Managing Director of Software Business

Managing Director of Software Business

Oxfordshire (Hybrid - 2 days on-site minimum)
Global remit Commercial ownership Sector-focused leadership

Are you a commercially driven leader with a passion for software, business development, and scaling technology ventures? We're looking for a strategic and entrepreneurial Managing Director of Software Business to take full ownership of a global software business that's primed for growth. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of market expansion, product direction, and commercial performance - bringing fresh ideas and driving the business forward through focused business development and leadership.

This is a unique opportunity to join a respected, research-led organization operating internationally across water, climate, environmental, and utility sectors. While the software business currently represents a smaller share of the company (around £2M turnover), it has a solid foundation, international teams, and ambitious growth plans already in motion.

The Role
You'll lead this growing business as its dedicated Managing Director of Software Business, reporting directly to a member of the Executive Leadership Team. You'll shape its future - from strategy and structure to team development, P&L ownership, and market positioning. This isn't a hands-on technical role, but you'll need to be technically credible, commercially astute, and confident in steering product development, global sales, and business performance.

What You'll Be Doing

• Take full commercial responsibility for the software business, including revenue growth, profit & loss, and strategic development
• Shape and grow international teams in the UK, Italy, and Malaysia, supported by a solid existing foundation
• Build on existing BD capability while adding your strategic insight to guide the growth journey
• Collaborate with the wider leadership team to ensure alignment with overall company goals
• Contribute to longer-term planning, including potential future models like joint ventures or spin-outs
• Represent the business with partners, clients, and industry stakeholders across global markets
• Travel periodically (6-8 trips per year) to meet with teams and clients, primarily in Europe and Asia

About You
We're looking for a commercially focused leader with:

• Proven experience running or scaling a software or digital product business
• Strong understanding of the full product lifecycle and software development at a leadership level
• Experience in or understanding of sectors such as water, utilities, environment, or infrastructure
• Global mindset and ability to work with international teams and clients
• A collaborative approach, bringing ideas, direction, and energy to the leadership table
• Technical credibility without needing to be hands-on - able to challenge and guide product and technical decisions with confidence

Why Join?
This is more than a role - it's an opportunity to help shape the direction of a growing global business within an established organization. The structure is in place, the market is primed, and significant growth opportunities are already in motion. You'll have the autonomy to drive change, backed by a supportive executive team that values input and innovation.

Package & Benefits (to name a few)

• Competitive salary starting from £90,000 upwards
• Defined contribution pension scheme
• Generous annual leave
• Life insurance (3x salary)
• Permanent health insurance
• Cycle to work scheme

PLEASE NOTE:
This is not a Head of Software Engineering or technical lead position. It is a commercially focused leadership role, responsible for driving business development, setting strategic direction, and growing a global software business. While a solid understanding of digital product development is important, this is not a hands-on technical role. The ideal candidate will have strong commercial and leadership experience, particularly in scaling software or digital product businesses, and be confident leading P&L, managing global teams, and operating in complex markets.

Send your CV now for consideration. Interviews to be held as early as next week.