Head of Software Engineering and Product

Head of Software Engineering and Product - Retail SaaS products

Overview

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Product & Technology Director to join a growing SaaS company operating within the retail sector.

This is a senior leadership position responsible for shaping and delivering the company's product and technology strategy, driving innovation, enhancing customer experience and supporting continued commercial growth.

The successful candidate will take ownership of the end-to-end product and technology function, overseeing product management, UX/UI design, software engineering, technical architecture and technology operations.

Role and Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the overall product and technology strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives, customer requirements and commercial growth.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team across Product Management, UX/UI Design, Software Engineering and Technology.
• Take ownership of the product roadmap, managing priorities, investment decisions and the delivery of new product capabilities.
• Oversee the complete product lifecycle, from initial discovery and development through to deployment, optimisation and ongoing enhancement.
• Provide technical leadership across software engineering, cloud infrastructure, architecture, integrations, data management and cyber security.
• Establish effective product development and engineering practices, ensuring high standards of software quality, delivery and operational performance.
• Drive improvements in user experience, product functionality and customer engagement through research, analytics and continuous development.
• Manage external technology providers, software vendors and strategic partners, ensuring effective commercial agreements, service delivery and performance.
• Identify opportunities to leverage AI, automation and emerging technologies to improve product capabilities and operational efficiency.
• Work closely with the senior leadership team to support strategic planning, technology investment and business growth.
• Ensure technology platforms remain secure, resilient and scalable, supporting the company's evolving requirements.

Skills and Experience

• Experience within product development and digital technology, with significant responsibility for product and technology strategy.
• Experience leading and developing teams across Product Management, UX/UI Design, Software Engineering and Technology.
• Strong technical background with practical software engineering experience and the ability to provide credible technical direction.
• Proven experience developing and scaling SaaS platforms or software-based products, taking ownership from initial concept through to launch and continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of software architecture, cloud technologies, systems integration, cyber security and modern engineering practices.
• Experience defining and delivering product strategies, managing roadmaps and balancing customer requirements with commercial priorities.
• Proven ability to manage technology budgets, external suppliers, software vendors and third-party delivery partners.
• Experience working closely with executive leadership teams and Boards, translating complex technical challenges into clear commercial decisions.
• Experience within a startup or scale-up environment would be advantageous, particularly candidates who have helped build, grow or successfully technology business.
• Knowledge of AI, automation and data-driven product development would be beneficial.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills, with a commercial and customer-focused approach.

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