Software Engineering Manager - Outside IR35

Contract: Software Engineering Manager - Greenfield Pension Platform

• Day Rate: £700 Outside IR35 Contract
• Industry: Financial Services
• Location: Bristol - Hybrid (1-2 days onsite)

About the Role

We are supporting a leading FTSE100 firm on a major greenfield initiative: the creation of a new and innovative pension product platform. This is a high-impact, long-term programme (running until 2026) with significant opportunity to shape architecture, engineering practices, and delivery.

The Software Engineering Manager will play a pivotal role, combining engineering management with elements of technical leadership. You'll work closely with senior stakeholders to define the technical roadmap, then lead and grow a cross-functional squad to deliver the platform.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Head of Software and Solution Architect to define the technical roadmap and architecture in the first 3 months.
• Guide and influence technical decisions, ensuring robust and scalable solutions.
• Build, manage, and support a cross-functional squad (5-7 engineers across front-end, back-end, BA, and solution architecture).
• Drive engineering best practices, mentoring and coaching team members.
• Maintain a hands-on technical perspective, staying close to modern development practices and tools.
• Collaborate with external vendors to ensure high-quality delivery.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as an Engineering Manager, Tech Lead, or Senior Software Manager.
• Ability to stay close to technology while providing leadership and strategic direction.
• Strong background in modern engineering practices; full-stack experience (JavaScript, Java, AWS) is ideal, though the client is open on technical background.
• Track record of delivering complex, large-scale software platforms in financial services or other regulated industries.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Contract Details

• Location: Hybrid - 1-2 days per week onsite (Bristol preferred, London also considered).
• Duration: Initial 3 months for roadmap/architecture definition, with programme expected to run until end of 2026.
• Engagement: Outside IR35.

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.