Head of Software Engineering - Hybrid Qualifications Tech

Pearson; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Pearson is seeking a Head of Software Engineering to lead strategy, delivery and operation of technology for General Qualifications, Vocational Qualifications and a government contract portfolio. The role demands executive leadership across globally distributed teams, ensuring secure, reliable live services and alignment with regulatory and contractual commitments.

You will shape roadmaps, manage investment, and drive transformation while maintaining data integrity and service performance across

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading large-scale software engineering and technology service organisations.
• Experience managing globally distributed teams across complex portfolios.
• Accountability for the operation of live, critical, regulated services.
• Strong operational leadership across resilience, incident management, capacity planning, and recovery.
• Experience working in regulated or contractually controlled environments.
• Ability to translate business and product priorities into credible engineering roadmaps.

Responsibilities

• Own the technology strategy, roadmap and delivery outcomes across General Qualifications, Vocational Qualifications and government portfolios.
• Align technology investment with Pearson Qualifications’ priorities, roadmaps and contractual commitments.
• Ensure services are delivered securely, accurately and reliably across the full operational lifecycle.
• Lead globally distributed software engineering, DevOps, quality engineering and technology service teams.
• Provide executive reporting on delivery health, budget, risks and dependencies.
• Manage strategic supplier and partner relationships to ensure value and performance.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Regulatory/compliance awareness

Job description

Pearson is seeking a Head of Software Engineering to lead strategy, delivery and operation of technology for General Qualifications, Vocational Qualifications and a government contract portfolio. The role demands executive leadership across globally distributed teams, ensuring secure, reliable live services and alignment with regulatory and contractual commitments.

You will shape roadmaps, manage investment, and drive transformation while maintaining data integrity and service performance across