Skills

Communication Leadership Python Java JavaScript CI/CD Stakeholder Management Architecture Databases Autonomy react Agile Spring

Job Specifications

Engineering Manager (Hands-On | Software Delivery)

Belfast | Hybrid

MPA are partnering with an elite Canadian tech firm expanding into Belfast to hire a hands-on Engineering Manager to lead high-performing software teams delivering complex cloud and enterprise systems.

This is a player-coach role — ideal for someone who enjoys developing engineers, driving delivery, and still contributing technically when needed.

The Role

You’ll lead a team of backend and frontend engineers across active client projects, ensuring high-quality, scalable software delivery while fostering strong team culture and technical standards.

This is not a pure management role. You’ll be expected to influence architecture, guide technical decisions, and stay close to the codebase.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of software engineers
Conduct 1:1s, performance reviews, and career development planning
Drive technical direction across backend services and APIs
Contribute hands-on to system design and key architectural decisions
Collaborate with product and design to shape roadmaps and delivery plans
Lead agile ceremonies and improve team delivery processes
Ensure strong engineering standards across testing, CI/CD, and deployments

Required Experience

8+ years in software engineering, including 2+ years in a leadership or people management role
Strong backend development experience (Java and/or Python, ideally Spring)
Experience with modern frontend technologies (React, JavaScript)
Strong understanding of REST APIs, scalable system design, and web architecture
Experience with relational and non-relational databases
Proven ability to lead projects end-to-end while maintaining team engagement and morale
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Highly Desirable

Experience in cloud-native or containerised environments
Exposure to data tooling or workflow orchestration (e.g., Airflow, dbt)
Experience scaling teams or improving engineering processes
Experience mentoring early- to mid-career engineers

Why Consider This Role?

Real ownership over both technical direction and team growth
Influence hiring, architecture, and delivery standards
Hybrid working model in Belfast
High-autonomy, fast-paced engineering culture
Highly competitive compensation and fantastic benefits package

About the Company

Established in 1997, MPA Recruitment is a multi award-winning recruitment consultancy providing permanent, contract and temporary workforce solutions. With a proven track record, we have grown a large clientele, including the public, private and charitable sectors. Our strong working relationships and industry knowledge ensures our client's stay with us for the long term. We supply permanent and temporary staffing solutions under a range of different recruitment service models including Executive Search, Permanent and Contra... Know more