Software Engineering Manager

Backbase; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading software solutions provider in Cardiff is seeking an experienced Software Engineering Manager. This role involves leading cross-functional development teams, driving AI adoption, and ensuring high-quality software delivery. The ideal candidate will have 7+ years in engineering, strong leadership skills, and a passion for innovation. Benefits include private health insurance, pension contributions, and gym memberships.

Benefits

Private health insurance

Cycle to Work Scheme

Pension scheme matched by the company

Discounted gym membership

Referral bonus incentive

Qualifications

• 7+ years in software engineering roles, including 2+ years in people management.
• Proven experience with Agile delivery and quality-focused development.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop multi-disciplinary Agile teams.
• Champion high-quality software delivery through modern engineering practices.
• Collaborate with Product Managers to translate business needs into technical outcomes.

Skills

Agile delivery

AI integration

Team leadership

CI/CD practices

Communication skills

Education

BSc or MSc in Computer Science, Engineering

Job description

We are looking for a seasoned Software Engineering Manager to lead high-performing, cross-functional development teams. This role blends technical expertise, delivery excellence, and people leadership, ensuring that your teams build robust, scalable software that aligns with business goals.

As an AI-native leader, you’ll play a critical role in driving adoption of AI across our Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and product strategy—ensuring our engineering practices remain modern, efficient, and future-ready.

What you'll do

• As a Software Engineering Manager, you will be instrumental in guiding our engineering teams, fostering an environment of innovation, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality software solutions. This role requires a blend of strong leadership, technical acumen, and a forward-thinking approach to integrating AI into our development processes.
• Lead, coach, and develop multi-disciplinary Agile teams (typically 6–8 engineers per team).
• Champion high-quality software delivery through modern engineering practices (CI/CD, test automation, observability, quality gates).
• Ensure teams are set up for success with the right processes, workflows, and tooling, delivering on-time commitments.
• Collaborate with Product Managers and Domain Architects to translate business needs into technical outcomes.
• Proactively explore, experiment with, and apply AI tools and agentic frameworks to engineering workflows and product capabilities.
• Drive continuous improvement in delivery capability, operating models, and tooling, promoting visibility and transparency.

Who you are

• BSc or MSc in Computer Science, Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years in software engineering roles, including 2+ years in people management.
• Proven experience with Agile delivery, CI/CD pipelines, and quality-focused development.
• Track record of building and scaling teams, processes, and product impact.
• Enthusiastic about leveraging AI to boost productivity and innovation.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with a customer-focused approach.
• Loud and busy sometimes but always friendly, helpful, and super fun. We love to celebrate each other’s achievements, share jokes, and our love for food, movies, traveling, and sports. We’re one big and diverse family working towards the same goal.

Insurance

Option to take up private health insurance for you and your family members.

Cycle

Loan bikes and cycle equipment plus benefit from a generous tax allowance with our Cycle to Work Scheme.

Pension

Pension scheme with a 4.5% contribution matched by Backbase.

Health

Discounted gym membership through our corporate fitness plan.

Referral

Referral bonus incentive for bringing the best talent.