At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented team in developing scalable software solutions for major retailers.
- Company: Join a fast-growing tech company revolutionising the retail sector with innovative software and hardware.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work, monthly team meetups, and paid trips to Spain every quarter.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic culture that values collaboration and mentorship while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in software development with 2+ years in leadership; full-stack experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and influence strategic goals.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 98000 £ per year.
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Remote, UK. Team gathering 1 day per month.
Salary: up to £70,000 per annum
About The Client: Our client is a fast-growing technology company serving the retail sector, empowering major retailers with robust, scalable software and hardware integrations. They deliver large digital signs and banners to some of the world’s largest retail companies.
Overview: Our client is seeking an experienced Hands-on Software Development Manager to head up their development efforts, mentor a small but highly capable team, and bridge the gap between technical execution and strategic goals. This isn’t necessarily a hands-on coding position, but instead guiding and leading the team, and taking ownership of technical delivery and the SDLC as a whole. You will translate high-level objectives into concrete technical plans, ensure smooth cross-departmental collaboration, and present clear, concise progress reports to the CEO in layperson’s terms. You’ll be expected to roll up your sleeves when critical incidents arise, coordinate responses, and keep projects on track, sometimes requiring occasional overtime.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and guide scalable, maintainable solutions across frontend (TypeScript/JavaScript), cloud (AWS), and backend systems.
- Be hands-on with solution architecture, to ensure the product will meet customer requirements.
- Translate business needs into technical tasks, plan sprints, and manage timely, high-quality releases.
- Lead code reviews, uphold coding standards, and promote quality and improvement.
- Mentor full-stack, Android, DevOps (ad hoc), and UI team members through regular feedback and support.
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative team culture.
- Work closely with Operations and Product to align on goals, budgets, and timelines.
- Communicate technical progress and risks to the CEO in clear, non-technical terms.
- Stay current with tools, frameworks, and best practices to keep the stack modern and efficient.
- Flag and address risks early; keep stakeholders informed on progress and blockers.
- Support critical project delivery with occasional extra hours.
- Coordinate Priority 1 incidents. Manage response, liaise with retail partners, and escalate when needed.
Requirements/experience:
- 10+ years in software development, including 2+ in leadership, ideally in a start-up or scale-up.
- Strong technical background with full-stack experience:
- Backend: PHP (Laravel), Node.js
- Frontend: JavaScript/TypeScript (ReactJS preferred), Remix (desirable)
Additional/Desirable experience:
- Proven experience in mobile development, particularly with Flutter and Android (bonus for Wear OS, Chrome OS, Fire OS knowledge).
- Experience with Kubernetes, Docker, and some Azure.
- Prior experience in a high-growth retail or digital signage environment (e.g., CMS for in-store displays, LED scheduling systems).
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code, and performance monitoring/security best practices.
- Background in implementing Agile/Scrum processes and tools.
- Authenticating APIs using OAuth (or Auth0 provider)
- ElasticSearch familiarity
- Exposure to PostgreSQL and MongoDB.
- Exposure to AWS SQS
- Exposure to AWS EKS or similar (GKE)
Travel & Work arrangement:
- UK Team Meetups: Once per month, you’ll convene with the other UK-based engineers to foster cohesion, and build relationships.
- Spain Office: Every 2nd month, or every quarter, a team meetup in south Spain for a few days, expenses paid for. You can bring a +1 if you wish.
Contact Detail:
ByteHire Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as PHP, Node.js, and AWS. Being able to discuss your experience with these tools during the interview will demonstrate your technical expertise and alignment with the company's needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership experience by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past. Be ready to discuss how you foster collaboration and inclusivity within your team, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the retail sector and understand the challenges and opportunities it faces, especially regarding digital signage and software integration. This knowledge will help you articulate how your skills can contribute to the company's goals during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to communicate complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to present updates to the CEO. Practising this skill will not only help you in the interview but also in your future role if you get hired.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in software development and leadership. Emphasise your technical skills, particularly in full-stack development, cloud services, and team management, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for technology and retail. Discuss how your background aligns with the company's goals and how you can contribute to their success. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor a team.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include examples of projects you've led or contributed to that are similar to what the company does. Highlight your experience with scalable solutions, cloud technologies, and any relevant tools or frameworks mentioned in the job description.
Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions related to your technical expertise and leadership style. Be ready to discuss your approach to managing teams, handling critical incidents, and ensuring project delivery. Use clear, non-technical language to explain complex concepts, as this is a key requirement for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at ByteHire
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Software Development Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided teams in the past, focusing on your approach to fostering collaboration and inclusivity.
✨Understand the Technical Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the technologies mentioned in the job description, such as PHP, Node.js, and AWS. Be ready to discuss how you would apply these technologies to solve real-world problems in the retail sector.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
You'll be required to present technical updates to non-technical stakeholders. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, ensuring that you can convey progress and risks clearly to the CEO.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage critical incidents or tight deadlines, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions taken.