Head of Software Development
* Location: Glasgow
* Sector: Technology / Software Engineering
* Employment Type: Full-Time
* Six-figure salary
The Role
We’re working with a high-growth business seeking a Head of Software Development to lead and scale their technical team. This is a confidential hire facilitated by Cruinn Consulting.
This position is critical to the success of the business, requiring an experienced people manager who can motivate and direct a development team to achieve outcomes beyond expectations. You'll champion best practices, nurture talent, and ensure top-quality delivery across multiple projects and platforms.
This would suit someone with some entrepreneurial flair - do you enjoy working across teams and with customers to drive profitability? Do you enjoy spotting opportunities in amongst the operational role? If you love the strategic side of things, you'll get a lot from this.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership
* Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the business, integrating software development excellence into the broader organisation.
* Develop a success model within the team, clearly outlining roles, contributions, and expectations.
* Evaluate and introduce new technologies, encouraging innovation through research and collaboration.
* Implement a training plan to develop consultancy and transformation skills within the team.
* Represent the team through thought leadership and internal communications.
* Ensure all outputs meet client requirements, best practices, and internal quality standards.
* Present insights and recommendations to senior leadership and stakeholders.
* Continuously look for ways to improve operational processes and team effectiveness.
* Inspire and lead a culture of ownership, motivation, and continuous improvement.
Performance Management
* Set and track measurable performance targets (quality, efficiency, delivery timelines).
* Structure the team to provide the right balance of support and oversight.
* Implement tools and processes to ensure secure, scalable, and high-performing solutions.
* Collaborate with compliance and IT functions to manage risk, data security, and vulnerabilities.
* Oversee testing, reporting, and incident response activities, including disaster recovery planning.
* Maintain alignment with relevant certifications and standards (e.g., ISO, OWASP, PCI-DSS).
* Develop resource and recruitment plans in line with operational forecasts.
* Support presales efforts, proposals, and capability presentations for potential clients.
* Ensure profitability through efficient operations, productivity monitoring, and quality assurance.
Team & Department Management
* Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of Software Engineers, Testers, and Architects.
* Mentor and coach team members to achieve personal and professional development goals.
* Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and team structuring in collaboration with senior leadership.
* Set clear, transparent performance goals and conduct regular appraisals and one-to-ones.
* Monitor and optimise team billability, time tracking, and productivity.
* Support talent development through tailored training plans and continuous feedback.
* Collaborate with internal departments to align team capacity with business needs.
Ideal Candidate Profile
* Strong track record of growing and scaling development teams.
* Proven experience delivering enterprise-level or transformational software systems.
* Comfortable reviewing and adopting new technologies aligned with strategic business needs.
* Skilled in evolving team processes with measurable KPIs and clear outcomes.
* Experience working closely with quality assurance functions and managing integrated QA.
* Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders and clients.
* Experience pitching and supporting business development activities.
* Strong performance management and goal-setting background across cross-functional teams.
About the Process
Cruinn Consulting is managing this search on behalf of our client. All applications will be treated with full confidentiality. To express interest or learn more, please get in touch directly.
PLEASE NOTE, VISA SPONSORSHIP IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS ROLE