At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead software engineering teams and shape the technology roadmap for innovative financial solutions.
- Company: High-growth international Financial Services business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, equity options, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Hybrid working model and generous learning budget for continuous growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment with clear progression to Deputy CTO.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in Java development and 5+ years in engineering leadership.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 € per year.
We're partnering with a high-growth, international Financial Services business to appoint a Head of Software Development. This is a senior leadership role with a clear progression path to Deputy CTO, offering both strategic influence and hands-on technical impact.
You'll lead the engineering organisation end-to-end, shape the technology roadmap alongside the CTO and C-suite, and build high-performing onshore and offshore teams in a regulated, fast-scaling environment.
The Role
- Own the full software delivery lifecycle across multiple products and platforms
- Define and execute the engineering strategy aligned to business objectives
- Lead architecture, platform, and scalability decisions
- Represent engineering at executive and board level
- Remain hands-on in Java where needed, setting technical standards and direction
- Lead and scale a distributed engineering team (10+ engineers, onshore & offshore)
- Drive agile delivery, CI/CD maturity, and engineering performance metrics
- Build strong offshore delivery models, governance, and communication frameworks
- Hire, mentor, and develop senior engineering talent
- Foster a high-performance, inclusive engineering culture
- Act as deputy to the CTO when required
- Influence major technology, vendor, and investment decisions
- Lead technology governance, security, and compliance initiatives
What We're Looking For
- 10+ years' Java development experience, with 5+ years in engineering leadership
- Proven experience leading offshore / distributed teams
- Strong background in full-stack, platform, or enterprise engineering
- Experience owning end-to-end software delivery
- Background in Financial Services, fintech, or regulated environments
- Nice to have
- VP Engineering / Head of Engineering experience
- Scale-up or high-growth environment exposure
- Knowledge of SOC 2, ISO 27001, and GDPR
- SaaS, fintech, or trading systems experience (e.g. Calypso)
Competitive base salary + performance bonus
Equity options
Clear progression path to Deputy CTO
Hybrid working (3 days onsite)
Generous learning & conference budget
Private healthcare, pension, life assurance & critical illness cover
Leadership team that genuinely values engineering
Head of Software Engineering in London employer: Synnovate
Join a high-growth, international Financial Services business that prioritises innovation and employee development. As the Head of Software Engineering, you'll benefit from a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and equity options, all while enjoying a hybrid working model and a generous learning budget. With a clear progression path to Deputy CTO and a leadership team that values engineering excellence, this is an exceptional opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Software Engineering in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in financial services or tech. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're aiming for a senior role like Head of Software Engineering.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills and leadership experience. Be ready to discuss how you've driven engineering strategies and built high-performing teams. We want to see your hands-on Java expertise shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your understanding of the business side of things. As a Head of Software Development, you'll need to align engineering goals with business objectives. Be prepared to talk about how you've influenced technology decisions at an executive level.
✨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 Head of Software Engineering in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in Java development and engineering leadership, especially in regulated environments like Financial Services. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Software Development role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and driven software delivery in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, let us know how you foster high-performance cultures and mentor talent. We’re looking for someone who can build strong teams, so share your approach to leadership and team dynamics!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Synnovate
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Head of Software Engineering, you'll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of Java and the full software delivery lifecycle. Brush up on your technical skills and be ready to discuss architecture decisions and scalability challenges you've faced in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership, especially with distributed teams. Be prepared to share examples of how you've built high-performing teams, mentored talent, and fostered an inclusive culture. Highlight your experience in driving agile delivery and CI/CD practices.
✨Align with Business Objectives
Understand the company's goals and how the engineering strategy aligns with them. Be ready to discuss how you've previously defined and executed engineering strategies that support business objectives, particularly in fast-paced environments like fintech or financial services.
✨Prepare for Executive Conversations
Since you'll represent engineering at the executive level, practice articulating complex technical concepts in a way that's accessible to non-technical stakeholders. Think about how you can influence major technology and investment decisions, and be ready to discuss your approach to governance and compliance initiatives.
