At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dynamic software team to create innovative digital products.
- Company: Join Blackstar, a globally recognised leader in guitar amplification design.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, collaborative environment, and opportunity to work on industry-leading products.
- Other info: Relaxed dress code and a culture of innovation and creativity.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the music industry while working with passionate musicians.
- Qualifications: Degree in software discipline and experience in software development and team management.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Main Activities and Tasks
- Lead, manage and develop the Software Team, ensuring high levels of performance, motivation and engagement.
- Drive the ideation, specification and research of innovative software and digital products.
- Oversee the development of scalable firmware and software using structured, process-driven methodologies.
- Plan workloads and communicate progress to key stakeholders including Project Leads and Programme Managers.
- Maintain best practices, ensuring adherence to documentation standards and quality management systems.
- Manage software development projects, including liaison with OEM partners.
- Lead Agile sprint processes and contribute to project planning, scoping and problem-solving.
- Ensure delivery of software and firmware from concept through to production, including testing and validation.
- Participate in cross-functional New Product Introduction teams.
- Contribute hands-on to software development where required.
- Support wider business activities with a flexible and collaborative approach.
Requirements
- Degree-level qualification (or equivalent) in a software-related discipline.
- Several years’ experience in a commercial software development environment.
- Strong understanding of software engineering and testing principles.
- Experience with Agile Scrum and sprint planning methodologies.
- Proven people management experience, including line management responsibilities.
- Experience leading projects from conception through to delivery.
- Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Desirable
- Experience in audio software development.
- Familiarity with JUCE framework or similar technologies.
- Embedded firmware development experience.
- Knowledge of DSP principles.
- Experience with Git, Confluence and Jira.
- Understanding of full product lifecycle and mass manufacturing processes.
- Background or interest in music (e.g. playing guitar).
- Knowledge of the musical instrument industry.
The Offer
- Full-time position (Monday to Friday, 8:00 – 17:00).
- Based in Northampton, UK.
- Flexible approach to working hours and environment depending on business needs.
- Opportunity to work on innovative, industry-leading products.
- Collaborative and dynamic working environment.
The company
Launched in 2007, Blackstar is globally recognised and respected as an innovator and leader in guitar amplification design. We are a company of musicians who are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great tone. Blackstar is based in Northampton, with over 80 years’ combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. Our team pioneers change in the industry and has a strong commitment to driving transformational innovation within all of our products. Blackstar products are the best in the world for design, technology and performance – we create the ultimate tools for self-expression.
The Environment
Blackstar is a unique environment; we are all musicians/music lovers and the dress code is relaxed. Our teams are experts in their field and we are incredibly passionate about our products and the industry as a whole. Most of our staff have worked in the industry for a long time and we are looking for candidates who wish to grow with the company and share in our current and future success.
If you share our passion, approach your work with pride, are driven by innovation, want to be the best and help to grow our global brand to its highest potential we would love to hear from you. Please apply with an up-to-date CV. We are looking to hold interviews ASAP, for which an initial telephone or video conversation would be the first step.
Immediate Start - Team Leader in Northampton employer: Blackstar Amplification Ltd
Contact Detail:
Blackstar Amplification Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Immediate Start - Team Leader in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those who work at Blackstar or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews like a pro! Brush up on Agile methodologies and be ready to discuss your experience leading teams and projects. Show them you're not just a tech whiz but also a people person who can motivate and engage.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your passion for music and technology! Whether it’s your experience with audio software or your love for playing guitar, let that enthusiasm shine through. It’s all about fitting into the Blackstar vibe!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and being part of something special at Blackstar.
We think you need these skills to ace Immediate Start - Team Leader in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for music and software shine through! We want to see how your interests align with our mission at Blackstar, so don’t hold back on sharing your enthusiasm.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Team Leader role. Highlight your experience in software development, Agile methodologies, and people management. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to your experience and qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackstar Amplification Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your software engineering principles and Agile methodologies. Be ready to discuss your experience with leading projects from conception to delivery, as well as any specific technologies mentioned in the job description, like JUCE or Git.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and motivated your colleagues in previous roles. Think about times when you’ve driven performance and engagement within a team, as this will be key for the Team Leader position.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Since the role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, come prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated with others in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to project planning and problem-solving.
✨Passion for Music Matters
Given Blackstar's focus on music and guitar amplification, it’s important to convey your passion for the industry. If you play an instrument or have experience in audio software development, make sure to mention it during the interview!