Embedded Software Strategy Lead – Defence & Maritime

James Fisher and Sons

Inchinnan, Westhill

Hybrid

GBP 75,000 - 110,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Early finish on Fridays

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Cycle to work scheme

Company Pension

Job summary

James Fisher and Sons is seeking a Technical Software Development Manager - Embedded Systems to lead software vision, strategy, and roadmaps across product lines, aligning with business goals and customer needs.

You will work with customers, stakeholders, and engineering teams to define capabilities for both commercial and defence products, ensuring compliance with governance and quality standards. Hybrid working from Inchinnan or Westhill is available.

Qualifications

Degree qualified in a relevant Engineering, Software, or Technical discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
Proven experience leading or influencing software development strategy, roadmaps, and technical delivery within a complex engineering environment.
Strong understanding of software development across embedded and/or non-embedded applications.
Experience with requirements management and ensuring traceability throughout the development lifecycle.
Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, contractors, and internal teams.
A strategic mindset, with the ability to balance long-term product objectives with operational and customer needs.
A proactive problem‑solver who takes ownership, drives solutions, and delivers results.
Experience within the defence, maritime, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries would be advantageous.
Knowledge of quality, safety, and governance standards within an engineering environment.
Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally as required.
Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).

Responsibilities

Lead the development and continuous evolution of the software vision, strategy, and roadmap across designated product lines, ensuring alignment with business objectives and future customer needs.
Engage with customers, stakeholders, and internal teams to capture requirements, identify emerging capability needs, and translate these into clear software development priorities.
Provide governance and oversight of software verification and validation activities, ensuring solutions are delivered in line with quality, safety, and compliance requirements.
Define, implement, and maintain effective software lifecycle management processes, controls, and development standards across programmes and product lines.
Drive the prioritisation of software features, enhancements, and technical improvements, balancing customer requirements, commercial objectives, and technical considerations.
Collaborate closely with Systems Engineering and Delivery teams to ensure robust requirements management and end-to-end traceability throughout the development lifecycle.
Partner with Innovation teams and Product Line Leaders to shape future product capabilities and contribute to long-term technology and product roadmaps.
Support business development and bid activities by providing technical leadership, software expertise, and strategic input to customer solutions and proposals.
Work alongside Engineering Managers to develop software capabilities, strengthen technical expertise within teams, and support the growth of future talent.