At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team of engineers to deliver a scalable PaaS platform.
- Company: High-growth AI technology company focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic startup culture with evolving priorities and challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping technology and leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in SaaS/PaaS delivery and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We’re partnering with a high-growth, early-stage AI Technology company to find a Head of Software Engineering to take ownership of their PaaS Platform delivery, manage & scale the engineering function, and lead the transition of an internal system into a robust, market-ready external product. This is a hands-on software engineering leadership role with real influence across technology, team, and product direction.
The Role & Responsibilities
- You’ll take full ownership of engineering delivery across a growing platform, leading and mentoring a team of 8 Python Engineers (software + Machine Learning) with scope to scale.
- Alongside team leadership, you’ll define and drive architectural decisions, ensuring the platform is scalable, reliable, and enterprise-ready.
- You’ll work closely with stakeholders across the business, translating commercial goals into clear technical direction and execution.
- A key part of the role is improving engineering standards, processes, and ways of working—creating a high-performing environment focused on accountability, pace, and continuous improvement.
- You’ll also oversee platform packaging and deployment, with a focus on containerised, production-ready solutions.
What We’re Looking For
- We’re looking for someone with a proven track record of delivering enterprise-grade SaaS or PaaS platforms and experience leading and scaling engineering teams.
- You’ll bring a strong technical foundation (Python preferred), along with hands-on experience in system architecture and complex technical decision-making.
- You should be comfortable operating in a startup or scale-up environment where priorities evolve and ambiguity is part of the journey.
- Experience in industrial, manufacturing, IoT, MES, or ERP environments is beneficial, as is exposure to ML/AI teams or data-driven platforms.
- Experience building products for non-technical users is also highly valuable.
The Environment & Impact
This role sits at the heart of a business tackling the challenge of standardising internal technology and delivering a simple, user-friendly platform for external integrators. Success in this role means building a scalable, externally facing platform, establishing a high-performing engineering team, and creating clear technical direction and delivery processes - all while ensuring the product balances technical sophistication with real-world usability.
If you’re a hands-on Engineering Leader looking to shape a platform, build a team, and make a genuine impact in a high-growth environment, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch to find out more.
Head of Software Engineering in Manchester employer: NearTech Search
Join a dynamic and innovative AI Technology company that prioritises employee growth and fosters a collaborative work culture. As the Head of Software Engineering, you will not only lead a talented team but also have the opportunity to shape the future of a cutting-edge platform in a high-growth environment. With a focus on continuous improvement and accountability, this role offers meaningful challenges and the chance to make a significant impact in the tech landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Software Engineering in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who work in AI or software engineering. A personal recommendation can make all the difference when you're aiming for that Head of Software Engineering role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and delivered projects in the past. Be ready to discuss how you can mentor and scale a team of engineers, just like the one in the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Get hands-on with the tech! Brush up on your Python skills and be prepared to talk about architectural decisions you've made. This role is all about being involved, so show them you can dive into the technical details while keeping an eye on the bigger picture.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows you're serious about the opportunity and gives us a chance to connect with you more personally. Don't miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Software Engineering in Manchester
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 experience in delivering SaaS or PaaS platforms and leading engineering teams, as this will catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this hands-on leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've improved engineering standards and led teams to success.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical foundation, especially in Python and system architecture. We want to see how your hands-on experience can translate into building a scalable, reliable platform.
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 to make a real impact!
How to prepare for a job interview at NearTech Search
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your technical skills, especially in Python and system architecture. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've tackled complex technical decisions. This role is all about leading a team and making architectural choices, so show them you’ve got the chops!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your experience in leading and mentoring engineering teams. Think of specific examples where you’ve improved processes or fostered a high-performing environment. They want to see how you can inspire and scale a team, so be ready to share your leadership philosophy.
✨Understand the Business Goals
Get familiar with the company’s commercial objectives and how they translate into technical direction. Be prepared to discuss how you would align engineering efforts with business goals, especially in a startup environment where priorities can shift rapidly.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Talk about your approach to improving engineering standards and processes. Share examples of how you’ve implemented changes that led to better performance or efficiency. They’re looking for someone who can create a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, so make sure to highlight your commitment to these values.
