Software Engineering Manager

ADLIB; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative tech organization in Bristol is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to lead a talented platform team. You will shape technology strategy, guide migration from legacy systems, and oversee a team of seven in a collaborative environment. Ideal candidates will have substantial full-stack development experience and a background in leading technical teams. The role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working, and excellent benefits including holidays and wellness perks.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus bank holidays

Hybrid working (3 days in office)

Enhanced pension contributions

Wellbeing hours

Volunteering days

Qualifications

• Significant hands-on full-stack development experience.
• Proven experience building and leading technical teams.
• Strong background in technical project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of seven and work closely with the leadership team.
• Assess the current technical ecosystem and identify opportunities.
• Guide the team through transformation towards a scalable platform.
• Manage relationships with external partners and oversee IT provision.

Skills

Full-stack development

Team leadership

Technical project management

Change management

Experience with high-volume systems

Tools

Vue

LAMP stack

AWS

Job description

Overview

We’re recruiting a Software Engineering Manager to lead a talented platform team and drive the technical evolution of a mission-led organisation. You’ll be responsible for shaping the long-term technology strategy, guiding the migration from legacy systems, and building a unified, sustainable platform across multiple brands. This is a hands-on leadership role with real influence, ideal for someone who thrives in collaborative environments and wants to build systems that matter.

What experience you’ll need to apply

• Significant hands-on full-stack development experience (e.g. Vue, LAMP stack, AWS).
• Proven experience building and leading technical teams.
• Strong background in technical project management and transformation.
• Experience with high-volume, mission-critical systems.
• Solid understanding of change management.

What you’ll be doing

As Software Engineering Manager, you’ll lead a team of seven and work closely with the Managing Director and wider leadership team. You’ll assess the current technical ecosystem, identify opportunities for simplification, and guide the team through a transformation towards a modern, scalable platform. You’ll be responsible for technical innovation, system administration, compliance, and operational security. You’ll uphold Agile working practices and foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and excellence. You’ll communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders, including the board. You’ll manage relationships with external partners, oversee IT provision, and act as the company’s Data Protection Officer. You’ll also contribute to budgeting and strategic planning, and where appropriate, lead by example with hands-on coding, peer review, and setting technical standards. This Software Engineering Manager role is central to the company’s mission and impact goals, with sustainability and ethical decision-making embedded in every aspect of the work.

What you’ll get in return for your experience

The role offers a salary of £70-75k depending on experience, plus a generous benefits package. There’s 26 days holiday plus bank holidays, hybrid working (3 days in the Bristol office), flexi time, and enhanced pension contributions. You’ll be part of an employee-owned company, eligible for dividends after your introductory period. Other perks include discounts on unique travel experiences, wellbeing hours, volunteering days, enhanced parental leave, and a policy supporting low-carbon travel. You’ll work in a smart, upcycled office on Bristol’s harbourside, surrounded by a team that values creativity, sustainability, and positive energy.

What’s next?

If this role sounds like the right fit for you, we’d love to hear from you. Send in your CV now for more info.