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- Tasks: Lead R&D teams to innovate and enhance aviation software solutions across EMEA.
- Company: Join Valsoft, a global leader in mission-critical software for aviation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive benefits, hybrid work options, and a growth-oriented environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aviation technology and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in software development with leadership experience required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and innovative Head of R&D to join our Aviation Group in the EMEA region.
Our Aviation group delivers missionâcritical software solutions that empower airlines, airports, and aviation service providers to operate efficiently and safely. From maintenance planning and flight operations to compliance and resource management, our products enable customers to optimize performance, reduce costs, and ensure regulatory compliance.
As part of a global network of specialized software companies, our aviation teams operate with entrepreneurial agility while benefiting from shared expertise, innovation, and best practices across the wider Valsoft group.
We are seeking an accomplished R&D Leader to oversee the strategic and operational direction of research and development initiatives within our Aviation software division across the EMEA region. The successful candidate will lead crossâfunctional engineering and product teams to drive innovation, quality, and scalability across a portfolio of aviation software solutions. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the product roadmap, optimizing R&D processes, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.
This is a leadership position suited for someone who combines deep technical knowledge with strong management and communication skills â someone passionate about building the next generation of aviation software technologies.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and manage R&D teams across multiple EMEA locations, ensuring alignment with business goals, product strategy, and engineering priorities.
- Drive innovation and technical excellence in software architecture, product delivery, and engineering execution.
- Collaborate with Product Management to define the product roadmap and longâterm technology vision, ensuring engineering and product decisions are aligned.
- Oversee the full software development lifecycle (SDLC), and product delivery lifecycle, ensuring timelines, budgets, technical quality, and product outcomes are met.
- Establish and monitor key performance metrics (KPIs) for both engineering performance (quality, velocity, reliability) and product impact (adoption, delivery success).
- Promote best practices in agile product development, engineering workflows, testing, and release management.
- Partner with crossâfunctional leaders (Operations, Sales, Support, Product) to ensure seamless delivery of customerâfocused product and platform solutions.
- Identify emerging technologies and trends relevant to aviation software and apply them strategically across both product and engineering.
- Build, mentor, and develop highâperforming engineering teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, engineering, or related field.
- 8+ years of experience in software development, with at least 3 years in technical leadership or R&D management.
- Proven track record of leading distributed software engineering teams.
- Strong background in enterprise software development (preferably in aviation, logistics, or missionâcritical systems).
- Deep understanding of cloud architectures, APIs, and modern development frameworks.
- Strong communication, leadership, and decisionâmaking skills.
- Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
- Ability to translate complex technical concepts into business value.
- Fluency in English; other European languages (especially French or German) are an advantage.
- Experience using AI in software development and delivering AIâfirst products.
- Prior experience in the aviation or aerospace software sector.
- Knowledge of DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, and scalable SaaS architectures.
- Experience implementing Agile, Scrum, or Lean methodologies at scale.
- Demonstrated success in driving innovation and delivering measurable results.
- Strategic leadership role within a growing international aviation technology division.
- Opportunity to shape nextâgeneration aviation software solutions.
- Global collaboration with topâtier technical and business teams.
- Competitive benefits and growthâoriented environment.
- Hybrid or remote working flexibility across EMEA.
Head of R&D-EMEA in London employer: Valsoft Corporation
Contact Detail:
Valsoft Corporation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Head of R&D-EMEA in London
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend aviation tech meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their mission-critical software solutions and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they do.
â¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've led teams and driven innovation in past roles. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to manage cross-functional teams and deliver results.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows youâre genuinely interested in joining our team at Valsoft.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of R&D-EMEA in London
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of R&D role. Highlight your leadership in software development and any relevant aviation experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for aviation technology and how your vision aligns with our mission at Valsoft. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: Donât just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how youâve driven innovation and improved processes in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itâs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youâre considered for this exciting opportunity in our Aviation Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Valsoft Corporation
â¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in aviation software and R&D management. Familiarise yourself with the company's products and how they fit into the market. Being able to discuss specific technologies or methodologies, like Agile or DevOps, will show that you're not just a leader but also a knowledgeable expert.
â¨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed distributed teams in the past. Think of examples where you've driven innovation or improved processes. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can foster a culture of collaboration and accountability within the team.
â¨Align with Their Vision
Understand Valsoft's philosophy and how they invest in businesses. Be ready to articulate how your vision for R&D aligns with their goals. Discuss how you can contribute to their mission of delivering mission-critical solutions while maintaining a focus on employee well-being and long-term growth.
â¨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their current challenges in R&D or how they measure success in their projects. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture and values align with yours.
