Head of Software Engineering

Head of Engineering - Digital Product Studio (London / Hybrid)

£130,000-£150,000 + Profit Share Employee-Owned AI, Mobile, Web, Cloud Start Jan 2026

 

We're working with a global digital product studio known for creating beautifully crafted, high-impact digital products and experiences.

 

They partner with some of the world's most innovative brands-combining design, technology, and strategy to deliver solutions that make a difference.

 

As they expand into larger-scale, AI-powered and data-rich projects, they're looking for a Head of Engineering to lead and grow their multidisciplinary engineering team.

 

The Opportunity

This is a key leadership role at the intersection of technology, people, and product delivery- ideal for someone who wants to combine hands-on architectural expertise and people leadership, delivery with strategic influence across a creative, purpose-driven business.

 

You'll lead a diverse engineering group spanning the UK and EU, helping scale the team from 35 to 50+ people. You'll shape technology strategy, nurture a high-performing culture, and play a pivotal role in delivering some of the most exciting digital and AI-driven products in the market.

 

What You'll Do

  • Lead and inspire a cross-disciplinary engineering team- driving standards, performance, and wellbeing.
  • Set the technical direction across mobile, web, and backend systems- ensuring architecture, scalability, and security.
  • Partner with senior leaders on client engagements, helping win, scope, and deliver large-scale (6-12 month) digital transformation projects.
  • Introduce new engineering patterns, processes, and tools across AI, cloud, and microservices architecture.
  • Maintain strong collaboration across design, product, and delivery teams, ensuring projects run smoothly and clients are delighted.
  • Act as a player-coach- mentoring others while staying close enough to the tech to make informed, impactful decisions.

 

What You'll Bring

  • Proven experience as a Head of Engineering / Engineering Director / Principal Engineer/Architect within a digital agency, consultancy, or product studio.
  • Strong background in architecting modern systems across web and mobile technologies.
  • Hands-on exposure to stacks such as TypeScript, Python, Golang, Angular, Native Mobile, and modern databases.
  • Understanding of AI and generative technology (e.g., LangChain, LLMs, ML-based product features) or curiosity to learn.
  • Excellent people leadership and coaching skills - empathetic, balanced, and able to foster a collaborative, inclusive culture.
  • Experience working across multiple client projects, balancing innovation, technical quality, and delivery timelines.
  • A systems thinker with strong communication, commercial awareness, and the ability to make tech make sense.

 

Why Join

  • Join a design-led, employee-owned studio where creativity, collaboration, and purpose drive everything.
  • Shape the engineering function during a pivotal growth phase- with major investment and expanding global reach.
  • Work across cutting-edge digital and AI-powered projects that make a tangible impact.
  • Enjoy a genuinely flexible hybrid model (2-3 days in Shoreditch) and travel opportunities to teams in Europe and the US.
  • Excellent culture- supportive, low-ego, really innovative ad fast paced.

 

The Package

  • £130,000-£150,000 base salary (dependent on experience)
  • Profit share % based on salary and company performance
  • Long-term incentives and performance-based rewards
  • Comprehensive benefits including health, wellness, and development support
  • Flexible working + the opportunity to travel to clients and studios across EU and the US.

 

Sound like you?

If you're excited by the idea of leading an exceptional engineering team, building cutting-edge products, and being part of a mission-driven global studio- we'd love to hear from you.

 

Apply now or reach out for a confidential chat to learn more.

Company
develop
Location
South East, United Kingdom
Employment Type
Permanent
Salary
GBP Annual
Posted
Company
develop
Location
South East, United Kingdom
Employment Type
Permanent
Salary
GBP Annual
Posted