Head of Software Engineering

Acosta Europe; Hempstalls; Hybrid; GBP 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car Allowance

15% Bonus

Healthcare

Job summary

Acosta Europe is seeking a Head of Software Engineering to lead our software engineering function and shape technology strategy. This senior role combines hands-on leadership with strategic business influence across multiple business areas.

You’ll partner with senior stakeholders to deliver scalable platforms, drive engineering excellence, and build a high-performing team committed to innovation and growth. Hybrid work with strong leadership impact in Europe.

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading software engineering teams in large, complex organisations.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate business needs into tech solutions.
• Strong track record of delivering scalable, secure platforms and applications.
• Passion for modern engineering practices and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing software engineering organisation.
• Set engineering standards and drive technical excellence across platforms.
• Shape the technology strategy and roadmap to meet business goals.
• Deliver scalable, secure, and resilient systems that enable growth.
• Drive modern development practices and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with business leaders to align technology with commercial priorities.
• Influence architecture decisions and technology direction.
• Attract, develop and retain top engineering talent.

Skills

Leadership

Engineering leadership

Stakeholder management

Innovation

Delivery excellence

Job description

Location: Stoke on Trent or Working (Hybrid 3 days in the office)

Salary: Circa £110,000 per annum, plus £6k Car Allowance and 15% performance rated bonus

Lead the Technology That Powers Growth

This is not a traditional Head of Software Engineering role.

We're looking for a technology leader who can combine engineering excellence with strategic thinking, helping shape how technology enables the next stage of growth across Acosta Group Europe.

As our most senior software engineering leader, you'll play a central role in defining technology direction, leading high performing engineering teams, influencing senior stakeholders, and ensuring our platforms and products are built to support ambitious business goals.

You'll have the opportunity to modernise, innovate and shape the future, balancing hands on understanding of technology with the leadership and commercial awareness needed to drive meaningful business outcomes.

About the Opportunity

Technology is a critical enabler of our future growth. We're investing in our platforms, systems and digital capabilities to create better experiences for our clients, colleagues and customers.

As Head of Software Engineering, you'll lead the engineering function whilst helping influence wider technology strategy. Working across multiple business areas, you'll ensure our technology roadmap delivers against both immediate priorities and long term ambitions.

This is a highly visible leadership role where you'll work closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation, translating business challenges into technology solutions and creating an environment where talented engineers can do their best work.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading and developing a talented software engineering team.
• Setting engineering standards and driving technical excellence.
• Helping shape the future technology strategy for the organisation.
• Delivering scalable, secure and resilient platforms and applications.
• Driving modern development practices and continuous improvement.
• Working closely with business leaders to align technology investment with commercial priorities.
• Influencing architecture, innovation and technology decision making.
• Building a culture that attracts, develops and retains exceptional technical talent.

What We're Looking For

You'll likely have experience leading software engineering teams within a complex organisation and be comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels.

We'd love to hear from you if you bring:

• A track record of leading and developing high performing engineering teams.
• Strong software engineering and technology leadership experience.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and translating business needs into technology solutions.
• A passion for innovation, continuous improvement and engineering excellence.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of how technology creates business value.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery.

This role offers a rare opportunity to influence technology at a pivotal point in our journey.

You'll join a business with ambitious plans, a collaborative culture and a genuine appetite for innovation. Most importantly, you'll have the freedom to help shape the future direction of technology whilst building a high performing engineering function that delivers real impact.

Why join Acosta Europe?

• Comprehensive Healthcare – medical, dental, vision, plus life insurance and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Generous Pension Plan – Growing contributions as your service increases helping you plan for the future.
• Paid Time Off – 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays to recharge.
• Paid Volunteering Day – Make a difference in your community.
• Career Development – access to Acosta University and internal promotion programs.
• Company Tools – Including state of the art technology to ensure you are set up for success, including Laptop and mobile phone.
• Inclusive Culture – supportive, diverse, and values-driven environment.
• Employee Engagement – social events, recognition programs, and wellness initiatives.

At Acosta Europe, we believe diversity and inclusion are the foundation of innovation and success. We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences, creating a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive.

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