Software Engineering Team Manager

Who We Are

At Pearson, we are committed to creating a world that is always learning, and our people make that possible. We are bold thinkers and standout innovators who encourage one another to explore new frontiers, challenge established approaches and keep improving. We aim to create an environment where people are supported, inspired and empowered to do their best work.

Our rich heritage brings together more than 150 years of experience in publishing and education with modern learning technology and digital services. Today, Pearson helps people learn throughout their lives, wherever they are and however they choose to learn. By combining trusted educational expertise with technology, data and new ways of working, we create learning experiences that are more accessible, engaging and effective.

Within Pearson’s English Language Learning department, we are shaping the future of how people learn and demonstrate their English-language skills. Our products support learners holistically, from vocabulary and grammar to pronunciation and the broader communication skills needed for study, work and everyday life. We want every interaction with our products to be engaging, useful and capable of making a meaningful difference to a learner’s progress.

The English Language Learning Tech Assessments team is central to this mission. The team builds and operates secure digital platforms that give learners and customers dependable access to English-language assessments. By joining the team, you will help combine strong engineering, reliable service and responsible handling of learner data to deliver trusted assessment experiences for external customers.

The Role

As Software Engineering Team Manager, you will establish and lead a UK-based engineering organization that will grow to around 40–50 people across 4–5 squads, combining permanent employees and supplier contractors. The organization will deliver and operate a secure, highly available English-language assessment platform. You will translate product and customer needs into a clear engineering plan, set engineering standards and review practices, and ensure the platform is resilient, scalable and ready to operate effectively. During your first six months, your priorities will be to establish the leadership and squad structure, recruit and onboard permanent and supplier colleagues, agree the delivery roadmap, and put effective governance, monitoring, support, quality and operational-readiness practices in place. You will represent and defend technical decisions, delivery progress and risks with senior external customer stakeholders. The role is UK-based and requires travel to London approximately once a month.

What You'll Own

• Build, lead and develop a UK engineering organization growing to around 40–50 people across 4–5 squads, with a balanced mix of permanent employees and supplier contractors.

• Create an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports accountability, continuous learning, knowledge