At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead software engineering operations and ensure smooth transitions during organisational changes.
- Company: Prestigious London-based organisation with a focus on technology leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Immediate start preferred; dynamic role with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a complex environment while leading multidisciplinary teams.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operational leadership within large organisations, preferably in Higher Education.
A prestigious London-based organisation is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Software Engineering to provide operational leadership cover during a period of transition and organisational change and recruitment of a permanent Head of Software Engineering. This is a senior leadership role focused on maintaining operational stability, supporting multidisciplinary technical teams and ensuring continuity across a broad enterprise technology estate while a permanent appointment is made. The environment is complex, stakeholder‑heavy and operationally critical, requiring a calm, resilient and highly credible technology leader who can "hold the fort", keep services running effectively and maintain momentum across ongoing initiatives.
The Role
- You will lead a multidisciplinary function spanning:
- Software engineering
- Enterprise applications
- Integrations and APIs
- Data and reporting services
- Operational support and service management
Key Responsibilities
- Keeping the lights on
- Operational continuity
- Supporting stretched teams through transition
- Managing stakeholder expectations
- Maintaining delivery momentum
- Ensuring stable and resilient services
Key Experience Required
- Experience leading enterprise application / software engineering / integration functions within large complex organisations, ideally with experience within Higher Education or large public‑sector organisations
- Strong operational leadership and service management experience
- Experience managing multidisciplinary technical teams and team leaders
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Experience operating within Higher Education, Public Sector, NHS, Housing or similarly complex regulated environments
- Ability to manage competing priorities within stretched operational teams
- Calm, resilient and pragmatic leadership style
Desirable
- Experience across enterprise integrations, data/reporting platforms and operational governance
- ITIL / service management background
Contract Details
- 3 months initially, likely extension
- Rate £700 per day Inside IR35
- Hybrid working – London, 2 days a week
- Immediate / short notice availability preferred
Interim Head of Software Engineering Operations. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Join a prestigious London-based organisation that values operational excellence and innovation in technology. As an Interim Head of Software Engineering Operations, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and resilience, while enjoying the benefits of hybrid working. With opportunities for professional growth and the chance to lead multidisciplinary teams through a critical transition, this role offers a meaningful and rewarding experience in a complex and stakeholder-rich environment.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Software Engineering Operations. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who have experience in leadership roles. A personal recommendation can make all the difference when you're vying for a senior position like this.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your operational leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've maintained stability and supported teams through transitions in the past. We want to see that calm, resilient approach in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your stakeholder engagement skills. Think of examples where you've successfully managed expectations and kept everyone on board during complex projects. This role is all about communication, so let that shine through!
✨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 Interim Head of Software Engineering Operations. Job in London LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim Head of Software Engineering. Highlight your experience in leading software engineering and operational teams, especially in complex environments like Higher Education or public sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your calm and resilient leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed stakeholder expectations in the past.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your operational leadership and service management skills. Be specific about your achievements in maintaining delivery momentum and ensuring stable services in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you in front of the right people quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of enterprise applications and software engineering. Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies and methodologies used in the organisation, especially if they operate within Higher Education or the public sector.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your operational leadership experience. Think about times when you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams or navigated complex stakeholder environments. Be ready to discuss how you maintained service continuity during transitions.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you convey your calm and resilient leadership style.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's current challenges and future initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge how you can best support the team during the transition period.
