Head of Delivery | DefenceTech Start Up

\n Head of Delivery | Engineering & Product Delivery\n

Location: London (primarily office‑based)

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We're working with a fast-growing technology company developing advanced software deployed in highly demanding operational environments. Following continued growth, they're looking to appoint a Head of Delivery to lead engineering execution, drive delivery excellence and ensure complex software programmes are delivered successfully. This is a key leadership position, sitting at the heart of the engineering organisation. You'll work closely with Engineering, Product and Leadership teams to coordinate delivery across multiple workstreams, ensuring teams remain focused, releases stay on track and customers receive high-quality software on time. If you're passionate about building high‑performing engineering teams, improving delivery processes and turning ambitious roadmaps into successful releases, this is an opportunity to have a significant impact in a fast‑moving technical environment.

The Role\n

You'll be responsible for ensuring engineering teams deliver consistently and effectively, removing blockers, improving planning processes and creating an environment where engineers can do their best work. Rather than being a traditional project manager, you'll act as the operational leader for software delivery—bringing together engineering, product and customer priorities to ensure successful execution.

Key Responsibilities\n

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• Lead delivery across multiple engineering teams, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to a high standard.
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• Own software release planning, coordination and execution.
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• Work closely with Engineering Managers, Technical Leads and Product Managers to prioritise work and manage delivery commitments.
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• Monitor project progress, identify risks early and proactively remove delivery blockers.
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• Establish and improve delivery processes, planning frameworks and engineering workflows.
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• Coordinate cross‑functional releases involving software, infrastructure and customer deployments.
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• Track engineering performance through meaningful delivery metrics and reporting.
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• Facilitate sprint planning, roadmap reviews and release readiness activities.
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• Balance customer priorities with long‑term engineering objectives.
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• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement across engineering teams.
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• Communicate delivery status, risks and dependencies clearly to senior stakeholders.
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What We're Looking For\n

Proven experience leading software delivery within an engineering‑led organisation.

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Strong understanding of modern software development practices and Agile delivery.

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Experience managing engineering programmes involving multiple teams.

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Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

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The ability to prioritise competing demands while maintaining delivery quality.

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Experience coordinating complex software releases.

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A collaborative leadership style focused on enabling engineering teams to succeed.

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Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.

Desirable Experience\n

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• Experience with any of the following: SaaS, enterprise software or deep‑tech environments.
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• DevOps, CI/CD and modern release management practices.
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• Cloud platforms and Kubernetes.
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• Jira, Linear or similar delivery tooling.
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• Working within security‑conscious or highly regulated industries.
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• Scaling engineering organisations through periods of rapid growth.
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What's on Offer\n

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• Highly competitive salary.
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• Meaningful equity in a rapidly growing technology business.
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• Enhanced employer pension contribution.
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• Private healthcare and dental cover.
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• Daily meals provided in the office.
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• Cycle to Work scheme.
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• Relocation support where appropriate.
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• Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities.
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• The chance to play a pivotal role in shaping how a world‑class engineering organisation delivers software at scale.
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Additional Information\n

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Due to the nature of the work, candidates must also be eligible to obtain UK Security Check (SC) clearance, which typically requires at least five years' continuous UK residency. If you're an experienced delivery leader who thrives in fast‑paced engineering environments and enjoys bringing structure, clarity and momentum to complex technical programmes, we'd love to hear from you.

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