Software Engineering Lead

We are seeking an experienced software engineering team lead with a strong interest in Generative AI and large language models (LLMs) to help us deliver cutting-edge GenAI solutions across our business. This is a unique opportunity to not only work with advanced AI technologies but also build and lead a new team of engineers from the ground up.

If you are passionate about GenAI, have a strong background in software development, are a talented leader, and are eager to push the boundaries of what's possible with this transformative technology, we want to hear from you.

What you’ll do

• Lead the design and implementation of innovative GenAI solutions that tackle complex business challenges.
• Architect and develop our internal GenAI-as-a-Service platform.
• Build and nurture a high-performing team of software engineers from the ground up.
• Drive the integration of GenAI capabilities into our existing systems, collaborating closely with product-aligned engineering teams.
• Partner with senior leadership to define and execute on strategic roadmaps.
• Champion safe and responsible AI adoption in collaboration with InfoSec and Risk teams
• Stay at the forefront of GenAI and LLM advancements, identifying new opportunities for our business.
• Cultivate a team culture that thrives on innovation, continuous learning, and technical excellence.

What you'll have

• Demonstrable passion for Generative AI, evidenced by hands-on experience with GenAI frameworks, successful enterprise implementations, personal projects, or active participation in AI communities.
• Proven track record of leading engineering teams in fast-paced, innovative environments.
• Strong full-stack software development experience in enterprise settings.
• Expertise in creating performant, scalable, and secure code with robust testing practices.
• Proficiency in cloud-based solutions, with a preference for AWS experience.
• Solid understanding of containerisation technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Hands-on experience with Agile methodologies.
• A pragmatic approach to problem-solving, with the ability to prioritise and drive results.

About us

AJ Bell is one of the fastest-growing investment platform businesses in the UK offering an award-winning range of solutions that caters for everyone, from professional financial advisers, to DIY investors with little to no experience. We have over 542,000 customers using our award-winning platform propositions to manage assets totalling more than £86.5 billion. Our customers trust us with their investments, and by continuously striving to make investing easier, we aim to help even more people take control of their financial futures.

Having listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in December 2018, AJ Bell is now a FTSE 250 company.

Headquartered in Manchester with offices in central London and Bristol, we now have over 1450 employees and have been named one of the UK's 'Best 100 Companies to Work For’ for six consecutive years.

Our perks and benefits

• Competitive starting salary
• Starting holiday entitlement of 26 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service
• Holiday buy and sell scheme
• A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 6%
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Annual free share awards scheme
• Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme
• Health Cash Plan - provided by SimplyHealth
• Discounted private healthcare scheme and dental plan
• Free gym membership, with an on-site gym providing a wide range of free classes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike loan scheme
• Sick pay+ pledge
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Discounted nursery fees at Kids Planet on Exchange Quay
• Loans for travel season tickets
• Death in service scheme
• Paid time off for volunteer work
• Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice
• Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more
• Parking at Exchange Quay
• Personal development programmes built around you and your career goals, including access to personal skills workshops
• Ongoing technical training
• Professional qualification support
• Talent management programmes
• Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off
• Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches
• Casual dress code
• Access to a range of benefits from our sponsorship deals

Hybrid working:

At AJ Bell, our people are the heart of our culture. We believe in building strong connections by working together. That's why we offer a hybrid working model, where you’ll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the office. For new team members, an initial period will be full-time in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues.

AJ Bell is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and all employees are empowered to bring their whole self to work.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, religion, physical and mental disability, marital status and any other characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010. All decisions to hire are based on qualifications, merit and business need.

If you like the sound of the above, or just want to know more about the company and the role, we'd love to speak to you.