Technical Software Development Manager - Embedded Systems (TA)

James Fisher and Sons plc; Elrick; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

James Fisher and Sons plc is seeking a Technical Software Development Manager – Embedded Systems to lead the software vision, strategy, and roadmaps across key product lines. Hybrid working options in Inchinnan or Westhill, with security checks as part of the role.

You will collaborate with customers, stakeholders and engineering teams to deliver safe, compliant software for commercial and defence products.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Engineering, Software, or Technical discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience leading software strategy, roadmaps and delivery in a complex engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of software development across embedded and/or non-embedded applications.
• Experience with requirements management and ensuring traceability throughout the lifecycle.
• Excellent stakeholder management with customers, suppliers, contractors, and internal teams.
• Strategic mindset balancing long-term product objectives with operational needs.
• Proactive problem-solver with ownership and results.
• Experience in defence, maritime, aerospace or regulated industries advantageous.
• Willingness to travel UK and internationally; eligible for UK Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and evolution of software vision, strategy, and roadmap across product lines.
• Engage with customers and internal teams to capture requirements and translate into priorities.
• Provide governance of software verification, validation, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance.
• Define and maintain software lifecycle management processes and standards.
• Drive prioritisation of software features and technical improvements.
• Collaborate with Systems Engineering and Delivery to ensure traceability.
• Partner with Innovation teams to shape future capabilities and roadmaps.
• Support business development and bids with technical leadership.
• Work with Engineering Managers to grow talent and capabilities.

Skills

Software strategy

Roadmaps

Stakeholder mgmt

Requirements management

Traceability

Embedded systems

Leadership

Travel flexibility

Security clearance

Governance

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

About the Role

Technical Software Development Manager – Embedded Systems Full-Time, Permanent Inchinnan or Westhill with Hybrid working Please note that this role requires security checks. The Role:

As Technical Software Development Manager, you will play a pivotal role in defining and driving the software vision, strategy, and roadmap across key JFD product lines, ensuring alignment with wider product and business objectives.

Working closely with customers, stakeholders, and engineering teams, you will help define future software capabilities and requirements for both commercial and defence products. This is a highly influential leadership role, responsible for ensuring software development activities align with JFD's engineering strategy, governance framework, and quality standards, while delivering safe, compliant, and cost-effective solutions that meet customer needs and business goals.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead the development and continuous evolution of the software vision, strategy, and roadmap across designated product lines, ensuring alignment with business objectives and future customer needs.
• Engage with customers, stakeholders, and internal teams to capture requirements, identify emerging capability needs, and translate these into clear software development priorities.
• Provide governance and oversight of software verification and validation activities, ensuring solutions are delivered in line with quality, safety, and compliance requirements.
• Define, implement, and maintain effective software lifecycle management processes, controls, and development standards across programmes and product lines.
• Drive the prioritisation of software features, enhancements, and technical improvements, balancing customer requirements, commercial objectives, and technical considerations.
• Collaborate closely with Systems Engineering and Delivery teams to ensure robust requirements management and end-to-end traceability throughout the development lifecycle.
• Partner with Innovation teams and Product Line Leaders to shape future product capabilities and contribute to long-term technology and product roadmaps.
• Support business development and bid activities by providing technical leadership, software expertise, and strategic input to customer solutions and proposals.
• Work alongside Engineering Managers to develop software capabilities, strengthen technical expertise within teams, and support the growth of future talent.

What we’re looking for:

• Degree qualified in a relevant Engineering, Software, or Technical discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Proven experience leading or influencing software development strategy, roadmaps, and technical delivery within a complex engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of software development across embedded and/or non-embedded applications.
• Experience working with requirements management and ensuring traceability throughout the development lifecycle.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, contractors, and internal teams.
• A strategic mindset, with the ability to balance long-term product objectives with operational and customer needs.
• A proactive problem-solver who takes ownership, drives solutions, and delivers results.
• Experience within the defence, maritime, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of quality, safety, and governance standards within an engineering environment.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally as required.
• Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).

Desirable

• Experience working with functional safety standards such as IEC 61508 and IEC 61511.
• Knowledge of Secure by Design principles, IEC 62443 cybersecurity requirements, and secure product development practices.
• Experience defining cybersecurity requirements, conducting threat and risk assessments, and assuring third-party software suppliers for safety-critical or mission-critical systems.

Why join us?

• Early finish on Fridays
• Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.)
• Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility
• Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions
• Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations

About Us

James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.

Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc

James Fisher Defence (JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting-edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets. Operating worldwide, JFD is the foremost provider of submarine rescue services and a trusted name in submarine escape training. We’re also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry. Explore more about JFD

At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success is driven by the talent and diversity of our workforce.