Head of AI & Software Engineering (Future CTO)
Head of AI & Software Engineering (Future CTO)

Head of AI & Software Engineering (Future CTO)

Full-Time 80000 - 120000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to develop AI-powered features and shape the technical roadmap.
  • Company: Mission-driven tech startup transforming local government operations.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and the chance to make a real-world impact.
  • Why this job: Be a cornerstone leader in a high-growth startup with significant funding.
  • Qualifications: Experience in full-stack development and team leadership.
  • Other info: Join at a pivotal moment and help build a culture of innovation.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.

Engineering Leader | High-Growth Series A Scale-up

Are you a full-stack pioneer ready to own a product from end-to-end? We are exclusively representing a mission-driven tech startup that has just secured a strong Series A funding round of over £10 million. They are on a journey to transform how local governments and public agencies operate in the UK and USA — breaking down barriers and building the most intuitive procurement platform of the future.

As the first dedicated engineering hire leading a team of 3, you won’t just be writing code; you will be the technical architect and leader shaping the entire roadmap of a high-impact, purpose-led organisation.

The Role: Head of Engineering

This is a "player-coach" evolution. You will drive great execution, manage the balance of scope and resources, and eventually build a high-performing engineering team from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities:

  • End-to-End Ownership: Lead the technical roadmap, manage the codebase, and own the operation of data and apps in production.
  • AI-First Product Development: Build and ship AI-powered features used in production (not just prototypes). Comfortable going from idea → implementation → launch, with strong instincts on what to build and why.
  • Strategic Build Approach: Use a modern stack (React, marketplaces, payments) alongside low-code/no-code and AI tools where they accelerate delivery. Make pragmatic build vs buy decisions.
  • Team Building: Drive hiring, mentorship, and culture. You’ll manage internal growth while effectively collaborating with external contractors and freelancers.
  • Execution Excellence: Establish the "Quality Playbook"—setting standards for code reviews, testing, and monitoring.

Who You Are:

  • Technical Polyglot: A rapid learner, fluent in React and complex marketplace infrastructure. You aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty in the code but are ready to delegate as you scale.
  • Systems Thinker: You think end-to-end about how architecture affects the user and the future of the service.
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit: You thrive in "startup hustle," acting with urgency and accountability. You care about being effective over being right.
  • Emotionally Mature Leader: An empathetic mentor who drives clarity in ambiguity and promotes a culture of high standards and transparency.

Why This Opportunity?

  • Key Leadership Status: This is a cornerstone role with the freedom to shape the tech stack and strategy.
  • Series A Momentum: Join at a pivotal inflection point with the financial backing to scale rapidly.
  • Real-World Impact: Build technology that empowers local governments to reinvest in their communities.

Equity

Head of AI & Software Engineering (Future CTO) employer: Stax - Deep Tech Talent

Join a dynamic and mission-driven tech startup that is redefining procurement for local governments in the UK and USA. As a pivotal member of our team, you will enjoy a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and personal growth, with ample opportunities to shape the future of our AI-powered platform. With strong Series A funding, we offer not just a job, but a chance to make a real-world impact while building a high-performing engineering team in a supportive environment.
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Contact Detail:

Stax - Deep Tech Talent Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of AI & Software Engineering (Future CTO)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at local meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects and contributions. This is your chance to demonstrate your technical prowess and creativity, especially for a role like Head of AI & Software Engineering.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios relevant to the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable discussing your experience and vision.

✨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 Head of AI & Software Engineering (Future CTO)

Full-Stack Development
Technical Architecture
AI Product Development
React
Marketplace Infrastructure
Low-Code/No-Code Tools
Team Building and Mentorship
Code Review Standards
Testing and Monitoring
Systems Thinking
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Emotional Intelligence
Strategic Decision Making
Execution Excellence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about transforming local governments and public agencies with innovative tech. Share why this mission resonates with you.

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in full-stack development and team leadership. We’re looking for someone who can own a product from end-to-end, so connect your past roles to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for this player-coach role. Remember, we want to understand your journey without wading through fluff!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Stax - Deep Tech Talent

✨Know the Company Inside Out

Before your interview, dive deep into the company's mission and values. Understand their product and how it aims to transform local governments and public agencies. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your experience with full-stack development, particularly in React and AI-powered features. Bring examples of past projects where you’ve taken ownership from idea to launch, highlighting your role in shaping the technical roadmap.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a potential Head of Engineering, it's crucial to exhibit your leadership style. Share experiences where you've built teams or mentored others, and discuss how you foster a culture of high standards and transparency. They’ll want to see your emotional maturity and ability to drive clarity in ambiguity.

✨Prepare for Pragmatic Discussions

Expect questions about your approach to build vs buy decisions and how you would establish a 'Quality Playbook'. Think through your strategies for balancing scope and resources, and be ready to discuss how you would manage both internal growth and external collaborations.

Head of AI & Software Engineering (Future CTO)
Stax - Deep Tech Talent

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