Recruitment Manager Software Engineering (AI)

Strativ Group; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in Manchester seeks a Software Engineering Recruitment Manager focused on AI/ML. The ideal candidate has 5-8+ years of recruitment experience, with proven management skills and a strong track record in business generation. You will own a Software Engineering desk, manage relationships with clients, and develop your team. This hybrid role offers a dynamic environment with significant rewards, including bonuses, private health coverage, and ample professional development opportunities.

Benefits

EMI scheme based on performance

Private health cover after 6 months

Unlimited annual leave

Office gym access

Quarterly and annual socials

Enhanced parental leave

Qualifications

• 5-8+ years experience in software engineering recruitment.
• Previous management experience required.
• Strong billing performance is essential.

Responsibilities

• Grow a high-value Software Engineering desk.
• Provide management and support for team members.
• Generate new business and manage relationships with clients.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Team management

Business generation

Client relationship management

Job description

Job Title

Software Engineering Recruitment Manager

Location

Manchester (Hybrid)

Reporting to

Senior AI Recruitment Manager

Recruitment Manager looking for a new challenge? Experience specialising in software? Then we’ve got you.

We’re looking for a Software Engineering Recruitment Manager with a focus in AI/ML to step into a high-performing, revenue-generating desk and take ownership of a critical growth area within the business.

This is not a rebuild-from-scratch role. The market, clients, candidates, and infrastructure are already in place.

What we need is someone commercially “on it” who can generate business, manage people, and scale while operating with the global software engineering market’s most elite.

You’ll be working with some of the highest-paid software engineers in the world, often operating at compensation levels comparable to CTOs, within a highly competitive and AI-driven market.

Strativ Overview

Strativ Group specialise in technology, clean energy, future mobility and industrial recruitment. Established in 2018 with the goal of building a forward-thinking business that does things differently, we make it our mission to empower people and shape futures.

Role Overview

Commercial & Market Leadership

• Own and grow a high-value Software Engineering desk (perm focus)
• Operate across Software Engineering, DevOps, Infrastructure, and adjacent tech verticals
• Build and manage retainers, project-based hiring, and split deals
• Generate new business while deepening relationships with existing clients
• Work with AI start-ups and scale-ups, particularly within the US market

Management & Team Development

• Opportunity to inherit 1 consultant from the team, either from day 1 or when the time is right
• Deliver 121s, performance reviews, and P&L oversight
• Run training sessions and support wider team as a mentor

Who we’re Looking for

The ideal profile will include most of the following:

Essential Experience

• 5–8+ years experience in software engineering recruitment (we will consider more or less everything else aligns)
• Previous management experience is a must (121s, performance management, exposure to managing a P&L)
• A history of strong billing performance (circa £300k+ preferred depending on market)
• Clear evidence of business generation, not just delivery

Highly Desirable

• US software engineering market experience
• Exposure to AI companies (start-up or scale-up environments)
• Experience selling projects, retainers, and complex hiring solutions

Flexibility

• If you haven’t worked the US market, you’ll need a clear peak elsewhere (exceptional billing, niche software specialism, standout leadership, etc.)
• We’ll speak to more junior managers, again, if you have a genuine edge or other relevant in your skillset

The Rewards

• EMI scheme based on performance, not tenure
• Vitality Private Health cover after 6 months
• 2x salary reviews per year
• Environment for high performers: no set working hours, unlimited annual leave, free breakfast daily, free coffee, office gym access and more!
• 24/7 + 365 support from day 1 from Health Assured: mental health, career coaching, financial wellbeing, legal support, amongst other services provided for free
• 2x holiday incentives per year for A-Players
• International travel opportunities
• Enhanced parental leave – up to 9 months maternity and paternity full pay
• Quarterly and annual socials (team building activities, summer soiree, xmas do etc)
• Pension
• Branded merch
• People wellbeing first culture: from run clubs, to book clubs, and diversity squad!

Ready to make a real opportunity yours?