Head of Engineering (CTO-Track) - Technology First - Hedge Fund London

Our client is a high-performing hedge fund, recognised for its technology-first culture and entrepreneurial mindset. As the firm continues to scale, it seeks an exceptional Engineering Manager - a technically credible, forward-thinking leader ready to take the next step toward a Chief Technology Officer remit.

You will play a pivotal role in modernising the firm's trading and data platforms, building and mentoring high-calibre engineering teams, and shaping the architectural foundations that power the fund's investment strategies. This is a hands-on leadership role - you'll be expected to code, design, and influence in equal measure - helping to define how technology evolves as the firm expands.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of engineers delivering next-generation trading systems and data platforms designed for scalability, performance, and resilience.
• Embed modern engineering principles - event-driven architecture, distributed systems, CI/CD automation, and cloud-native design - across the technology landscape.
• Collaborate directly with portfolio managers and researchers to translate trading and analytical requirements into production-ready solutions.
• Drive innovation by incorporating AI and machine-learning initiatives into research and operational frameworks.
• Champion engineering culture - attract exceptional talent, mentor developers, and instil technical excellence and accountability.
• Contribute strategically, working closely with the CTO and senior leadership to define the long-term technical vision and roadmap.

You will likely have:

• Experience leading and scaling engineering teams within a front-office trading or high-performance technology environment.
• Strong hands-on background in modern C++, Java, or Python, with deep understanding of systems architecture and distributed design.
• Proven ability to bridge business and engineering, collaborating effectively with PMs, data scientists, and operations teams.
• A passion for building engineering culture - developing people, improving processes, and raising standards.
• The ambition to step into a CTO-level leadership role in the coming years.

This is a rare opportunity to operate at the intersection of technology and investment in one of London's most dynamic hedge funds. You'll join an environment that values autonomy, impact, and excellence, where engineering drives performance - and your ideas directly influence the firm's success.