Software Engineering Manager - Java

Cathcart Technology; Easter Howgate; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to lead a team of Java engineers in Edinburgh. This role involves overseeing the development of large-scale systems, managing the full development life cycle, and promoting a culture of innovation and personal development. The ideal candidate will have experience in distributed Back End systems and team management. This position offers a highly competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus opportunity

Great benefits package

Hybrid working

Qualifications

• Previous hands-on experience with Java.
• Experience managing and mentoring engineering teams.
• Strong knowledge of distributed Back End systems.
• Ability to navigate complex environments and deliver under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers delivering scalable, high-quality Back End systems.
• Oversee the full software development life cycle.
• Promote a culture of coaching and personal development.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to influence product outcomes.

Skills

Java

Distributed Back End systems

Team management and mentoring

Agile methodologies

Communication

Job description

Software Engineering Manager required to lead a team of Java engineers in Edinburgh, shaping the development of next-generation, large-scale systems that solve complex technical challenges in a collaborative environment.

The Opportunity

This is a chance to lead a team of talented engineers building sophisticated, large-scale Back End systems that deliver Real Time, mission-critical functionality to millions of users. You'll tackle complex engineering challenges in a regulated, high-availability environment, driving innovation while ensuring reliability, quality, and customer trust.

You will lead an agile team working on Java-based distributed systems and cloud platforms, guiding delivery across the full software development life cycle. You will empower your team to take, innovate, and deliver high-impact features with speed and autonomy.

You will head up a team of seven engineers, coaching, mentoring, and assessing performance to ensure each individual can grow and thrive in a challenging and supportive environment. You will also be involved in evaluating and implementing the latest tools, practices, and methodologies to solve meaningful, real-world problems.

The Company

This is a modern, globally recognised technology company operating at the forefront of software innovation. They have built a deeply technical, forward-thinking engineering culture where collaboration, experimentation, and operational excellence are core capabilities. Teams work with large-scale datasets, complex systems, and distributed architectures to deliver scalable, resilient, and high-quality software, supported by cutting-edge infrastructure and cloud technologies.

Why this role?

• Lead a talented team of engineers delivering scalable, high-quality Back End systems.
• Own the full software development life cycle from planning to production, shaping architecture and delivery practices.
• Promote autonomy, accountability, and a strong culture of coaching, mentoring, and personal development.
• Work in a collaborative, globally connected environment, influencing stakeholders and product outcomes.
• Tackle challenging problems, leverage the latest tools and practices, and help your team deliver innovative, meaningful solutions.

Who you are?

• A seasoned software engineering manager who has previously worked hands‑on with Java and has strong knowledge of distributed Back End systems.
• Experienced managing and mentoring teams, able to assess skill levels and provide tailored support for engineers at all stages of their careers.
• Comfortable navigating complexity in large, regulated environments and delivering high-quality features under tight deadlines.
• Passionate about software development, eager to research and implement modern technologies and best practices.
• A strong communicator and collaborator who can bridge technical and business priorities.

The Offer

You will receive a highly competitive salary plus bonus opportunity and a great benefits package too.

The role offers hybrid working, with two days per week onsite in a modern Edinburgh city centre office.

It's a unique opportunity to lead a talented engineering team, develop world‑class software, and shape the careers of engineers in a fast-moving, high-impact technology environment.

If this sounds interesting, please apply or reach out to Murray Simpson.