clear too!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at McCabe & Barton
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially .NET, Python, and AI tools like Claude Code. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these technologies and how you've applied them in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach, especially in managing both onshore and offshore teams. Share specific examples of how you've built a strong engineering culture and reduced dependency on external suppliers through effective team management.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of examples where you've tackled challenges in application architecture or modernisation programmes. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes, particularly in a regulated environment like FCA compliance.
✨Engage with AI Integration Insights
Since this role focuses heavily on AI-augmented delivery, come prepared with insights on how you've implemented AI tools in previous projects. Discuss your perspective on effective use of AI in development and how it can enhance productivity and governance.
