Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic software team and drive innovative projects in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join Blackstar, a globally recognised leader in guitar amplification design.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, competitive salary, and the chance to work on industry-leading products.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the music industry while working with passionate musicians.
- Qualifications: Degree in software-related discipline and experience in software development and team management.
- Other info: Relaxed dress code and a culture of innovation await you at Blackstar.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Department: Research and Development
Reporting to: Director of R&D
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.
Software Development 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 Software Development Team Leader in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with folks in the industry, especially those at Blackstar. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. A personal connection can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for music and software! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and projects that highlight your skills. Let them see how your love for music aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews like a pro! Research Blackstar’s products and culture, and think about how your background fits into their vision. Be ready to discuss your experience with Agile methodologies and people management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Blackstar family. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Software Development Team Leader in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Software Development Team Leader role. Highlight your leadership experience, Agile methodologies, and any relevant projects you've led to show us you're the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about software development and how your background aligns with our mission at Blackstar. Share specific examples of your achievements and how they relate to the innovative products we create.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical expertise! If you have experience with JUCE, Git, or any other relevant technologies, make sure these are front and centre in your application. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly 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 us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackstar Amplification Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your software development knowledge, especially around Agile methodologies and project management. Be ready to discuss your experience leading teams and managing projects from start to finish, as this is crucial for the Software Development Team Leader role.
✨Show Your Passion for Music
Since Blackstar is all about music and guitar amplification, don’t shy away from sharing your love for music. If you play an instrument or have a background in audio software development, bring it up! This will show that you’re not just a techie but also someone who understands the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing a team during a tight deadline or resolving conflicts within the team. Think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your leadership skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have some thoughtful questions ready for them. Ask about their current projects, team dynamics, or how they measure success in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.