Software Engineer Manager

Brighton & Hove City Council is recruiting for the role of Software Engineer Manager. The role provides technical leadership across the software engineering function, guiding secure, scalable and user-centred solutions for council services. It also involves modernising the application estate, reducing technical debt and leading a team through transformation and continuous improvement.

Role details

• Location: Brighton & Hove
• Salary: £57,755 – £63,123 (pay award pending)
• Closing date: 06/09/2026

What you’ll do

• Lead and mentor a team of software engineers.
• Define and maintain software engineering standards, practices and governance.
• Modernise legacy applications and support the transition to modern technologies.
• Work with IT colleagues and service leads to deliver technology solutions that improve outcomes for residents.
• Provide technical leadership on complex projects and programmes.
• Ensure solutions are secure, resilient, accessible and aligned with organisational standards.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, tools and engineering practices that can add value to the organisation.

What they’re looking for

• Significant experience leading software engineering teams and delivering complex digital solutions.
• Strong knowledge of modern software engineering technologies and practices.
• Experience designing and implementing scalable application architectures.
• Strong understanding of cyber security, secure-by-design principles and risk management.
• Experience modernising or replacing legacy business-critical systems.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Experience working in Agile delivery environments.

Additional role information

• Experience within local government, public sector or highly regulated environments is desirable.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards is desirable.
• Understanding of public sector procurement and governance processes is desirable.
• The role is part of a programme of transformation, innovation and continuous improvement.