Director of Software Engineering

Director of Software Engineering

Full-Time 100000 - 150000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Selby Jennings

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team of 100+ engineers to drive innovative software solutions.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on transformation and growth.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, healthcare, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Embrace a hybrid work model with a focus on collaboration and career development.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of technology while developing top engineering talent.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in large-scale software teams and strong problem-solving skills.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.

We are looking for a Director of Software Engineering to lead a team of 100+ engineers. We're seeking someone who is results-oriented, able to partner with business leaders, and operate with strong technical depth.

You will be responsible for technologists within a number of outcome-driven teams focused on delivering key business results. You will be an excellent leader and communicator, able to move seamlessly from executive-level discussions to deep technical problem-solving and strategic roadmap planning. You will bring clarity and direction in complex and ambiguous environments.

You will partner closely with business leadership and enterprise stakeholders, providing objective assessments of cost, risk, and trade-offs across solutions, along with clear recommendations.

What you’ll do:
  • Lead a team of 100+ technologists (engineers and architects) operating at scale within a complex, regulated environment.
  • Collaborate with Product and Design teams to shape the product roadmap and key capabilities.
  • Develop and grow talent, proactively managing performance and career progression.
  • Drive effective and high-quality delivery across multiple teams.
  • Engage with enterprise stakeholders, including international partners with domain expertise.
  • Oversee a blended workforce of permanent and third-party engineers.
  • Provide organisational context and align teams to customer and business outcomes.
  • Stay informed on regulatory changes and enterprise processes.
  • Maintain awareness of modern technologies and engineering practices.
  • Contribute to technical design reviews to ensure consistent engineering standards.
  • Support ongoing career growth and development across the organisation.
What we’re looking for:
  • Proven experience leading large-scale software engineering teams with a track record of high performance.
  • Ability to solve complex challenges across people, process, and technology.
  • Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to advise senior stakeholders effectively.
  • Passion for hiring and developing top engineering talent.
  • Ability to drive results while establishing scalable engineering practices.
  • Excellent communication skills, adaptable across different audiences.
  • Experience with cloud technologies (e.g. AWS or similar platforms).
  • Understanding of modern cybersecurity considerations and their impact on engineering.
  • Ability to balance enterprise governance with local requirements.
  • Pragmatic approach to short-term vs long-term trade-offs.
  • Experience within regulated environments or financial services (preferred).
Working arrangements:

This is a permanent role with a hybrid working model, combining office and remote working. Regular in-office collaboration is expected during the week.

What's in it for you:
  • Opportunity to contribute to the transformation and future roadmap of a large organisation.
  • Strong career progression opportunities and access to structured training programmes.
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package, including bonus, pension, and healthcare.
  • Access to flexible benefits and wellbeing initiatives.
  • Modern office environment designed to support collaboration and productivity.
Recruitment process and inclusion:

We are committed to building diverse and inclusive teams and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Our recruitment process is designed to be fair, transparent, and accessible. We support a number of employee networks and initiatives focused on inclusion, wellbeing, and career development. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process upon request.

Director of Software Engineering employer: Selby Jennings

As a leading employer in the software engineering sector, we offer an exceptional opportunity for the Director of Software Engineering to lead a dynamic team of over 100 engineers in a collaborative and innovative environment. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our structured training programmes and strong career progression opportunities, alongside a competitive compensation package that includes flexible benefits and wellbeing initiatives. With a modern office designed for productivity and a hybrid working model, we foster a culture of inclusivity and support, making us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

Selby Jennings

Contact Details:

Selby Jennings Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Software Engineering

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to software engineering leadership. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable discussing your experience and how it aligns with the role.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've developed talent and driven results in previous roles. We want to see how you can bring clarity and direction to complex environments.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Software Engineering

Leadership
Technical Depth
Communication Skills
Critical Thinking
Talent Development
Performance Management
Cloud Technologies (e.g. AWS)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Director of Software Engineering. Highlight your experience leading large teams and any specific achievements that showcase your ability to drive results in complex environments.

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 skills align with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your experience with cloud technologies and your approach to developing talent.

Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. We want to know how you engage with teams and stakeholders, and how you navigate challenges. Share examples that demonstrate your communication skills and strategic thinking.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Selby Jennings

Know Your Tech Inside Out

As a Director of Software Engineering, you'll need to demonstrate strong technical depth. Brush up on the latest cloud technologies and cybersecurity considerations relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how these technologies can impact engineering practices and business outcomes.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to talk about your experience leading large teams. Share specific examples of how you've developed talent and managed performance. Highlight your ability to drive results while fostering a collaborative environment, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

You'll be moving between executive discussions and technical problem-solving, so practice articulating complex ideas simply. Use clear, concise language and be prepared to answer questions from both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Understand the Business Context

Familiarise yourself with the company's goals and challenges. Be ready to discuss how you can align engineering efforts with business outcomes. This shows that you’re not just a tech expert but also a strategic partner who understands the bigger picture.