Lead Software Engineer

Experis UK; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Experis UK is seeking a Lead Software Engineer for Java to lead a small engineering squad while staying hands-on. You will shape an established software platform, invest in modernising infrastructure and embed AI tools into daily engineering practice.

The role combines technical direction with people management, with 60–70% hands-on coding, including writing code, reviewing AI outputs and guiding architectural decisions. It offers leadership responsibility and delivery accountability.

Qualifications

• Strong commercial Java development experience.
• Experience leading technical delivery and supporting other engineers.
• Experience with relational databases, automated testing and CI/CD.
• Practical interest in AI-assisted engineering and ability to challenge AI outputs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of Java backend software.
• Make architectural decisions and explain choices to Engineering and Product teams.
• Review code and AI-generated output for quality, security and maintainability.
• Help engineers use AI tools effectively through clear specs and validation.
• Own delivery commitments, raise risks early and remove blockers.
• Contribute to a roadmap around cloud, databases, OpenSearch and Linux containers.
• Manage and develop engineers through regular one-to-ones, feedback and development plans.

Skills

Java backend

Technical leadership

System design

CI/CD

AI in engineering

AWS

PostgreSQL/OpenSearch

Tools

AWS

PostgreSQL

OpenSearch

Docker/Containers

Job description

Lead Software Engineer | Java

Salary: £80, 000 - £100,000

Location: UK

Type: Permanent

Stay hands on with Java while leading a team and shaping the future of an established software platform.

I’m recruiting a Lead Java Engineer for a global software business whose products help organisations manage risk, compliance and operational performance.

The business is investing in a growing enterprise platform, modernising its infrastructure and embedding AI tools into everyday engineering. This is an opportunity to influence both the technology and how your team builds it.

The role

You will lead a small engineering squad, combining technical direction with people management. Around 60% to 70% of your time will involve hands on engineering, including writing code, directing AI agents, reviewing output and making architectural decisions.

Alongside this, you will support the team’s development, manage delivery commitments and help resolve complex technical problems.

What you will be doing

• Leading the design and development of Java backend software.
• Making architectural decisions and explaining technical choices to Engineering and Product colleagues.
• Reviewing code and AI generated output for quality, security and maintainability.
• Helping engineers use AI tools effectively through clear specifications and careful validation.
• Owning delivery commitments, raising risks early and removing blockers.
• Contributing to a roadmap covering AWS, PostgreSQL, OpenSearch and containerised Linux environments.
• Managing and developing engineers through regular one to ones, feedback and development plans.

What you will bring

• Strong commercial Java development experience and a thorough understanding of software engineering principles.
• Experience leading technical delivery and supporting other engineers.
• Confidence designing backend systems and making decisions when requirements are still developing.
• Experience with relational databases, automated testing and CI/CD.
• Practical interest in AI assisted engineering, including the judgement to challenge its output.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain technical decisions clearly.
• People management experience, or clear readiness to take responsibility for a small team.

Experience with AWS, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, OpenSearch or containers would be useful.

Why consider it?

You will join a business investing in its technology, with scope to influence architecture, improve engineering practices and develop your team. The role offers substantial hands on work alongside genuine leadership responsibility.