Software Engineering Manager

Company: South West Water
Apply for the Software Engineering Manager
Location: Bristol
Job Description:

Software Engineering Manager

Lead high-performing teams building impactful digital solutions

Location: Bristol HQ or Exeter HQ

Salary: £70,000 – £90,000 (dependent on experience)

Purpose of the Role

As Software Engineering Manager, you will lead both the delivery and long-term ownership of key software platforms and development services that support critical business operations. You will oversee new development, enhancements and change delivery, while ensuring platforms transition successfully into live service and continue to operate securely, reliably and effectively. The role combines technology leadership, delivery oversight, governance, and people management. You will ensure our software platforms, development practices, citizen-led solutions, and AI-enabled capabilities remain secure, resilient, compliant, and fit for purpose in a regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define and deliver a clear software platform strategy and roadmap across custom applications, APIs, low-code, and legacy systems
  • Lead high-quality, predictable delivery of software changes across internal teams, citizen developers, and third-party suppliers
  • Own and prioritise the development backlog, balancing business needs, stability, risk, and innovation
  • Establish governance for low-code and citizen development to enable safe, scalable use
  • Oversee responsible adoption of AI-enabled capabilities
  • Ensure architectural integrity, security, and compliance across all solutions
  • Manage legacy systems, including modernisation and decommissioning plans
  • Maintain reliable, resilient platform operations
  • Lead and develop high-performing engineering teams and partners
  • Control and optimise platform and tooling costs
  • Provide clear reporting on delivery, risks, and platform health

Experience Required

  • Proven leadership of enterprise software platforms and delivery governance (non-hands-on role)
  • Experience managing mixed development ecosystems (custom, packaged, low-code)
  • Strong background in backlog, roadmap, and delivery management (Agile or hybrid)
  • Experience with AI governance and adoption in enterprise environments
  • Track record leading multi-disciplinary teams and third-party suppliers
  • Experience in regulated or operationally critical environments

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree-level or equivalent experience
  • Certification in Agile, Scrum, SAFe, PRINCE2, MSP or similar
  • Eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC)

Desirable

  • Relevant cloud/platform certifications
  • Experience governing low-code and AI solutions at scale

What You’ll Get

  • Competitive Salary – Based on experience and skills
  • Company car or car allowance – Options to support your role
  • Annual Bonus Scheme – Recognising company performance
  • Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for your future
  • Flexible Working Options – We value work-life balance and offer flexible hours and hybrid working where possible
  • Healthcare Benefits – Access to employee assistance programs
  • Employee Discounts – On various products and services
  • Annual Leave – Take time to recharge with our holiday entitlement

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Posted: July 7th, 2026