About Softwire
What is Softwire?
Softwire is an independent technology consultancy that builds software, data platforms and AI systems for organisations in energy and utilities, financial services, insurance and the public sector. It describes itself as "the independent technology consultancy for organisations that want to do better and go further", and points to "25 years of independent thinking, independent ownership and platform-agnostic technology". Recent engagements named in its own job ads include an AI transcription service for the BBC, data pipelines on Elexon's Azure platform at the heart of Britain's electricity market, data architecture for Moorfields Eye Hospital's INSIGHT research programme, and the UK's voter registration service — so engineers here tend to work on regulated, high-consequence systems rather than throwaway projects.
Where will I work?
Softwire runs offices in London (Highgate Studios, Kentish Town), Manchester, Cambridge and Abu Dhabi, plus a Bucharest office for its Romanian engineering team. Most roles are hybrid rather than remote. The company says: "We are there for our clients and colleagues when needed. On average our teams do this working in person 3 days a week." Entry-level hires are asked for more at first — "for your first 1-2 years of training we would expect you to be in the office 4-5 days per week" — with greater flexibility after that. Softwire adds that it welcomes "applications from those with additional needs or caring responsibilities, and will look at where adaptions can support success in the role".
What is the Softwire team like?
Softwire says it is "where developers, Countdown champions, designers, composers, software artists, gamers (board and video!), mathematicians and codebreakers get together to help the world run better with good tech", in "a relaxed and informal atmosphere, refreshingly free of bureaucracy". It sets out four things it looks for: that you really care about what you do, bring enthusiasm into work, are a team player who shares information transparently, and are considerate towards colleagues. Principal Technical Consultant Harry Cummings puts it as: "We enjoy our job and don't want to squeeze the fun out of it. We genuinely love what we do." New starters get a dedicated mentor, hands-on project work from the outset and an optional Level 4 apprenticeship.
Work-Life Balance
Softwire publishes 25 days annual leave with the option to buy and sell days, plus paid time off for volunteering, charitable and CSR work, and company-wide morale activities. Its own framing: "We are a flexible employer who understands that being committed to a job is not the same as sacrificing everything for it: holiday is holiday; if you need flexibility for life stuff that's not a problem; and we don't expect (or want) long hours — we believe in a good work/life balance." Employees are contracted for a minimum of 37.5 hours a week, with core hours typically 10am-4pm so teams overlap, and the company says long working hours are "quite rare". Primary carers get six months' leave, fully paid.
Perks and Benefits
- Profit share scheme based on role and overall company performance
- Transparent pay scales published with every advertised role
- Pension contribution of an additional 5% of salary
- 25 days annual leave with the option to buy and sell days
- Six months primary carer leave, fully paid
- Income protection cover
- Virtual GP on call plus opt-in health insurance
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Mentoring, training and an optional Level 4 apprenticeship
- Cycle to work and electric vehicle lease schemes