Head of Software

Location: Cambridge Salary: -95,000 - -110,000+ (Negotiable based on experience) Work Pattern: 3 days onsite per week

The Opportunity

Are you a seasoned technical leader looking to shape the future of a multidisciplinary software department? We are seeking a high-caliber Head of Software to lead a diverse team of experts working on cutting-edge technologies across defense, healthcare, space, critical infrastructure, communications and sensing.

This is a pivotal leadership role reporting to the SVP of Engineering. You will be responsible for driving technical excellence, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality solutions across embedded software, DSP, FPGA, and AI/ML domains.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Growth: Direct line management of senior team members and overall leadership of the software department. You will lead succession planning, hiring, and capacity planning to ensure the team is structured for success.
• Process Excellence: Drive continuous improvement in software development processes, maintaining industry best practices while balancing rigor with the agility needed for prototypes and full-scale production.
• Technical Oversight: Maintain oversight of ongoing projects, conduct quality audits, and identify/mitigate technical risks.
• Strategic Collaboration: Work with senior management to achieve business growth goals and support technical sales activities, including proposal creation and client relationship management.

The Ideal Candidate

• Technical Breadth: Strong understanding of embedded software, DSP, FPGA firmware, cloud, and AI/ML, with deep expertise in at least one of these areas.
• Proven Leadership: Extensive experience in line management (including managing other managers) and developing high-performing teams.
• Industry Experience: A track record of delivering high-quality solutions, preferably within a fee-for-service or consultancy environment.
• Defense Exposure: Familiarity with the Defense industry is highly desirable.
• Security Clearance: Candidates must ideally hold, or be eligible to obtain, UK "eyes only" Security Clearance (SC).

Why Join?

Our client offers a stimulating and versatile work environment that prioritizes your professional development and career progression. You will join a friendly, supportive team that values integrity, honesty, and shared success.