Software Engineering Manager

Interim Software Engineering Manager

6-month contract | c. £500 per day | Outside IR35 | Hybrid, Oxfordshire

Are you a senior software leader who can quickly understand complex systems?

Do you enjoy combining architecture, hands-on engineering and technology strategy?

Would you like the opportunity to shape the next phase of a growing software capability?

Our client, an innovative technology-led engineering organisation, is seeking an Interim Software Engineering Manager for an initial six-month contract. This is a high-impact assignment for someone who can provide technical direction, strengthen engineering practices and help turn long-term business goals into a practical software roadmap.

Why This Role Is Great:

You will have the opportunity to:

Take ownership of the technical direction and evolution of a complex software platform.
Work closely with senior leaders to align software architecture, delivery priorities and wider business objectives.
Assess existing systems and identify opportunities to improve scalability, security, reliability and maintainability.
Shape future cloud, SaaS, digital product and AI opportunities at a strategic level.
Provide architectural guidance and pragmatic technical leadership to an established engineering team.
Strengthen development standards, governance and technical decision-making.
Remain close to the technology through design reviews, code reviews and occasional hands-on contribution.
Influence cross-functional teams spanning software, systems engineering, product development and senior leadership.

About You

This role could suit an experienced Software Engineering Manager, Software Architect, Technical Lead, Solutions Architect, Head of Engineering or Interim Engineering Leader.

Our client’s wishlist includes:

Strong software architecture and system design experience.
A track record of assessing and improving complex production systems.
The ability to balance scalability, security, performance, cost and delivery.
Credibility as a hands-on software engineer, with the confidence to review code and support technical delivery.
Experience leading, mentoring or providing direction to software engineering teams.
A practical understanding of secure software development and cyber security principles.
Experience developing technology roadmaps and communicating with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Knowledge of cloud platforms, SaaS products or digital transformation initiatives.
Exposure to AI strategy or the evaluation of commercially useful AI applications.
Experience with C# or Python would be helpful, although strong transferable experience is equally welcome.

Experience within a technical, scientific, industrial or hardware-integrated environment may be useful, but it is not essential.

You do not need to match every point. Candidates who bring comparable leadership, architecture or transformation experience are encouraged to apply.

Contract Details

Initial term: 6 months
Day rate: Around £500 per day
IR35 status: Outside IR35
Working pattern: Hybrid, with some on-site collaboration in Oxfordshire
Start date: As soon as practical

Apply

This is an excellent opportunity to make a visible impact, influence strategic technology decisions and leave a stronger, more scalable engineering capability in place.

Apply today with your latest CV for a confidential discussion.

Our recruitment agency and our client are committed to creating an inclusive hiring process. Applications are welcomed from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.