Head of Software Engineering - AJ Bell : Job Details

We’re now seeking an established Head of Technology/Engineering to lead our Manchester based Operational and Regulatory Engineering team.

This is a pivotal role and you’ll drive operational excellence and regulatory compliance, leading a talented group of software, test, and DevOps engineers. You'll be instrumental in delivering cutting-edge solutions that align with our business goals while fostering a dynamic and empowering workplace culture.

Key responsibilities:

• You’ll shape and execute our Operational Change roadmap, setting clear goals to meet business needs. Inspire and guide multiple teams to deliver complex projects on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
• Oversee our Core Platform Technology teams responsible for upgrading critical systems like GBST Composer and FNZ Figaro.
• Cultivate strong relationships with senior management and key stakeholders. Work closely with business units, product owners, and technology leaders to align initiatives with business objectives and ensure secure, cohesive technology implementations.
• Translate business and technology strategies into actionable priorities. Develop and implement strategies that drive operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and innovative solutions.
• Optimise technology solutions to enhance operational processes. Ensure timely, high-quality project delivery while continuously improving business resilience and reducing costs.

What we’re looking for:

• A minimum of 10 years in leading technology teams, ideally within Financial Services, with a proven track record of managing teams in fast-paced environments.
• High technical competence with a focus on:
  • Software development: Proficiency in developing services and APIs using object-oriented programming languages (preferably .NET).
  • Front-end technologies: Experience with front-end frameworks such as Angular, React, or Vue.
  • Cloud platforms: Knowledge of AWS or equivalent cloud services.
  • Automation & CI/CD: Familiarity with test automation and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Solution design: Experience in defining Master Service Agreements (MSA) and solution design for scalable Straight-Through Processing (STP) services.
  • Agile practices: Expertise in Agile methodologies including Scrum, Kanban, and Pair Programming.
• Exceptional communication: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with business and technical stakeholders, including executive and board-level interactions.
• Leadership excellence: Demonstrated leadership and management skills, with a focus on providing direction, fostering inclusivity, and building high-performing teams.
• Operational acumen: Proven ability to drive operational efficiency and compliance through innovative technology solutions.

Desirable Skills:

• Financial services regulation: An understanding of financial markets and the UK regulatory landscape is a plus.
• Other: Familiarity with TIBCO, FNZ Figaro, GBST Composer, and Blue Prism would be advantageous.

About us:

AJ Bell is one of the fastest-growing investment platform businesses in the UK offering an award-winning range of solutions that caters for everyone, from professional financial advisers, to DIY investors with little to no experience. We have over 542,000 customers using our award-winning platform propositions to manage assets totalling more than £86.5 billion.

Having listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in December 2018, AJ Bell is now a FTSE 250 company.

Headquartered in Manchester with offices in central London and Bristol, we now have over 1,450 employees and have been named one of the UK's 'Best 100 Companies to Work For’ for six consecutive years.

Our perks and benefits:

• Starting holiday entitlement of 28 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service
• Holiday buy and sell scheme
• A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 8%
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Annual free share awards scheme
• Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme
• Health Cash Plan - provided by SimplyHealth
• Discounted private healthcare scheme and dental plan
• Free gym membership, with an on-site gym providing a wide range of free classes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike loan scheme
• Sick pay+ pledge
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Loans for travel season tickets
• Death in service scheme
• Paid time off for volunteer work
• Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice
• Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more
• Parking at Exchange Quay
• Personal development programmes built around you and your career goals, including access to personal skills workshops
• Ongoing technical training
• Professional qualification support
• Talent management programmes
• Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off
• Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches
• Casual dress code
• Access to a range of benefits from our sponsorship deals

Hybrid working

At AJ Bell, our people are the heart of our culture. We believe in building strong connections by working together. That's why we offer a hybrid working model, where you’ll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the Manchester office. For new team members, an initial period will be full-time in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues.

AJ Bell is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and all employees are empowered to bring their whole self to work.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, religion, physical and mental disability, marital status and any other characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010. All decisions to hire are based on qualifications, merit and business need.