Head of Software Engineering (Outside IR35)

Head of Software Engineering – Contract – £700/day OUTSIDE IR35 – Manchester (Hybrid)

Are you one of the UK’s top Heads of Software Engineering?

This is your opportunity to lead the design, strategy, and delivery of a pan-European SaaS platform at the very start of a global technology transformation.

We’re looking for a proven software engineering leader with the vision, gravitas, and technical depth to define and execute a modern, cloud-native roadmap—while inspiring high-performing teams to deliver at scale.

This is not just another Head of Engineering role—it’s a chance to shape a world-class engineering organisation that will drive one of the most ambitious SaaS rollouts in Europe.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive the technical strategy, architecture, and execution of a new global SaaS platform.
• Work directly with C-level stakeholders to shape the long-term engineering roadmap.
• Lead, mentor, and scale large distributed software engineering teams (20+ engineers across onshore/nearshore/offshore).
• Establish engineering excellence through DevOps, automation, and agile practices, ensuring resilience, scalability, and security.
• Oversee multiple suppliers and partners, setting standards and ensuring accountability.
• Foster a high-performance culture built on DORA metrics, data-driven decisions, and continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For

• A Head of Software Engineering / Director of Engineering / VP Engineering background with proven success delivering large-scale SaaS solutions.
• Deep experience in AWS cloud architectures (Azure experience also considered).
• A track record of leading engineering transformation in global, complex environments.
• Exceptional stakeholder management—able to engage, influence, and win buy-in from board-level through to delivery teams.
• Expertise in DevOps culture, automation pipelines, and agile delivery.
• Hands-on technical background—comfortable rolling sleeves up when needed.
• Strong experience managing third-party suppliers, including offshore and nearshore delivery partners.
• Duration: 6–9 months+
• Start Date: Immediate / short notice preferred

Why Apply?

This is a career-defining leadership role at the heart of a multi-million-pound global SaaS transformation. You’ll have the autonomy, budget, and executive backing to build and lead a truly world-class engineering organisation—while leaving a legacy that defines the future of the business.

If you are a Head of Software Engineering with the vision, leadership, and technical acumen to deliver SaaS transformation at scale, we want to hear from you.