Head of Software Engineering

Manchester United Plc; Manchester; On-site; GBP 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive Scheme

25 days annual leave

EV scheme

Healthcare plan

Wellness program

Exclusive discounts

Gym facilities

Family leave benefits

Career development

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Manchester United Plc is seeking a Head of Software Engineering to lead the transformation of the club's in-house software capability. This senior leadership role oversees all application development across football and commercial operations, including data analytics platforms and internal systems that drive competitive advantage.

You will professionalise the software engineering function, establish modern development practices, and build a high-performing team capable of delivering reliable,

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading software engineering teams and delivering production applications.
• Deep full-stack expertise with JavaScript/TypeScript, React.js, Node.js, Python in production.
• Proven ability to establish modern engineering practices (CI/CD, automated testing, code review, documentation).
• Experience architecting data-centric applications and integrating with cloud platforms (Azure, Databricks).
• Strong people management and ability to develop engineers and build a quality-focused culture.
• Excellent communication skills translating business needs into technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Define and own software engineering strategy, standards, and roadmap for the Data & AI group.
• Lead and develop a team of software developers and testers across the engineering function.
• Architect and deliver full-stack web applications surfacing insights via intuitive platforms.
• Evolve the central insights platform with focus on performance, reliability and UX.
• Make pragmatic technology choices balancing quality and speed; manage technical debt.
• Collaborate with football operations, commercial, and IT stakeholders to align with strategic priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Full stack

CI/CD

Cloud platforms

Data analytics

Effective communication

Stakeholder management

Tools

JavaScript

TypeScript

React

Node.js

Python

Azure

Databricks

Job description

Application Deadline:

16 October 2026

Description

At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.

We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.

We’re looking for a Head of Software Engineering to lead the transformation of Manchester United’s in-house software capability. This is a senior leadership position, responsible for all application development across football and commercial operations, including self-service analytics platforms, bespoke football applications, data visualisation tools, and internal systems that directly support the club’s competitive advantage.

The role requires someone who can professionalise a software engineering function, establish modern development practices, and build a team capable of delivering reliable, maintainable, and scalable software in a fast-paced sporting environment. You will balance immediate delivery demands with the longer-term goal of building a sustainable engineering culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the software engineering strategy, standards, and roadmap for the Data & AI group, establishing and embedding modern engineering practices including version control, code review, CI/CD, automated testing, and documentation.
• Lead and develop a team of software developers and testers, managing recruitment, performance, individual development, and day-to-day priorities across the engineering function.
• Architect and deliver full-stack web applications that make the club’s data accessible, actionable, and valuable, working closely with data engineers and data scientists to surface insights through intuitive platforms.
• Own and evolve the club’s central insights platform, embedding powerful data tools and visualisations across football and business functions with a focus on performance, reliability, and user experience.
• Make pragmatic technology choices that balance quality with delivery speed, managing technical debt and ensuring the codebase remains healthy and extensible.
• Collaborate closely with football operations, commercial, and IT stakeholders to understand requirements, prioritise development work, and ensure software products are aligned to the club’s strategic priorities.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Significant experience leading software engineering teams, with a strong track record of building and shipping production applications.
• Deep technical expertise across the full stack, with strong experience in JavaScript/TypeScript, React.js, Node.js, and Python in production environments.
• Proven ability to establish and embed engineering best practices (CI/CD, automated testing, code review, documentation) in teams that are maturing or scaling.
• Experience architecting and delivering data-centric applications, ideally integrating with modern cloud platforms (Azure, Databricks) and consuming APIs and data services.
• Strong people management skills with a track record of developing engineers, setting clear expectations, and building a culture of quality and accountability.
• Effective communicator who can translate business requirements into technical solutions and work with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Passion for using technology to improve performance in high-performance environments. Experience in elite sport, football, or similarly fast-paced operational settings is desirable but not essential.

What we offer

At Manchester United, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well-being:

• Annual Incentive Scheme to reward your dedication and hard work
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
• Electric Vehicle scheme via Octopus and cycle to work scheme
• Simplyhealth Cash Plan: Supporting you with your everyday healthcare needs
• Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
• Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
• Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
• Enhanced family Leave Benefits and policies
• Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
• A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth

Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.

If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.

It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles.