Software Engineering Manager

Verso Recruitment; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Verso Recruitment in Reading seeks a Software Engineering Manager to lead and scale our embedded software capability. You will shape software strategy, grow a high‑performing team and drive delivery across new product development, sustainment and customer programmes.

The role combines hands‑on leadership with architectural guidance, requiring strong communication and stakeholder management in a hybrid work setting (3 days on site, 2 from home).

Qualifications

• Experience leading software engineering teams delivering embedded, systems or platform‑level software.
• Strong knowledge of embedded software: Linux, bootloaders, firmware, device drivers, OS integration.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and grow a high‑performing software engineering team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Drive delivery of software solutions across new product development, product sustainment and customer‑driven enhancements.
• Provide technical leadership, guiding architectural decisions and supporting complex system‑level challenges.
• Oversee planning, prioritisation and resource allocation, managing risks, dependencies and delivery expectations.
• Support customers and internal teams through technical problem‑solving, bid input, product strategy and transition into deployment/support.

Skills

Leadership

Embedded software

Stakeholder management

Communication

Architecture guidance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Linux

Firmware development

Embedded systems

Job description

Job Title: Software Engineering Manager Location: Reading Salary: £80,000 to £90,000 Employment Type: Permanent Working Arrangements: Hybrid Working (typically 3 days on site, 2 from home) We're partnering with a long‑established technology business delivering high‑tech embedded solutions across defence, aerospace, telecoms and other mission‑critical sectors. With continued growth and investment in engineering, they're now looking for a Software Engineering Manager to lead, develop and scale their software capability. This is a strategic, hands‑on leadership role where you'll shape the future of software engineering, build a high‑performing team, influence engineering direction, and drive delivery across new product development, sustainment and customer programmes. The Opportunity As Software Engineering Manager, you will:

• Lead, develop and grow a high‑performing software engineering team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Drive delivery of software solutions across new product development, product sustainment and customer-driven enhancements.
• Provide technical leadership, guiding architectural decisions and supporting complex system‑level challenges.
• Oversee planning, prioritisation and resource allocation, managing risks, dependencies and delivery expectations.
• Support customers and internal teams through technical problem‑solving, bid input, product strategy and transition into deployment/support.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience leading software engineering teams delivering complex embedded, systems or platform‑level software.
• Strong knowledge of embedded software: Linux, bootloaders, firmware, device drivers, OS integration.
• Solid understanding of PC architecture, embedded computing systems and hardware/software interaction.
• Experience across the full product lifecycle - concept, architecture, bring‑up, verification, release and in‑service support.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, innovation‑led environments.

This role requires the successful candidate to pass BPSS screening and meet the eligibility criteria for Security Check (SC) clearance. For more information, please contact Cathy Swain. T: 01582 350053 E: