At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic software team and drive innovative tech projects in defence and healthcare.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge tech firm in Cambridge with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £125,000, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career advancement in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading high-quality projects and shaping the future of technology.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in software development and strong technical expertise across various domains.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Location: Cambridge (On-Site Working)
Salary: Up to £125,000 + Benefits & Bonus (Depending on Experience)
Note: All Applicants must be able to obtain Security Clearance to work on UK Eyes only Projects.
Overview:
Our client is seeking an experienced Head of Software to lead a multidisciplinary team in Cambridge. You will provide strategic, technical and people leadership across embedded software, DSP, FPGA and AI/ML, supporting innovative technologies including radar, sensing and communications across sectors such as defence and healthcare. The role combines team leadership, technical oversight, resource planning and capability development, with a focus on delivering high-quality projects and driving continuous improvement.
Job Responsibilities:
- Lead and grow a high-performing software function with the skills, structure and capacity to meet current and future demand.
- Recruit and retain talent, support career development and succession planning, and provide the tools and training needed for success.
- Continuously improve software development practices, balancing quality, governance and agility across diverse projects.
- Oversee standards, processes, reviews and project audits, using lessons learned to continually improve delivery.
- Provide technical input into proposals, bids and project costing, while building strong customer relationships and managing technical risks.
- Work with project and department leads to ensure the right people and skills are deployed to the right projects at the right time.
- Share knowledge, encourage cross-functional working and contribute to the wider technical and strategic direction of the organisation.
Required Skills & Experience:
- Proven track record of delivering complex, high-quality technology solutions, ideally within a consultancy, product development or fee-for-service environment.
- Broad technical knowledge across areas such as embedded software, DSP, FPGA, firmware, testing, cloud and AI/ML, with deep expertise in at least one area.
- Proven experience leading and developing engineering teams, including line management and managing managers.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with customers, colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
- A passion for improving software engineering practices, with the judgement to apply the appropriate level of process and rigour from early-stage concepts through to production systems.
- A strong balance of technical, commercial and people leadership skills, with the ability to see the bigger picture while remaining technically engaged.
- Experience within the defence sector would be advantageous.
Head of Software in Cambridge employer: Zenovo
Zenovo is an exceptional employer located in the stunning Scottish Highlands, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Senior Hardware Engineer, you will not only lead exciting projects from concept to production but also have the opportunity to mentor junior engineers, enhancing your leadership skills. With a focus on employee growth and development, Zenovo provides a unique environment where creativity thrives and meaningful contributions are valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Software in Cambridge
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Zenovo or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Zenovo.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Zenovo.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Zenovo that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Software in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Zenovo.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Zenovo and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zenovo
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Zenovo uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
