Head of Engineering Services

JR United Kingdom; York; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in high-integrity embedded software solutions is seeking a Head of Engineering Services in York. You will lead complex software projects in the rail sector, ensuring safety and innovation. This hybrid role requires team leadership and strategic project management within a collaborative culture. Enjoy extensive benefits including flexible leave and relocation support.

Benefits

33 days of flexible annual leave

Cycle-to-work scheme

Electric vehicle schemes

Team away days

Free drinks and fruits

On-site parking

Relocation support

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing complex software engineering projects.
• Strong grasp of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall or hybrid).
• Technical background in software engineering or embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the software engineering services strategy.
• Lead key technical software projects with hands-on oversight.
• Develop strong client relationships to understand project needs.

Skills

Project Management

Software Engineering

Stakeholder Management

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Job description

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Location: York (Hybrid working - minimum 3 days on-site)
Salary: £70,000 - £90,000 + Benefits
Employment Type: Permanent

Lead Innovation in Rail Software Engineering

KO2's client, a leading provider of high-integrity embedded software solutions, is seeking a proactive and strategic leader to join as Head of Engineering Services. In this pivotal role, you'll lead the delivery of complex technical software projects for clients across the rail sector, ensuring safety, performance, and innovation.

If you thrive on team leadership, project ownership, and strategic planning within technically demanding environments, this is an excellent opportunity to shape and grow a high-performing services team in a dynamic and forward-thinking business.

Your Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute the software engineering services strategy to deliver high-quality outcomes to clients in the rail and high-integrity software industries.
• Drive continuous improvement in service delivery, quality management, and operational efficiency.
• Mentor and coordinate expert engineers across multiple teams and projects.

Project Management

• Lead key technical software projects with hands-on oversight and end-to-end accountability.
• Plan and manage resources, schedules, and delivery timelines across multiple concurrent initiatives.

Client Engagement & Business Development

• Develop strong client relationships to understand project needs and deliver to high standards.
• Work with the sales team to scope and quote for new projects, contributing to business growth.
• Ensure exceptional customer satisfaction through clear communication and effective project execution.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring regular presence in the York office. Remote-only working is not suitable.

About You

• Proven experience managing complex software engineering projects.
• Strong grasp of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall or hybrid approaches).
• Technical background in software engineering or embedded systems.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects and priorities.
• Experience in safety-critical or high-integrity software environments (e.g. EN 50128 or equivalent standards).
• Background in embedded software verification, performance analysis, or real-time systems.
• Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving skills.

Why Join KO2's Client

You'll be part of a collaborative and supportive engineering culture that values innovation, personal growth, and meaningful contribution. The business offers:

• Hybrid working with a minimum of 3 days per week in York
• 33 days of flexible annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Cycle-to-work and electric vehicle schemes
• Team away days and regular socials
• Free drinks, fruit, and on-site cycle/car parking
• Relocation support if moving to York

About the Company

KO2's client is a specialist in high-integrity software development, supporting the rail sector with advanced verification, validation, and timing analysis tools. Their work directly contributes to safety, reliability, and innovation across next-generation rail systems.