Software Project Lead

JR United Kingdom; Bristol; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in advanced defense technology seeks a Software Project Lead in Bristol. In this role, you'll lead project teams to deliver high-impact embedded software solutions. You'll manage project execution, mentor engineers, and contribute to critical capabilities while enjoying benefits like flexible working and enhanced parental leave.

Benefits

Bonus – Up to 21% of base salary

Pension – Up to 14% total employer/employee contribution

Flexible Working – Options to support work-life balance

Enhanced Parental Leave – Up to 26 weeks maternity/adoption/shared parental leave

Facilities – Subsidised meals, free parking, on-site amenities

Development – Ongoing training and career progression

Inclusive Culture – Active employee-led networks and a strong commitment to diversity

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing technical software development teams.
• Strong understanding of the full software development lifecycle for complex systems.
• Track record of successful delivery against defined budgets and timelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor project teams (typically 5–10 engineers).
• Manage all aspects of project execution: budgeting, scheduling, stakeholder engagement, and reporting.
• Ensure alignment with business and customer objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder Management

Technical Software Development

Project Management

Job description

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Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: Up to circa £72,000 depending on experience

The Opportunity:

Are you an experienced software leader passionate about delivering cutting-edge embedded software solutions? This is a fantastic opportunity to lead talented project teams from concept to delivery, playing a pivotal role in delivering high-impact software on time, on cost, and on quality.

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking team working on advanced defence technology projects with national and international visibility. Your work will directly contribute to mission-critical capabilities while developing your own leadership and technical skills in a highly supportive environment.

The Role:

As a Software Project Lead, you will drive the successful delivery of embedded software projects across the full development lifecycle – from bidding and planning to integration, delivery, and post-delivery support.

You will:

• Lead and mentor project teams (typically 5–10 engineers), fostering a high-performance culture.

• Manage all aspects of project execution: budgeting, scheduling, stakeholder engagement, and reporting.

• Identify opportunities for technology reuse and product development.

• Present plans and progress to senior leadership and international collaborators.

• Maintain oversight of software quality, change control, and cost control.

• Ensure alignment with business and customer objectives.

• Proven experience managing technical software development teams.

• Strong understanding of the full software development lifecycle for complex systems.

• Track record of successful delivery against defined budgets and timelines.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Passion for team leadership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Eligibility to obtain Security Clearance: British Citizenship or dual UK nationality (British citizen).

• Bonus – Up to 21% of base salary

• Pension – Up to 14% total employer/employee contribution

• Flexible Working – Options to support work-life balance

• Enhanced Parental Leave – Up to 26 weeks maternity/adoption/shared parental leave; enhanced paternity and neonatal leave

• Facilities – Subsidised meals, free parking, on-site amenities

• Development – Ongoing training and career progression

• Inclusive Culture – Active employee-led networks and a strong commitment to diversity