Interim Head of Software Engineering, Higher Education

Interim Head of Software Engineering Contract | Inside IR35 | London / Hybrid We are supporting a large, complex organisation undergoing significant technology transformation in the search for an experienced Interim Head of Software Engineering. This is an initial 3-6 month interim assignment focused on providing stability, technical leadership, and engineering oversight during a period of substantial change and ongoing delivery. This role is less about owning every aspect of a traditional permanent Head of function remit, and more about ensuring the engineering operation continues to run effectively, supporting strategic initiatives, and providing senior technical leadership across the organisation. The Opportunity You will lead an established engineering function of approximately 20 FTEs across: Software Development Integration BI & Analytics Engineering governance / project approvalsWorking closely with senior stakeholders, you will provide pragmatic leadership across BAU operations while contributing technical and engineering input into a broad portfolio of transformation programmes. Current initiatives include: Large-scale AI and automation programmes Multi-cloud transformation across AWS and Azure Cloud migration activity Central data repository initiatives Cost optimisation programmes Introduction of new products and systems What We're Looking For We are keen to speak with candidates who can demonstrate: Strong software engineering leadership background Experience operating within complex enterprise environments Ability to stabilise and lead engineering teams in an interim capacity Credibility providing technical oversight and engineering direction to projects and programmes Strong stakeholder engagement and governance capability Integration experience / awareness highly desirable Previous Higher Education sector experience is strongly preferred Contract Details Initial 3-month contract with likely extension to 6 months Inside IR35 £800-£850/day (inclusive of fee, excluding VAT) Hybrid working / London-based environment Interview process commencing shortly Start date required by mid-June at the latest