Lead Software Engineer in Manchester

Lead Software Engineer in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 42000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
O

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a skilled team, shape architecture, and deliver high-performing software solutions.
  • Company: Dynamic financial services organisation in Manchester City Centre.
  • Benefits: Up to £70k salary, 25 days leave, healthcare plan, and birthday off.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while staying hands-on with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in software engineering and experience leading teams.
  • Other info: Values-led culture focused on inclusion and collaboration.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.

I'm working with a Manchester-based financial services organisation that is looking for a Lead Software Engineer to take technical ownership of key systems and lead a growing engineering team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced full-stack engineer who enjoys staying hands-on while also shaping architecture, setting technical direction, and mentoring engineers in a purpose-driven environment.

The Opportunity

You’ll lead a small, highly skilled team of engineers, working closely with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams to deliver robust, scalable, and high-performing software solutions. Reporting into the Head of Engineering, you’ll play a pivotal role in defining architectural standards, driving innovation, and ensuring systems support long-term business strategy. This role blends hands-on development, technical leadership, and people management, with exposure to modern cloud-based technologies and mission-critical systems.

Key Responsibilities

  • Leading and mentoring a team of software engineers, supporting delivery and professional development
  • Providing technical ownership of architecture, design decisions, and engineering best practices
  • Designing, developing, and maintaining high-quality, resilient, and performant software solutions
  • Working closely with stakeholders to interpret requirements and translate them into technical solutions
  • Offering technical guidance and problem-solving support across the engineering function
  • Effectively managing priorities and balancing hands-on delivery with leadership responsibilities

Tech Stack & Experience

Core technologies:

  • C# / .NET / ASP.NET MVC
  • SQL Server
  • Microsoft Azure (including cloud-native services)
  • JavaScript / TypeScript
  • React (or similar modern JS frameworks)

Additional technologies you’ll encounter:

  • Docker
  • DevOps tooling and CI/CD pipelines
  • Linux / PowerShell
  • Git

What They’re Looking For

  • At least 5 years’ commercial software engineering experience
  • Previous experience leading or mentoring a software development team
  • Strong full-stack background within the Microsoft ecosystem
  • Solid understanding of unit testing and Agile delivery practices
  • Experience working on business-critical or 24/7 systems
  • Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders
  • Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Salary & Benefits

  • Up to £70,000 basic salary, depending on experience
  • Up to 25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays
  • Your birthday off, every year
  • Healthcare cash plan
  • Contributory pension scheme (matched up to 5%)
  • Life assurance
  • Cycle to work scheme

Why This Role?

This is a standout opportunity for a technical leader who wants real influence over architecture and engineering standards, while remaining close to the code. You’ll join a values-led organisation with a strong focus on inclusion, collaboration, and long-term impact, where technology plays a central role in delivering meaningful outcomes.

If you’re open to a confidential discussion, apply now and I’ll be in touch.

Lead Software Engineer in Manchester employer: Oscar Associates (UK) Limited

Join a forward-thinking financial services organisation in the heart of Manchester City Centre, where you will not only lead a talented team of engineers but also have the opportunity to shape the future of technology within the company. With a strong emphasis on professional development, collaboration, and a values-driven culture, you'll enjoy a supportive environment that prioritises innovation and employee well-being, including generous leave policies and a healthcare cash plan. This role offers a unique blend of technical leadership and hands-on development, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
O

Contact Detail:

Oscar Associates (UK) Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer in Manchester

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, tech talks, or even online webinars. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those that highlight your full-stack capabilities. This is your chance to demonstrate your technical ownership and leadership experience in a tangible way.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

✨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 Lead Software Engineer in Manchester

C#
.NET
ASP.NET MVC
SQL Server
Microsoft Azure
JavaScript
TypeScript
React
Docker
DevOps tooling
CI/CD pipelines
Linux
PowerShell
Git
Agile delivery practices

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Lead Software Engineer role. Highlight your full-stack experience, leadership roles, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission. Don’t forget to mention your experience with cloud technologies and mentoring, as these are key for us.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight your proficiency in C#, .NET, and other technologies mentioned in the job description. We love seeing specific examples of how you've used these skills in past projects, so don’t hold back!

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 the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Oscar Associates (UK) Limited

✨Know Your Tech Stack Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the core technologies mentioned in the job description, like C#, .NET, and Azure. Brush up on your knowledge of modern JS frameworks like React too. Being able to discuss your experience with these technologies confidently will show that you're the right fit for the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've led or mentored teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you helped your team overcome them. This will demonstrate your ability to take technical ownership and guide others, which is crucial for this position.

✨Communicate Clearly with Non-Techies

Since you'll be working closely with stakeholders, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Prepare a few scenarios where you successfully communicated technical ideas to non-technical audiences. This skill is key to ensuring everyone is on the same page.

✨Balance Hands-On and Leadership Experience

Be ready to discuss how you manage your time between coding and leading a team. Share examples of how you’ve balanced hands-on development with mentoring and architectural decisions. This will highlight your ability to juggle responsibilities effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Lead Software Engineer in Manchester
Oscar Associates (UK) Limited
Location: Manchester

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

O
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>