Software Engineering Manager in Manchester

We are looking for an experienced and driven Software Engineering Manager to join our Engineering function in Wigan. Reporting to the Head of Engineering, you will play a key role in leading multidisciplinary teams to design and deliver simple, effective applications that meet real user needs. This role combines strong technical leadership with people management, offering the opportunity to shape technical direction, build high-performing teams, and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

What you'll be doing:

• You will lead agile engineering teams responsible for delivering software across small, medium, and large projects, often as part of platform rebuilds or squads aligned to core business goals.
• You will set and guide technical direction, ensuring solutions are modular, scalable, and resilient, while continuously improving system architecture and performance.
• You will be hands-on in promoting and demonstrating engineering best practices, including test-driven or behaviour-driven development, continuous integration, and high-quality code reviews.
• You will support sprint planning and roadmap development, providing clear visibility of progress to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Working closely with Product Owners, BI Developers, Compliance, and Operational Marketing teams, you will help translate customer and business requirements into effective technical solutions.
• You will ensure regulatory considerations are embedded into platform design, enabling customers to use our products responsibly.
• You will also mentor and coach engineers, creating an autonomous team environment where people are supported to grow, learn new technologies, and deliver their best work.

What we are looking for:

• We are looking for a strong technical leader with a solid engineering background and demonstrable experience managing highly skilled software engineering teams.
• You will have hands-on development experience and be comfortable writing, testing, and releasing high-quality JavaScript code, as well as designing and maintaining cloud infrastructure using infrastructure-as-code tools such as Terraform or CloudFormation.
• You will have a deep understanding of software design, system architecture, algorithms, and performance, along with experience building commercial web, backend, and cloud-based solutions.
• You will be confident working in Agile environments and applying modern product development lifecycle practices from prototyping through to delivery.
• Alongside your technical expertise, you will be an effective people manager with excellent communication skills and the ability to motivate, coach, and influence others.
• You will bring a proactive, "can-do" mindset, challenge existing approaches, and continuously look for better, more innovative ways to deliver high-quality software.

What's in it for you?

At the Tote you can expect a friendly working environment with a strong sense of teamwork and pride in what we do. Within this role you'll develop a broad range of skills and experiences that can enhance your career at the Tote. Additionally, our company benefits package includes:

• Competitive Basic Salary
• Discretionary Bonus Scheme
• Company Shares Option Plan
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life insurance (4 x basic salary)
• Simply Health Cash Plan
• Holiday entitlement (33 days inclusive of bank holidays)
• Study Support and opportunity for progression and development
• Confidential 24/7 365 employee assistance helpline
• Agile and collaborative office environment with free parking, fruit, biscuits, and drinks
• Regular social events, charity events and volunteering opportunities