Lead Software Engineer

Big Red Recruitment; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Company pension

24 days’ annual leave

Time for personal projects (10%)

Hybrid work

Job summary

Big Red Recruitment in Solihull is seeking an experienced Lead Backend Engineer to own backend systems. You will lead a team, shape architecture, and stay hands-on with C++ while guiding delivery.

The role is hybrid with 2–3 days in the office, offers salary and benefits including pension, generous leave, and time allocated for personal projects.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on backend with leadership experience.
• Deep knowledge of C++ STL and algorithms.
• Experience designing scalable APIs and backend systems.
• Familiarity with AI/ML powered solutions and LLM tools.
• Proven ability to mentor engineers and drive technical direction.

Responsibilities

• Leading the development and evolution of scalable backend systems.
• Taking technical ownership of backend projects from planning through to delivery.
• Designing, developing and maintaining APIs and backend services.
• Driving improvements across performance, scalability, reliability and observability.
• Identifying bottlenecks and optimising database queries and system performance.
• Evaluating and implementing AI-powered tools and solutions.
• Working closely with Product, Architecture, Frontend and QA teams.
• Leading and mentoring backend engineers, promoting strong coding standards and engineering best practice.
• Supporting sprint planning, technical decision-making and continuous improvement.

Skills

C++

STL & algorithms

Backend architecture

APIs & services

AI/ML experience

LLMs & AI tools

Mentoring/leadership

Database knowledge

Job description

Location: Solihull – Hybrid (2–3 days per week onsite)

Are you an experienced C++ Engineer ready to take technical ownership and lead a backend engineering team?

We’re working with an established technology business developing sophisticated access control, security and workforce management solutions. They’re expanding their R&D function and looking for a Lead Backend Engineer to help shape their backend platform, drive engineering standards and explore how modern AI technologies can enhance both their products and development processes.

This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll remain close to the technology while mentoring engineers and influencing architecture, delivery and technical direction.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the development and evolution of scalable backend systems
• Taking technical ownership of backend projects from planning through to delivery
• Designing, developing and maintaining APIs and backend services
• Driving improvements across performance, scalability, reliability and observability
• Identifying bottlenecks and optimising database queries and system performance
• Evaluating and implementing AI‑powered tools and solutions
• Working closely with Product, Architecture, Frontend and QA teams
• Leading and mentoring backend engineers, promoting strong coding standards and engineering best practice
• Supporting sprint planning, technical decision‑making and continuous improvement

What we’re looking for

You’ll be an experienced Backend or Lead Software Engineer with strong technical depth and the confidence to provide leadership within an engineering team.

Key experience includes:

• Excellent knowledge of the C++ Standard Library, STL containers and algorithms
• Experience leading, mentoring or technically guiding software engineers
• Strong understanding of backend architecture, APIs and scalable systems
• Knowledge of database systems
• Experience developing, integrating or deploying AI/ML-powered solutions
• Exposure to LLMs, AI‑assisted development tools and modern AI frameworks

What’s on offer

Alongside the salary, you’ll receive flexible working hours, a company pension, 24 days’ annual leave with increases based on service, and 10% of your working time dedicated to your own projects and ideas.

The role operates on a hybrid basis, with 2–3 days per week in the Solihull office.

If you’re a strong C++ backend engineer looking for a role that combines hands‑on development, technical leadership and the opportunity to work with emerging AI technologies, we’d be keen to hear from you.