Tech Lead

Simmons & Simmons

. Lead a team of software engineers in the IT department while remaining hands-on with code .

Posted 10/22/2026full-timeBristol • United KingdomSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading software engineering teams while maintaining hands-on coding proficiency, particularly in Python and TypeScript. Capable of designing and delivering secure, scalable applications, integrating AI technologies, and fostering collaboration across diverse IT functions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Python ProgrammingTypeScript DevelopmentReact Application DevelopmentCloud-Native Application DeploymentAI-Assisted Development Tools

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Software EngineeringEnterprise-Grade Software SolutionsAutomated TestingCI/CD PracticesSecure CodingTechnical ArchitectureCode ReviewProblem-SolvingMentoring EngineersTechnical Leadership

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationTeam CollaborationStakeholder EngagementCoaching and Mentoring

Tools & Technologies

Claude CodeGitHub CopilotMicrosoft AzureDockerKubernetesBicepTerraformApplication InsightsTemporalGenerative AI Services

Industry Keywords

Legal TechProfessional ServicesRegulated IndustryAgentic AI ApplicationsRAG PatternsVector Databases

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AzureCloudDockerKubernetesPythonReactTerraformTypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead a team of software engineers in the IT department while remaining hands-on with code
Set technical direction and own architecture and design decisions
Build secure, scalable and maintainable applications for lawyers and clients worldwide
Establish end-to-end ownership from design and development through deployment, support and continuous improvement
Write high-quality code across the Python and TypeScript/React stack
Use AI-assisted development tools such as Claude Code and GitHub Copilot safely and effectively
Work with data scientists to turn LLM and Generative AI prototypes into production services
Work with product owners to break down roadmaps, estimate work and balance features against technical debt
Collaborate with Cloud Engineering, Testing, Security and other IT teams
Champion code review, automated testing, CI/CD, documentation and security practices
Mentor and coach engineers through pairing, code review and technical guidance
Work with product owners, lawyers and stakeholders to shape requirements and explain technical trade-offs
Design technical interviews and assess candidates
Identify opportunities to apply new AI and legal technology tools and approaches

Requirements

What you’ll need

Solid background in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
6+ years of professional software engineering experience
2+ years in a technical lead or senior role guiding a team
Strong programming skills in Python and TypeScript
Experience building modern web applications in React
Track record of designing and delivering enterprise-grade software solutions end to end
Experience building and shipping production products integrating LLMs or Generative AI services
Experience building and deploying cloud-native applications, ideally on Microsoft Azure
Understanding of code review, automated testing, CI/CD and secure coding
Hands-on experience with AI-assisted development tools such as Claude Code or GitHub Copilot
Experience leading teams with ownership of what they build and run
Excellent communication skills for explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
Experience mentoring and supporting engineers
Strong problem-solving skills and comfort in a fast-paced, innovative environment
Advantageous: experience in legal tech, professional services or another regulated industry
Advantageous: knowledge of agentic AI applications, RAG patterns or vector databases
Advantageous: experience with Temporal or similar durable workflow orchestration tools
Advantageous: infrastructure as code such as Bicep or Terraform
Advantageous: containerisation such as Docker and Azure Container Apps or Kubernetes
Advantageous: familiarity with observability and monitoring tools such as Application Insights

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive package including bonuses dependent on role/level
Private medical insurance
Pension contribution
Global skills academy with learning opportunities, including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences
Hybrid working approach with flexibility depending on role/team/client demands
Social and sports committees
Summer and winter parties
Monthly get-togethers
Diversity networks
Flexible working arrangements whenever possible
Reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process