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