Software Engineering Manager
Job Description
Software Engineering Manager / Engineering LeadLocation: London (Hybrid)Salary: £105,000 - £110,000 + Bonus + BenefitsType: Permanent60% HANDS ON 40% MANAGEMENTLead Engineering. Stay Hands-On. Shape the Future with AI.We're partnering with a leading global commodity intelligence and market insights platform, to find a hands-on Software Engineering Manager who combines strong technical leadership with a passion for building high-performing teams.This is a genuine player-coach role where you'll spend approximately 60% of your time coding and solving complex technical challenges, while dedicating the remaining 40% to mentoring engineers, driving delivery, and helping shape engineering culture.If you've progressed from Senior, Staff, or Lead Engineer into leadership but still enjoy writing code and influencing architecture, this is an outstanding opportunity to make a significant impact.The OpportunityAs Software Engineering Manager, you'll lead a talented engineering team while remaining deeply involved in technical delivery and architecture.You'll work closely with Product, Data, and Engineering leadership to build scalable systems, improve developer productivity, and drive adoption of modern AI-assisted engineering practices.This is a collaborative, low-ego environment where leadership is measured by impact, mentorship, and problem-solving rather than hierarchy.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership & EngineeringContribute directly to core product development and platform engineeringLead architecture reviews and technical design discussionsDrive engineering best practices across quality, testing, performance, observability, and securityDesign and build scalable distributed systems using modern technologiesIdentify technical risks and remove delivery blockersPartner with senior engineering leaders on long-term technical strategyAI-Driven EngineeringChampion AI-assisted software development practicesDrive adoption of tools such as GitHub Copilot, Cursor, ChatGPT, and emerging AI technologiesExplore opportunities for agentic AI and autonomous systemsCoach engineers on safe, effective use of AI in development workflowsImprove engineering productivity through automation and intelligent toolingPeople LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop software engineersConduct regular 1-to-1s, performance reviews, and career development conversationsFoster a culture of ownership, collaboration, continuous learning, and innovationSupport hiring, onboarding, and team growth initiativesHelp engineers improve system design, coding practices, and problem-solving skillsWhat We're Looking ForEssential ExperienceStrong hands-on software engineering backgroundPrevious experience as a Senior, Staff, Lead Engineer, or Engineering ManagerProven experience leading and mentoring engineersStrong commercial experience with Node.js, TypeScript, and SQLExperience designing and building scalable distributed systemsStrong understanding of cloud-based production environmentsExcellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholdersComfortable remaining hands-on and completing technical assessments as part of the interview processHighly DesirablePassion for AI-assisted development and modern engineering toolingExperience introducing AI into software development workflowsInterest in agentic AI and autonomous systemsExperience working in fast-paced product-led businessesBackgrounds within high-scale technology organisations, gaming companies, Amazon-style engineering environments, or startup ecosystemsWhat Success Looks LikeYou'll be someone who:Loves coding and solving complex technical problemsLeads through collaboration rather than authorityBuilds trust and develops high-performing teamsCommunicates clearly and pragmaticallyBalances technical excellence with business outcomesEmbraces innovation and continuous improvementSees AI as a powerful accelerator for engineering effectivenessWhat's On Offer£105,000 - £110,000 base salaryPerformance bonusComprehensive benefits packageHybrid working modelSignificant influence over technical direction and engineering cultureOpportunity to help shape AI adoption across the organisationWork on complex, real-world data and intelligence platformsSupportive and highly collaborative leadership teamIf you're looking for a leadership role that allows you to stay close to the technology while building exceptional engineering teams, we'd love to hear from you.TPBN1_UKTJ