Morgan McKinley
Head of Software
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Head of Software
About the Business
Our client is an industry-leading engineering and strategic technology consultancy dedicated to creating advanced, sustainable, and safer technologies. Operating across a highly diverse portfolio—ranging from defence and communications to cutting-edge healthcare—they pride themselves on an adaptive, inclusive, and collaborative culture where integrity and collective success drive everything they do.
The Role
Our client is searching for a technically astute leader to take the helm of their multidisciplinary software engineering department. Reporting directly to the executive engineering leadership, the successful candidate will oversee a talented group of engineers working across embedded systems, DSP, FPGA, and AI/ML.
This is not a hands-on coding role; instead, it is a pivotal leadership position centered around people development, process refinement, and strategic commercial enablement. The individual will take full accountability for the department's capability growth, resource planning, and high-quality project delivery.
Key responsibilities include:
- Departmental Leadership & Evolution: Shape, mentor, and scale a highly responsive, multi-disciplined team. You will own succession planning, talent development, and training investments.
- Commercial & Technical Sales Support: Partner with commercial teams to translate vague client requirements into structured, robust technical proposals and costings for rapid prototypes, proofs of concept, or full-scale systems.
- Process Optimization: Champion modern software best practices, balancing necessary engineering rigour with the agility required for diverse consultancy projects.
- Resource & Quality Management: Coordinate across departments to ensure optimal project staffing, while executing technical audits to maintain stellar delivery standards.
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What They Are Looking For
The role requires a blend of strong people management, commercial awareness, and technical breadth.
To be successful, candidates must bring:
- Consultancy/Fee-for-Service Background: Essential experience working within a technical consultancy or fee-for-service environment. This can be either as a manager or an IC.
- Embedded Software Roots: A strong foundational background in embedded software is required, alongside the technical breadth to converse fluently across DSP, FPGA, and AI/ML domains.
- Proven Formal Management: Direct experience acting as a formal line manager for a team, handling appraisals and performance development. Experience managing other managers is not required.
- Ambiguity Management: A proven ability to navigate ambiguous or loosely defined client briefs and confidently architect solutions and bids.
- Sector Exposure: Previous exposure to the Defence sector is highly advantageous, alongside the ability to secure strict UK Eyes Only Security Clearance.
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Why Join Them?
Beyond a highly competitive salary, our client offers a vibrant, supportive, and social working environment. They genuinely invest in their people's career progression, providing the tools, autonomy, and stimulating projects needed to help individuals reach their maximum potential. The variety of interesting projects has kept many of the team engaged for many years and a strong average tenure.
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