Job Title: Head of Software Development
Reporting To: Managing Director
Location: Tullow
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Role Purpose
The Head of Software Development will be responsible for establishing and leading the company's in-house capability for the development of ISOBUS and CAN-based control software for agricultural and material processing machinery.
The role will play a strategic and hands-on part in enabling the company to deliver fully integrated system solutions, combining software, hydraulics, and electrical components, to support innovation, export growth, and long-term scalability.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Software Development
* Lead the design, development, and implementation of ISOBUS and CAN-based software solutions.
* Develop software to control hydraulic systems, machine functions, and lighting systems in compliance with relevant standards.
* Work across multiple coding languages and development environments to deliver robust and scalable solutions.
* Ensure software integrates seamlessly with hydraulic and mechanical system designs.
Project & Programme Management
* Manage a pipeline of software development projects for both customer-specific and export-focused solutions.
* Oversee the full software development lifecycle, including requirements definition, design, development, testing, validation, and deployment.
* Prioritise projects in line with business objectives, customer requirements, and resource availability.
Customer & Commercial Engagement
* Work closely with customers and Business Development Managers to fully understand operational and technical requirements.
* Translate customer needs into effective and commercially viable software solutions.
* Provide technical input to support sales, export development, and engagement with international OEMs.
Team Development & Leadership
* Establish and lead a software development function within the company.
* Recruit, mentor, and manage graduate and junior software developers as the team expands.
* Develop and implement best practices for coding standards, documentation, testing, and version control.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Work closely with the Hydraulics Team to deliver complete, integrated system solutions.
* Liaise with external partners, suppliers, and certification bodies as required.
* Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across engineering and product development functions.
Key Project Areas
* ISOBUS control systems for agricultural machinery
* CAN-based systems for slurry agitation, trailing shoe dispersion, fertiliser spreading, waste compaction, and mobile recycling machinery
* ISOBUS-compliant trailer and machinery lighting systems
Essential Requirements
* Proven experience in software development for CAN and ISOBUS systems
* Strong programming experience across multiple coding languages and environments
* Experience developing control systems for machinery, hydraulics, or industrial/agricultural equipment
* Ability to interpret customer and operational requirements and translate them into technical solutions
* Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Desirable Requirements
* Experience leading or mentoring software development teams
* Knowledge of agricultural or mobile machinery systems
* Experience working with export markets or international OEMs
* Familiarity with functional safety, compliance, or industry standards relevant to machinery control systems
Key Competencies
* Technical leadership and strategic thinking
* Customer-focused problem solving
* Project planning and prioritisation
* Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork
* Innovation and continuous improvement mindset
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person