At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead software projects and manage a remote development team while ensuring quality delivery.
- Company: Join PEN Group, a dynamic tech company in Canary Wharf, London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, training opportunities, and grocery discounts.
- Other info: Exciting career growth and a chance to integrate AI into diverse platforms.
- Why this job: Shape impactful products and work with cutting-edge technology in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in software development and experience in project management.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Company: Planet Education Networks (PEN Group)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Working Days & Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm
Location: On-Site, Canary Wharf, London
About the Role
PEN Group is seeking an experienced Software Project Manager who began their career as a software developer and has since transitioned into delivery or product management. This is not a pure PM role — we need someone who genuinely understands code, can earn the trust of engineers, and can hold a technical conversation about architecture, performance, and trade-offs. You will take ownership of a growing portfolio of in-house software platforms used across all businesses connected to PEN Group. You will manage a small overseas development team day‑to‑day from our Canary Wharf office, acting as the bridge between business stakeholders and technical delivery.
We are specifically looking for candidates who have followed a trajectory similar to:
- 2+ years as a software developer or technical lead, writing production code
- Subsequent move into a delivery or management role: Software Project Manager, Technical Product Manager, Engineering Lead, Delivery Manager, or similar
(Candidates who have only ever worked in project or product management without a prior development background will not be considered for this role. Your development experience is what will make you effective here.)
About the Projects
You will lead the development and continuous improvement of a growing suite of internal and commercial software platforms spanning multiple industries:
- EdTech platforms and education management systems
- HR and staffing management platforms
- Hospitality and operations systems
- Travel and booking-related systems
- Website builder and CRM platforms
There is a strong and growing emphasis on AI integration across all products — including workflow automation, intelligent data processing, reporting insights, and AI‑assisted user experiences. Many projects will evolve from MVP stage to scalable production systems, requiring strong architectural thinking and long‑term maintainability planning.
Key Responsibilities
- Own end‑to‑end delivery of multiple software projects simultaneously
- Day‑to‑day management and support of an overseas development team of engineers
- Translate business requirements into well‑scoped technical tasks, epics, and milestones
- Track progress, manage risks proactively, and unblock delivery issues
- Conduct code reviews and provide technical guidance where appropriate
- Communicate clearly with both technical teams and non‑technical senior stakeholders
- Ensure platforms are built to be scalable, secure, and maintainable from the outset
- Evaluate technical approaches and contribute to architectural decisions
- Define and maintain development standards, workflows, and documentation practices
Minimum 2 years of hands‑on software development experience building production systems
Solid understanding of relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and data modelling
Experience shipping at least one production software platform from development through to live
Project & Team Management (Required)
- Proven experience managing software delivery from requirements through to production release
- Experience leading or coordinating a small technical team, including remote or offshore engineers
- Comfortable using project management and collaboration tools (Jira, Linear, GitHub, Notion, etc.)
- Strong planning, prioritisation, and stakeholder communication skills
Desirable (Nice to Have)
- Experience scaling products from MVP to full production with real user load
- Cloud or serverless deployment experience (AWS, GCP, Azure, or Vercel/similar)
- Database schema design and query performance optimisation
- Familiarity with AI/ML tooling or LLM integrations in production systems
- SaaS, CRM, or enterprise platform experience
- Agile or Scrum certification (though practical experience is more important to us)
Why Join PEN Group
- High level of ownership — you will shape how products are built and delivered, not just track tickets
- Work on a diverse portfolio of platforms with real business impact across multiple industries
- Collaborative culture that values technical depth and practical delivery over process for its own sake
- Competitive salary based on experience, plus Tier 2 visa sponsorship available for the right candidate
- Office based in Canary Wharf, London with a dynamic and growing team
- Annual leave (7.2 weeks)
- Company Sick Policy. Statutory maternity/paternity pays.
- Training and self‑development opportunities.
- Grocery discounts
- Cycle to work
- Investing and savings opportunities
Software Project Manager employer: PEN Group
At PEN Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative culture and values technical expertise. Located in the vibrant Canary Wharf, London, we offer our Software Project Managers a unique opportunity to lead impactful projects across diverse industries while enjoying competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and comprehensive training opportunities. Join us to shape the future of our software platforms and grow alongside a dynamic team committed to innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage with online communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Since this role requires a solid understanding of software development, be ready to discuss code, architecture, and project management strategies in detail.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience effectively! When discussing your past roles, highlight specific projects where you led teams or made significant contributions. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact — 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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at PEN Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Background:Make sure to highlight your journey from software developer to project manager. We want to see how your coding experience shapes your approach to managing projects and teams.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV! We love it when candidates customise their applications to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match our job description. It shows us you’re genuinely interested in the role.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to understand and directly related to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at PEN Group
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Since this role requires a solid understanding of software development, brush up on your coding knowledge. Be ready to discuss technical concepts like architecture and performance trade-offs. This will help you earn the trust of the engineers you'll be working with.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed software projects from start to finish. Highlight your experience in leading teams, managing risks, and ensuring timely delivery. Use specific metrics or outcomes to demonstrate your impact.
✨Communicate Clearly with Stakeholders
Practice explaining complex technical ideas in simple terms. You'll need to bridge the gap between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders, so being able to communicate effectively is key. Think of scenarios where you've done this successfully.
✨Familiarise Yourself with AI Integration
Given the emphasis on AI in the role, it’s a good idea to understand how AI can enhance software platforms. Be prepared to discuss any relevant experience you have with AI/ML tooling or how you envision integrating these technologies into projects.
