Head of Software Engineering

Head of Software Engineering | 18 Month FTC | London Hybrid | £150K

Overview:
A global financial services organisation is seeking an experienced Head of Software Engineering to lead the delivery of its critical software platforms. You will oversee end-to-end engineering, ensuring solutions are delivered predictably, to high standards, and operate reliably. Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, you will shape technology strategy, align delivery with business goals, and contribute to governance on project delivery and risk.

This is a high-impact role for a leader who thrives in fast-paced, complex environments and is passionate about driving innovation, operational excellence, and engineering quality across enterprise systems.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Lead engineering teams in building, modernising, integrating, and operating critical platforms and proprietary applications.
• Define and execute technical and delivery strategy across platforms, APIs, and workflow automation.
• Implement and enforce software engineering standards, including SDLC, CI/CD, automated testing, and release management.
• Plan quarterly engineering roadmaps with milestones, resourcing, risks, and release schedules.
• Monitor engineering metrics to improve delivery predictability, system reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with product and business teams to define scope, deliverables, and acceptance criteria.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven leadership delivering business-critical software products in complex environments.
• Strong software engineering background: architecture, integrations, CI/CD, testing, release, and reliability.
• Track record of improving delivery predictability and engineering standards.
• Experience managing multi-team internal and vendor/partner delivery.
• Excellent stakeholder management and ability to translate business outcomes into technical plans.

Desirable:

• Experience with complex domain platforms such as trading, logistics, or commodities.
• Experience modernising Legacy applications and integrations.
• Knowledge of cloud platforms and SaaS ecosystems.

Package:

• £120-150k base (depending on experience)
• Hybrid working (London-based)
• 18 Month FTC

Head of Software Engineering | 18 Month FTC | London Hybrid | £150K