Head of Software Engineering

Digital Catapult; Belfast, Bristol, Gateshead, London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in the UK technology sector is seeking a Head of Software Engineering to guide a talented team and drive significant projects. The role involves strategic leadership, overseeing software delivery, and fostering an innovative culture in the field of software development.

Benefits

5% performance-related bonus

25 days annual leave plus holidays

Double-matched pension up to 10%

E-Vehicle Scheme

Gym Discounts

Life insurance 4x salary

Investment in ongoing learning and development

Hybrid working model with office presence

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in providing technical leadership.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor a software engineering team.
• Strong understanding of systems and software life cycle engineering.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for the software engineering team.
• Manage, mentor, and cultivate a high-performing team.
• Oversee delivery of complex software projects.

Skills

Leadership

Software Engineering

Agile Methodology

Collaboration

Education

Relevant degree in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Join Digital Catapult as our Head of Software Engineering and lead the charge in shaping the UK's technological future. We are looking for a visionary leader to guide our talented software engineering team, driving the technical direction and delivery of nationally significant projects. In this strategic role, you will cultivate a culture of innovation and technical excellence, steering the architecture of pioneering software solutions in areas like trusted data sharing and industrial digitalisation.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (Duties)

1. Provide strategic and technical leadership for the software engineering team, aligning with Digital Catapult's mission.
2. Manage, mentor, and cultivate a high-performing and multi-disciplinary team of software engineers.
3. Champion best practices in software development, including code quality, testing, CI/CD, and security.
4. Oversee the delivery of complex software projects, ensuring they meet deadlines, budget constraints, and high-quality standards.
5. Collaborate with product owners, project managers, and other stakeholders to define project roadmaps and transform strategic goals into technical realities.
6. Demonstrable experience in providing technical leadership and strategic direction within a software engineering function.
7. Proven ability to lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team of software engineers.
8. Expertise in programming and software engineering.
9. Experience in managing employee development and performance.
10. A strong understanding of systems and software life cycle engineering.
11. A background in fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and agile-first work environment.

Deadline for Applications: Monday 14th July

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We recognise and value the advantages and opportunities that come with having people from diverse backgrounds working with us and it is our ambition to build an organisation which is representative and reflective of UK society. We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, candidates from minority and underrepresented groups, and from candidates with more or less experience, provided the requisite skills can be demonstrated.

As members of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please do speak with us about adjustments that could support you through our interview process.

Digital Catapult is an equal opportunities employer.

• We are in the UK’s Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations.
• 5% performance related bonus.
• Digital Catapult is a Disability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer.
• Excellent holiday package: 25 days annual leave, Bank Holidays, and 3 days between Christmas and New Year.
• Double-matched pension up to 10% of your salary.
• 4% of your salary to use towards benefits like health cash plans, Private Medical Insurance, holiday buying, pension top-ups.
• E-Vehicle Scheme, Cycle2Work, Tech Scheme, Gym Discounts, Give As You Earn, PerkPal.
• Life insurance 4x salary.
• Free access to EAP & Financial Wellbeing advice.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• Hybrid working model with offices available 2 days per week; some roles may require more onsite presence.
• Investment in your ongoing learning and development.
• Company social events and free office snacks.

We foster a vibrant culture where all voices are heard, supported by employee-led affinity groups and ongoing education on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. We also enjoy social activities like football, running, climbing, and volunteering throughout the year.