Head of Software Engineering

Head of Software Engineering, London (4 days in office)£140 - £160k + Bonus Start upAre you a hands-on engineering leader who thrives in a startup environment? Do you enjoy building products from the ground up, leading talented engineers, and still getting stuck into the technical detail?This is an opportunity to join a well-funded, VC-backed technology business that's transforming the logistics industry through data, real-time analytics and intelligent decision-making infrastructure platform. Their platform processes vast amounts of complex data to solve real operational challenges, and they're only just getting started.As Head of Engineering, you'll lead a team of six highly capable engineers while remaining technically hands-on. This isn't a role where you'll spend your days in meetings. You'll be involved in architectural decisions, technical problem-solving, mentoring the team and helping shape the future of the product alongside the CTO.They're looking for someone who combines strong technical credibility with confident leadership. You'll need the confidence to challenge ideas, influence senior stakeholders and make difficult decisions when required, all whilst creating an environment where engineers can do their best work.This role would suit someone who has already helped build and scale a product within a startup or high-growth business and has seen products through the full lifecycle, from early concept to successful delivery and continuous improvement.You'll ideally bring experience with:Leading and developing high-performing engineering teams while remaining hands-onBuilding scalable backend platforms using PythonDistributed systems, real-time data processing and modern backend architectureStreaming technologies such as Kafka or similarDesigning production systems that operate at scaleWorking closely with product, architecture and executive leadership to shape technical directionMaking sound engineering decisions whilst balancing speed, quality and commercial prioritiesYou'll also be an excellent communicator who can explain technical concepts clearly, influence stakeholders across the business and confidently push back when needed.This is a business with exceptionally high standards. They're building something ambitious, move quickly, and expect people to take ownership and deliver. If you enjoy working alongside talented people in an environment where your contribution genuinely shapes the future of the company, you'll fit right in.If you're looking for a senior engineering leadership role where you can still write code, influence technical strategy and play a key part in scaling an exciting product business, we'd love to hear from you.