At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global engineering teams to deliver innovative assessment technology at scale.
- Company: Join Pearson, a leader in transforming global education through technology.
- Benefits: Impact millions of learners while enjoying growth opportunities and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Be part of a major transformation programme with a focus on continuous learning.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital assessment and drive real-world impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading large-scale engineering teams and delivering complex digital products.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Shape the future of digital assessment at scale. At Pearson, we’re transforming how qualifications are delivered globally, combining deep educational expertise with cutting‑edge technology. We’re now looking for a Senior Software Engineering Manager to lead the engineering and operations teams behind our critical assessment services. This is a high‑impact leadership role at the heart of our transformation, ensuring millions of learners experience secure, reliable, and high‑quality qualification delivery.
About the role
- You’ll lead globally distributed engineering, DevOps, and service teams responsible for the technology that underpins Pearson’s regulated and non‑regulated qualifications.
- Working as part of the PQ Technology Senior Leadership Team, you’ll shape and deliver a product‑led technology strategy, balancing innovation, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance.
- You’ll also play a key role in the PQ Transformation Programme, helping build a more agile, collaborative, and future‑ready organisation.
- This is a role with real breadth and influence, spanning delivery, stakeholder leadership, and strategic planning.
What you’ll be doing
- Own delivery of Pearson’s qualifications technology portfolio, ensuring exam series are delivered on time, to quality, and at scale.
- Lead global engineering and DevOps teams, translating business priorities into effective technical execution.
- Drive operational excellence, including incident management, service performance, and resilience during critical exam periods.
- Partner with regulators and senior stakeholders, acting as a trusted technology leader across internal and external audiences.
- Enable innovation, overseeing delivery of new features, platform improvements, and agentic deployment approach.
- Champion modern engineering practices, including agile, DevSecOps, and secure cloud‑based delivery.
- Collaborate cross‑functionally across Product, Operations, Assessment, and Regulatory teams to align delivery to business goals.
- Manage third‑party and internal partnerships to ensure consistent, high‑quality delivery across multiple locations.
- Own budget and investment planning, contributing to business cases and long‑term strategy.
- Ensure compliance and security standards are met, in line with both internal policies and regulatory requirements.
What we’re looking for
- You’ll bring a strong blend of technical depth, delivery leadership, and stakeholder influence, with experience operating in complex, regulated environments.
Key skills and experience
- Proven experience leading large‑scale engineering and DevOps organisations.
- Strong background delivering complex digital products or platforms at scale.
- Experience working in regulated environments (for example education, finance, or healthcare).
- Deep understanding of cloud, DevSecOps, APIs, and secure system design.
- Experience driving agile transformation and modern engineering practices.
- Strong stakeholder management, including senior leadership and external or regulatory bodies.
- Experience building and scaling global, distributed teams.
- Commercial awareness, including budget ownership and supplier management.
Leadership capabilities
- Inspirational and inclusive leadership style.
- Strong communicator who can engage at all levels.
- Collaborative and outcome‑focused.
- Adaptable, resilient, and comfortable operating in complexity.
- Passionate about solving problems that have real‑world impact.
Why join Pearson
- Working on technology that impacts millions of learners worldwide.
- Being part of a major transformation programme, shaping the future of assessment.
- Collaborating with talented, globally distributed teams.
- Having real influence over strategy, delivery, and innovation.
- Continuing your own journey of learning, growth, and impact.
Who we are
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world’s lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are.
Senior Software Engineering Manager employer: Pearson
At Pearson, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. As a Senior Software Engineering Manager, you will lead talented global teams in shaping the future of digital assessment, while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and collaboration on impactful projects that reach millions of learners worldwide. Our culture prioritises continuous learning and operational excellence, making Pearson an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful difference in education technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineering Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Pearson on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Pearson's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our goals in digital assessment and innovation. We love candidates who are passionate about making a real-world impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about times you've led teams through challenges, especially in complex environments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your excitement about the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows us you're genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Software Engineering Manager role. Highlight your leadership in engineering and DevOps, and don’t forget to mention any experience in regulated environments!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about transforming digital assessment and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead large-scale projects and teams. Numbers speak volumes, so if you can quantify your successes, do it!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson
✨Understand the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Senior Software Engineering Manager at Pearson. Familiarise yourself with their technology portfolio and how it impacts learners globally. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Pearson is looking for an inspirational and inclusive leader. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led large-scale engineering and DevOps teams. Highlight your ability to engage stakeholders at all levels and drive collaborative outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Given the technical depth required for this role, be ready to discuss your experience with cloud technologies, DevSecOps, and secure system design. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've implemented modern engineering practices and driven agile transformations in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex, regulated environments. Think about past challenges you've faced, particularly during critical exam periods, and how you ensured operational excellence and compliance. This will showcase your readiness for the high-impact nature of the role.
