Software Business Director 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 Software Business Director 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.
You’ll lead this growing business as its dedicated Software Business Director, 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.
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
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
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
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. Defined contribution pension scheme
Generous annual leave
Life insurance (3x salary)
Permanent health insurance
Cycle to work scheme
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.