Head of Software

Enterprise Recruitment Ltd; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading electronics company in the UK is seeking a Head of Software to lead its software strategy. This senior leadership role entails unifying software groups, setting standards, and influencing executive decisions. Ideal candidates will have a proven record in embedded software environments and experience in improving software quality and performance. The position offers up to £120K, contributing to the company's growth and innovation in the engineering sector.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary software teams.
• Strong background in embedded, systems, or hardware-coupled software.
• Experience defining software strategy and architecture governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall software strategy ensuring quality and efficient delivery.
• Unify multiple software groups and set architectural engineering standards.
• Challenge design decisions and guide architecture.

Skills

Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary software teams

Strong background in embedded, systems, or hardware-coupled software

Ability to influence at senior technical and executive levels

Tools

C/C++

Embedded Linux

Job description

Overview

Thriving, well-established electronics company with a proven track record of delivering high-reliability, hardware-integrated products requires a Head of Software to lead the overall software strategy, ensuring consistent quality, efficient delivery, and long-term technical scalability across embedded, systems, and application layers.

This is a senior leadership position within the Engineering Management team, responsible for unifying multiple software groups, setting architectural and engineering standards. The role combines clear strategic ownership with sufficient technical depth to challenge design decisions, guide architecture, and act as the organisation's senior software authority.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced software leader to shape the future capability of an innovative engineering business at an exciting stage of growth and transformation.

The ideal candidate will be a delivery-focused leader with a strong background in embedded or hardware-adjacent software environments, proven success building and developing high-performing teams, and a track record of improving software quality, consistency, and organisational alignment at scale.

Head of Software – essential requirements

• Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary software teams
• Strong background in embedded, systems, or hardware-coupled software
• Experience defining software strategy, architecture governance, and engineering standards
• Track record improving delivery performance, quality, and technical consistency
• Ability to influence at senior technical and executive levels

Head of Software – desirable experience

• Embedded Linux on SoCs (e.g., Xilinx or Intel)
• C/C++ and awareness of modern languages such as Rust or Go
• CI/CD, automated testing, and controlled release in high-reliability environments
• Cross-platform Linux/x86 software integrated with hardware

Location: Cambridge

Salary: Up to £120K