Head of Software

Job Title: Head of Software
Location: Cambridge (On-Site Working)
Salary: Up to £125,000 + Benefits & Bonus (Depending on Experience)

Note: All Applicants must be able to obtain Security Clearance to work on UK Eyes only Projects.

Overview:

Our client is seeking an experienced Head of Software to lead a multidisciplinary team in Cambridge.

You will provide strategic, technical and people leadership across embedded software, DSP, FPGA and AI/ML, supporting innovative technologies including radar, sensing and communications across sectors such as defence and healthcare.

The role combines team leadership, technical oversight, resource planning and capability development, with a focus on delivering high-quality projects and driving continuous improvement.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead and grow a high-performing software function with the skills, structure and capacity to meet current and future demand.
• Recruit and retain talent, support career development and succession planning, and provide the tools and training needed for success.
• Continuously improve software development practices, balancing quality, governance and agility across diverse projects.
• Oversee standards, processes, reviews and project audits, using lessons learned to continually improve delivery.
• Provide technical input into proposals, bids and project costing, while building strong customer relationships and managing technical risks.
• Work with project and department leads to ensure the right people and skills are deployed to the right projects at the right time.
• Share knowledge, encourage cross-functional working and contribute to the wider technical and strategic direction of the organisation.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Proven track record of delivering complex, high-quality technology solutions, ideally within a consultancy, product development or fee-for-service environment.
• Broad technical knowledge across areas such as embedded software, DSP, FPGA, firmware, testing, cloud and AI/ML, with deep expertise in at least one area.
• Proven experience leading and developing engineering teams, including line management and managing managers.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with customers, colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
• A passion for improving software engineering practices, with the judgement to apply the appropriate level of process and rigour from early-stage concepts through to production systems.
• A strong balance of technical, commercial and people leadership skills, with the ability to see the bigger picture while remaining technically engaged.
• Experience within the defence sector would be advantageous