Java Technical Lead
The organisation is building and delivering software across multiple product lines and platforms, with a strong focus on engineering excellence, continuous improvement, and high-performance delivery. This role sits within a senior leadership pathway, combining hands-on Java development with strategic leadership and people management—making it a great opportunity for someone who wants to shape technology direction while building and leading teams across locations. As part of the role, you’ll define and drive the software development strategy, own end-to-end delivery, improve engineering processes (including CI/CD and quality standards), and coordinate distributed offshore delivery. Your leadership will help ensure scalability, security, and compliance are embedded across the technology function.
Role Overview:
This role exists to lead the organisation’s software engineering function end-to-end—aligning technology strategy with business objectives while guiding delivery, architecture decisions, engineering practices, and team performance. It also functions as a defined pathway into Deputy CTO responsibilities, including acting as CTO in their absence and supporting executive-level governance.
Key Skills & Experience:
• 10+ years in Java software development, with 5+ years in leadership
• Proven track record managing offshore / distributed teams
• Strong background in full-stack or platform engineering
• Experience owning end-to-end software delivery lifecycle
• Experience in Capital Markets
• Proficiency in Agile, DevOps, and cloud-native practices
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to operate at both strategic and hands-on levels
Key Responsibilities:
• Define and drive the software development strategy aligned with business objectives
• Partner with the CTO and C-suite to shape the technology roadmap
• Lead architecture decisions, including platform selection and long-term scalability planning
• Own end-to-end software delivery across all product lines and platforms, including hands-on Java development
• Establish and continuously improve engineering processes, CI/CD pipelines, and quality standards
• Champion agile methodologies and drive a culture of continuous improvement
• Define KPIs for engineering performance, delivery velocity, and code quality
• Lead, manage, and grow a distributed offshore development team across multiple time zones
• Build communication frameworks, including standups and rituals bridging onshore and offshore teams
• Mentor, manage performance, and support career development for offshore team members
• Evaluate and manage vendor relationships and offshore resource planning
• Ensure security, IP protection, and compliance standards are upheld across all locations
• Hire, retain, and develop a world-class engineering team (10+ engineers, onshore and offshore)
• Build an inclusive, high-performance engineering culture, including regular 1:1s and performance reviews
• Act as a technical mentor and role model across seniority levels
• Act as CTO in their absence and represent the technology function at the executive level
• Contribute to investment and vendor decisions
• Lead cross-functional technology governance, security, and compliance initiatives
Requirements:
• 10+ years in Java software development and 5+ years in leadership
• Proven experience managing offshore / distributed teams
• Experience owning end-to-end software delivery lifecycle
• Experience in Capital Markets
• Proficiency in Agile, DevOps, and cloud-native practices
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to operate at both strategic and hands-on levels
• UK-based role with hybrid working arrangements
Nice to Have (Optional):
• Previous VP Engineering experience
• Experience in a scale-up or high-growth environment
• Knowledge of AI/ML integration in product development
• Familiarity with SOC 2, ISO 27001 and GDPR compliance
• Background in SaaS, fintech or enterprise software
• Experience customising Trading Systems (e.g. Calypso)
• Advanced degree in Computer Science or related field
Apply now to join our organisation and help lead engineering strategy, delivery, and team growth—on a clear pathway toward Deputy CTO.
