At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic engineering team through a period of transformation and innovation.
- Company: Join a large organisation at the forefront of technology change in higher education.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and the chance to shape future tech initiatives.
- Other info: Opportunity for contract extension and significant career growth in a pivotal role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by guiding engineering teams during exciting transformation projects.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in software engineering and experience in complex environments.
We are supporting a large, complex organisation undergoing significant technology transformation in the search for an experienced Interim Head of Software Engineering. This is an initial 3-6 month interim assignment focused on providing stability, technical leadership, and engineering oversight during a period of substantial change and ongoing delivery.
This role is less about owning every aspect of a traditional permanent Head of function remit, and more about ensuring the engineering operation continues to run effectively, supporting strategic initiatives, and providing senior technical leadership across the organisation.
The Opportunity
You will lead an established engineering function of approximately 20 FTEs across:
- Software Development
- Integration
- BI & Analytics
- Engineering governance / project approvals
Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will provide pragmatic leadership across BAU operations while contributing technical and engineering input into a broad portfolio of transformation programmes. Current initiatives include:
- Large-scale AI and automation programmes
- Multi-cloud transformation across AWS and Azure
- Cloud migration activity
- Central data repository initiatives
- Cost optimisation programmes
- Introduction of new products and systems
What We're Looking For
We are keen to speak with candidates who can demonstrate:
- Strong software engineering leadership background
- Experience operating within complex enterprise environments
- Ability to stabilise and lead engineering teams in an interim capacity
- Credibility providing technical oversight and engineering direction to projects and programmes
- Strong stakeholder engagement and governance capability
- Integration experience / awareness highly desirable
- Previous Higher Education sector experience is strongly preferred
Contract Details
Initial 3-month contract with likely extension to 6 months. Inside IR35. £800-£850/day (inclusive of fee, excluding VAT). Hybrid working / London-based environment. Interview process commencing shortly. Start date required by mid-June at the latest.
Interim Head of Software Engineering, Higher Education in London employer: TRIA
As an Interim Head of Software Engineering, you will join a dynamic and transformative organisation that values innovation and technical excellence. With a strong focus on employee growth and collaboration, the company fosters a supportive work culture where your leadership can make a significant impact during this pivotal period. Enjoy the benefits of hybrid working in London, alongside opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technology initiatives and contribute to meaningful change in the Higher Education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Software Engineering, Higher Education in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education and software engineering sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and don't hesitate to ask for introductions or referrals. We all know that sometimes it's not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation thoroughly, especially their current tech initiatives like AI and cloud migration. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can provide that much-needed stability and leadership during their transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully led engineering teams through change. We want to hear about your approach to stakeholder engagement and how you've navigated complex enterprise environments in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. So, get your application in and let’s make this happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Software Engineering, Higher Education in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in software engineering leadership and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially in complex environments. We want to see how you can bring stability and direction to our engineering teams!
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 Interim Head of Software Engineering role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams through change and delivered results in previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills:In this role, you'll be working closely with senior stakeholders, so make sure to highlight your experience in stakeholder engagement. Talk about how you've successfully navigated complex relationships and provided technical oversight in past projects. We need someone who can communicate effectively across the board!
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at TRIA
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in software engineering, especially around AI, cloud migration, and integration. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams through similar transformations in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in stabilising teams during change. Think about how you can convey your ability to provide technical oversight while keeping the team motivated and focused.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, practice articulating your approach to stakeholder engagement. Be ready to share how you've successfully navigated complex enterprise environments and built strong relationships.
✨Demonstrate Your Higher Education Insight
If you have experience in the higher education sector, make sure to weave that into your responses. Discuss any relevant projects or initiatives you've been part of that align with the organisation's goals, especially around cost optimisation and new product introductions.
