Head of Development / Lead Software Architect

Head of Development / Lead Software ArchitectFull-Stack Development | Trading Technology | Product & Proprietary IPLocation: Dubai, UAEEmployment Type: Full-time | On-site / Executive HybridReporting to: CEO & Senior LeadershipTarget Start: Q3 / Q4The OpportunityWe are looking for a highly capable, hands-on Head of Development / Lead Software Architect to take ownership of the technology and development roadmap across a growing multi-asset trading business in Dubai.This is not a traditional management role. We are looking for someone who is still very comfortable getting into the code, making technical decisions and building products, while also having the experience to shape the wider architecture and development strategy.You will take ownership of the front-end applications, trading integrations and wider software environment, using a combination of internal development and carefully selected external resources where required.A key part of the role will be taking existing third-party technology and progressively developing it into a more customised and proprietary technology stack.Key ResponsibilitiesProduct & Front-End DevelopmentLead the development and architecture of client-facing web and mobile trading applications.Build a modern, intuitive and high-quality user experience across web and mobile.Improve the full client journey, from registration and verification through to account funding and trading.Develop and enhance the client portal, Trader's Room, wallets, funding functionality and account dashboards.Ensure applications are reliable, responsive and capable of supporting a growing client base.AI & Market IntelligenceDevelop smart tools that allow clients to explore market data and trading information.Build automated market scanning and pattern-recognition functionality within appropriate non-advisory parameters.Develop conversational search and querying capabilities across market conditions, economic events and instrument data.Use modern AI development tools to increase development speed and productivity.Identify practical ways AI can improve both the product and internal development processes.Trading Technology & IntegrationsManage the technical integration between the client-facing applications, CRM, trading platforms and back-office systems.Work with MT4/MT5 APIs, trading engines and bridge/gateway infrastructure.Ensure reliable connectivity between trading applications, MT5, CRM, databases and other core systems.Take ownership of existing third-party technology and understand how it can be adapted and improved.Refactor and develop existing systems with the longer-term objective of creating proprietary IP.Build custom technology where it provides a genuine competitive advantage rather than reinventing existing solutions unnecessarily.Technical LeadershipAct as the senior technical authority across the development environment.Work closely with the CEO and senior leadership on the technology and product roadmap.Support the Dealing, Operations, Risk and Quant teams with technical solutions, reporting tools and data requirements.Manage development priorities and decide when to build internally versus using external development resources.Coordinate external development teams or specialist engineers where required.Work closely with Compliance, Operations and Dealing to ensure technology supports the wider business.What We're Looking ForStrong track record of building and launching production-level web and mobile applications.A genuinely hands-on developer who is comfortable writing code as well as making architectural decisions.Strong experience across modern development frameworks and languages such as TypeScript, React, React Native, Flutter, Node.js, Go, Python or C#.Strong understanding of REST and WebSocket APIs.Experience working with trading technology, electronic trading environments or financial services platforms.Good understanding of MT4/MT5 APIs, order lifecycles, CRM/back-office systems and payment integrations.Experience working with AI technologies, including LLMs, embeddings and prompt-based applications.Commercial and pragmatic approach to development, with the ability to balance speed, scalability and proprietary technology ownership.Comfortable working independently and taking full ownership of technical projects.Strong communication skills and fluent professional English.PackageA competitive executive-level salary will be offered based on experience and technical capability.The package will include:Performance-related annual bonus.UAE employment residence visa.Comprehensive medical insurance.30 days' annual leave.Significant influence over the company's technology and product roadmap.The opportunity to take ownership of the development strategy and build out proprietary trading technology.This is a high-priority hire for a business looking to significantly expand its technology capability and build a more differentiated proprietary platform.