Software Team Lead

Leonardo UK Ltd; Basildon; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Private healthcare

Flexible benefits up to £500

Access to 4,000+ online courses

Job summary

Leonardo UK is seeking a Software Team Leader to guide a software team within the Integrated Sensors & Protection line. You will work under the Head of Software, shaping software development across multiple projects in a safety-critical context.

The role requires strong leadership, excellent communication, and practical experience with Agile practices and formal engineering processes. Hybrid working arrangements are available in Basildon.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership of software teams in complex projects.
• Experience delivering software in safety-critical domains.
• Proficiency with Agile frameworks and ceremonies.
• Ability to work with formal requirements and engineering processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the software team and contribute technically across multiple projects.
• Support Head of Software in team management and roadmap execution.
• Operate within an Agile framework and drive continuous improvement.
• Lead agile ceremonies and define development ecosystems.
• Represent the team to stakeholders and progress lifecycle activities.
• Progress projects across all software lifecycle stages and report metrics.

Skills

Team leadership

Software development

Agile methods

Formal problem solving

Communication skills

Engineering processes

Delivery leadership

Safety-critical software

Tools

Big data solutions

System engineering

Communication technologies

Hard real-time software

Job description

Job Description: The Opportunity Leonardo are looking for a Software Team Leader to join our Integrated Sensors & Protection line of Business, we are developing and innovating with the latest methods, tools and techniques to develop new capabilities that are at the forefront of what is possible today. Leonardo develops multi-domain capabilities in the Aerospace, Defence and Security sector. Playing a prominent role in major international strategic programmes and is a trusted technological partner of governments, defence agencies, institutions and enterprises. Working directly with the Head of Software, you will be a key contributor to all aspects of the research and development of our advanced products.

What you will do

• Team Leadership and ‘hands‑on’ software development.
• Support the Head of Software in the management of a team of software engineers undertaking multiple projects simultaneously.
• Operate in a tool supported formal way within an Agile framework.
• Leadership, development and line management of software team members.
• Co‑develop plans working within a cycle planning process.
• Lead agile ceremonies.
• Define and maintain development eco‑systems for the team.
• Lead in a continuous improvement environment.
• Represent the software team with stakeholders.
• Innovate as a key senior contributor and integral part of a close team of engineers.
• Bring a class‑leading mentality to all aspects of software development and undertake reviews with the team to ensure effective approaches are applied.
• Support and progress projects in all aspects of the software life cycle.
• Support metrics pertaining to software activity and development lifecycles.
• Formally maintain and refine an ongoing view (informed by technical perspective) as to the likely effort required for a range of objectives and activities.

What we are looking for

• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and behaviours.
• Effective communication capability in all aspects.
• Working knowledge of Agile techniques.
• Familiarity with formal problem solving methods.
• Capability to work with and through formal requirements.
• Ability to work within formal engineering processes as required.
• Proven delivery capability in the context of complex activity.
• Appreciation of safety‑critical software development.

It would be great if you also had the following skills and experience but not essential:

• Agile lifecycles.
• Big data solutions.
• System engineering approaches.
• Communication technologies.
• Hard real‑time software development.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work‑life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role. For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo UK operates a grade‑based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Primary Location: GB - Basildon

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid

International, multicultural, innovative, technological: this is Leonardo. The company’s passionate and talented team is strongly influenced by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) expertise, with a diverse range of experience that enables colleagues to share knowledge and know‑how across the generations. Leonardo always wants to expand its talent pool, here you can find the right opportunity for you!