Software Manager

Edwards Vacuum; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Culture of trust

Lifelong learning

Innovation powered by people

Comprehensive compensation

Health and well-being

Job summary

Edwards Vacuum in Eastbourne, United Kingdom, seeks a Software Manager to own the software engineering function, guiding embedded software and HMIs for vacuum applications. You will lead a technical team, set delivery strategy, and ensure excellence in software solutions.

You will report to the Engineering Manager and collaborate with hardware, test, and manufacturing teams. The role focuses on autonomous leadership, strategy, and continuous improvement in a dynamic, on-site environment.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years leading software or IT teams.
• Experience delivering scalable embedded software.
• Proven ability to mentor engineers.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and change leadership.
• Experience aligning software with business strategy.

Responsibilities

• Guide and manage the software engineering function to align with industry standards and company objectives.
• Oversee embedded software and HMIs for vacuum equipment, driving innovation and reliability.
• Define engineering strategies for robust hardware/software integration.
• Mentor a high-performing engineering team and promote technical excellence.
• Collaborate with project management, hardware, test, and manufacturing teams for project execution.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and safety standards.
• Drive continuous improvement and adopt new methodologies to improve efficiency.
• Provide software architecture guidance and delivery in Agile/Spiral and V-model lifecycles.

Skills

Team leadership

Embedded software

C++

C#

Java

Python

Stakeholder management

Job description

Your role

As the Software Manager, you will take ownership of the software engineering function, ensuring the design, development, and integration of primarily embedded software, applied to control and drive technology for vacuum applications. You will lead a technical team, shaping the engineering delivery strategy and maintaining excellence in software solutions. You will report to our Engineering Manager.

Main Responsibilities

• Guide and manage the overall capability of the software engineering function, ensuring alignment with industry standards and company objectives.
• Oversee the design and development of embedded software and HMIs for vacuum equipment, driving innovation and efficiency in scientific and semiconductor applications.
• Define engineering strategies, ensuring robust hardware/software integration to optimize performance and reliability.
• Manage and mentor a high-performing engineering team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including project management, hardware engineering, test engineering and manufacturing, to ensure seamless execution of projects.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry regulations, safety standards, and emerging technologies.
• Drive continuous improvement, leveraging new methodologies to enhance engineering efficiency and product quality.
• Act as the software engineering authority, providing expertise in architecture, coding in C++, C#, Java, Python etc. as well as delivery methodologies including, Agile, Spiral and other V model focused lifecycles.

Scope of the job

• The role will require direct communication with our functional leads, the software team lead and our Engineering Manager, with the ability to communicate with senior group stakeholders as well as externally with suppliers and customers.
• The role is strategic in its intent, requiring the individual to plan resource allocations, set priorities with the project management team, establish and maintain capability frameworks and ensure training etc. is planned and undertaken.
• The number of heads reporting to the role will be between 5 and 15. As part of standing up the role, it is expected that the successful candidate will scope and size the function accordingly.

To succeed, you will need

• At least 5 years managing software and IT teams or complex projects with proven success in delivering scalable and user-centric software solutions.
• Experience in coaching and developing engineering talent to foster growth and innovation within teams.
• Strong capabilities in stakeholder engagement, process optimization, and leading organizational change initiatives.
• Robust background in complex enterprise environments with broad exposure to diverse business functions and operational challenges.
• Deep understanding of integrating business strategy with software delivery, ensuring alignment of projects with long-term objectives.
• Proficiency in vendor management, budgeting, resource planning, and risk assessment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively bridge technical and business teams and drive accountability and continuous improvement.

We encourage candidates with varied experiences and backgrounds to apply, recognizing that potential and passion are as vital as formal qualifications.

In return, we offer

• Culture of trust and accountability
• Lifelong learning and career growth
• Innovation powered by people
• Comprehensive compensation and benefits
• Health and well-being

Job location

This role requires you to work on-site at our office in Eastbourne, United Kingdom (GB). You will be part of a dynamic team and enjoy the benefits of face-to-face collaboration.

Contact information

Talent Acquisition Team: Joanna Fifield

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