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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Head of Software Engineering & Architecture in R&D - **Company:** KWS Group - **Location:** Einbeck, Germany - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, DevOps, Digital Technology, Software Engineering - **Published:** August 22, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.stepstone.de/job/14403093/application/redirection?locale=de_DE&cid=partner_bmnw___4&adjust_t=1bbth7ql_1bjy99sm&adjust_campaign=partner_bmnw___4 ## About the Role * Proven leadership experience in software engineering, digital product development, or technology-driven organizations. * A track record successfully leading complex products, platforms, or transformation initiatives in dynamic environments. * Strong understanding of modern engineering practices and the ability to translate strategic goals into effective execution. * Experience driving organizational change and building high-performing teams through trust, empowerment, and collaboration. * Curiosity for emerging technologies, including AI, and a passion for continuously improving how engineering teams work and deliver value. * Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with fluency in English. German is a plus. ## Description As Head (m/f/d) of Software Engineering & Architecture in R&D, you will shape the future of digital product delivery at KWS by building a high-performing and adaptable engineering organization that enables innovation on a scale. You will: * Lead and further develop the engineering organization responsible for delivering digital products, platforms, and services that support our global R&D activities. * Drive engineering excellence by creating an environment where teams can deliver reliable, secure, and high-quality solutions with speed and impact. * Build a future-ready organization by advancing modern ways of working, strengthening engineering capabilities, and unlocking the potential of AI across the development lifecycle. * Foster strong partnerships across business and technology functions while ensuring effective collaboration with external vendors and service partners. * Inspire, coach, and empower leaders and teams, cultivating a culture of accountability, continuous learning, innovation, and inclusion. Your Profile You are an experienced technology leader (m/f/d) who enjoys developing people, shaping organizations, and turning ambitious ideas into business value., In this role, you will have the opportunity to shape a strategically important engineering function at the interface of digital technology, R&D, and innovation. You will work in a global environment and contribute to strengthening the digital capabilities that support KWS' future growth. You can expect: * A leadership role with global scope and high strategic relevance. * The opportunity to shape modern engineering standards, practices, and operating models * Highly motivated internal teams of software developers working in synthony with external teams * A strong support to enable new technologies, like AI, and to develop future-ready digital capabilities * Close collaboration with digital products, technology, R&D, and business stakeholders * A working environment that values collaboration, accountability, continuous learning, and innovation ## Related Videos - [From DevOps to Scaled DevOps: How We’re Rebuilding Continuous Delivery as a Platform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100018-from-devops-to-scaled-devops-how-we-re-rebuilding-continuous-delivery-as-a-platform) - [Opening Keynote: Civic Coding, A Framework for Democratic Tech](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/963-opening-keynote-civic-coding-a-framework-for-democratic-tech) - [The Avengers Initiative (Practical Ethics for Software Engineers)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2070-the-avengers-initiative-practical-ethics-for-software-engineers) - [Inside Mercedes-Benz: How CIO Katrin Lehmann is Empowering 5,000 Developers and Driving Digital Change](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1360-inside-mercedes-benz-how-cio-katrin-lehmann-is-empowering-5-000-developers-and-driving-digital-change) - [Modern Data Architectures need Software Engineering](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1030-modern-data-architectures-need-software-engineering) - [DevOps Maturity Check – a way to balance autonomy and alignment](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/58-devops-maturity-check-a-way-to-balance-autonomy-and-alignment) ## Related Articles - [The Biggest German Tech Companies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/424-the-biggest-german-tech-companies) - [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers) - [The Most Popular IT Jobs on the Market](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/376-the-most-popular-it-jobs-on-the-market)