Head of Software

Job Advert

WHO ARE WE?

Iconic British brand ghd is a global leader in high end professional hair styling tools and the UK's number one recommended styling brand. Loved by stylists and consumers, loved by press, and loved by the people that work for the brand

Merging science and innovation, with luxury beauty and style; ghd combines cutting edge technologies and beautiful designs to create the most technically advanced hair tools in the world.

Developed by leading scientists and engineers in the dedicated ghd R&D laboratories in Cambridge, ghd tools deliver "safer for hair" heat styling that have become an essential part of the daily lives of professional hair stylists and consumers globally.

Renowned for game changing innovation and superior performance, at ghd we are on a mission to transform lives with the power of a good hair day

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Head of Software & Electronics is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, delivery, and continuous improvement of all software and electronics engineering activities across our product portfolio. This role leads multidisciplinary teams of software and electronics engineers, ensuring the successful integration, performance, and reliability of all embedded systems and digital solutions. The position reports directly to the CTO and is a key member of the R&D leadership team.

LOCATION

This role will be based in our Cambridge office.

JOB ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, manage, and develop high-performing teams of software and electronics engineers to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Define and execute the software and electronics strategy in alignment with company objectives and the Innovation Master Plan (IMP).
• Oversee the architecture, development, and integration of embedded software, firmware, and electronics for all products.
• Ensure all software and electronics solutions meet compliance, functionality, reliability, cybersecurity, and safety requirements.
• Collaborate closely with the CTO and other senior leaders to drive innovation and technology roadmaps.
• Present project updates, technical reviews, and innovation proposals at Stage Gates and executive forums.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, continuous learning, and proactive problem-solving.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies, tools, and methodologies relevant to software and electronics engineering.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, contract manufacturers, consultants, and cross-functional teams (e.g., Mechanical, Operations, Quality, Project Management).
• Support the transfer of new products to manufacturing and assist in field issue analysis and resolution.
• Manage multiple priorities, mitigate risks, and ensure effective resource allocation across projects.

KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

Key Skills:

• Degree in Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant technical experience, ideally in high-volume consumer electronics or similar industries.
• Proven expertise in embedded software development (C/C++/Python, microcontrollers, RTOS, etc.) and electronics hardware design.
• Strong understanding of software engineering best practices, including version control, CI/CD, testing, and code quality.
• Familiarity with embedded machine learning techniques, would be desirable.
• Experience with hardware/firmware integration, electronic simulation/design, PCB review, EMC, and design for manufacturability.
• Familiarity with IoT, BLE, connectivity protocols, and cybersecurity for embedded systems.
• Demonstrated success in new product development and project management.
• Deep awareness of regulatory, cost, and manufacturing/assembly considerations.

Key Attributes:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in line management and leadership of multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strategic thinker with strong decision-making skills and the ability to deliver under tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proactive, engaged, and collaborative leader who inspires and develops talent.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.

VALUES

We at ghd are proudly committed to our Company Values and aim to attract and retain employees who live our Values.

• Collaborative – We work together to create the extraordinary.
• Creative – We foster creativity & excellence to create value for our brands and business.
• Courageous – We are agile, entrepreneurial & we own our future.
• Connected – We stay connected and ensure we are always consumer first.
• Committed – We are responsible for our impact on other & the planet.

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