A high-performance, algorithm-driven Biotechnology company is looking for a Head of IT & Software Development to define and execute its end-to-end technology strategy while leading software engineering and IT at scale. This role offers the opportunity to take proprietary mathematical models and transform them into secure, production-grade, customer-ready software systems built for long-term performance and reliability.

The challenge

Advanced mathematical algorithms rarely fail because the theory is wrong. They fail because the surrounding systems aren’t architected for scale, performance, security, and operational longevity.

Bridging proprietary, computation-heavy models with production-grade C++/Rust and Python systems requires disciplined architecture, strong engineering leadership, and a clear long-term technical vision.

This role exists because the business needs a technical leader who can connect algorithmic excellence with robust infrastructure, clean architecture, secure environments, and reliable product delivery, without compromise.

The role

• Own the full technology stack, infrastructure, security, architecture, delivery
• Define and execute the technical roadmap aligned to business goals
• Lead and scale the software engineering and IT function
• Embed proprietary algorithms into high-performance production systems
• Take full accountability for scalability, reliability, and technical quality

What you’ll build and lead

• Design scalable architectures for computation-heavy systems
• Own the C++/Rust and Python backend environment
• Translate complex mathematical models into robust system designs
• Establish high standards for architecture, testing, and release management
• Oversee infrastructure, availability, and operational performance
• Implement strong security, governance, and engineering processes
• Build and structure a high-performing engineering team

The level of expectation

• Defined technology strategy in a performance-critical environment
• Led engineering teams with full architectural ownership
• Delivered production systems involving C++/Rust and Python
• Integrated complex algorithmic models into live software
• Owned infrastructure, security, and operational reliability
• Raised engineering standards and improved delivery discipline

If your experience is purely managerial or purely hands-on without strategic ownership, this role will stretch you.

Technical environment

• C++ and/or Rust for performance-critical components
• Python for algorithmic logic and orchestration
• High-performance, computation-heavy system design is essential

Leadership & organisational scope

• Provide functional and disciplinary leadership
• Hire, structure, and scale the team
• Drive performance management and professional development
• Build a high-accountability engineering culture

Location & language

• Munich strongly preferred (within ~3 hours highly desirable)
• Location flexible for the right individual
• English sufficient; German not required

Who thrives here

• Technical leaders who want real ownership
• Systems thinkers, not slide-deck strategists
• People comfortable translating mathematical complexity into scalable systems
• Leaders who raise standards, not maintain mediocrity

Your consultant

As a Senior Recruitment Consultant at Aspire Life Sciences, Julien Funes (julien.funes@aspirelifesciences.co.uk) specialises at the intersection of technology and life sciences. He partners with biotech and life sciences companies across Europe and North America to recruit senior software and data engineers working on mission-critical systems. His focus is on aligning technically strong engineers with roles where real-world impact, ownership, and engineering quality genuinely matter.