Group Application Development Manager in Doncaster

This is a hybrid role based at our Doncaster Group Support Centre, with 2-3 days a week onsite. Our Application Development Team works closely with the Test Team and plays a vital role in delivering high-quality software solutions across the DFS Group supporting projects, resolving bugs, and managing business-as-usual enhancements, driving innovation and maintaining system excellence.

In this role, you’ll manage incoming development requests and queries from across the Group, ensuring work is prioritised effectively and delivered to a high standard. You’ll also champion best practice and compliance with key frameworks and processes including software development methodologies, coding standards, security compliance, and change management.

What you’ll be doing

• Provide leadership and line management for the Group Software Development team.
• Contribute to the Group Software Development & Test strategy and drive the delivery of the team’s road map and objectives.
• Serve as the first point of contact within the business for all software development matters.
• Ensure software development policies and procedures are up-to-date, compliant, and aligned with industry best practices.
• Oversee the delivery of all work including project initiatives, bug fixes, and the BAU development backlog — ensuring high quality and timely completion.
• Implement KPIs and reporting to monitor team performance, workload, and support effective performance management.
• Lead change initiatives, simplifying processes and improving routes into the team to enhance efficiency and performance.
• Build and maintain strong cross-team relationships to create opportunities and overcome challenges benefiting the wider department.
• Drive team development, including coaching, long-term training plans, and addressing skills gaps.
• Plan and manage sprints: oversee backlogs, sprint planning and reviews.
• Manage third-party relationships: ensure service levels are met and attend service reviews as needed.
• Standardise ways of working: define consistent processes, reporting, and delivery across the business.
• Monitor and maintain quality: track working standards, identify issues, and implement improvements.
• Maintain the knowledge base: keep software development documentation up-to-date.
• Resource management: monitor availability, capacity, and skills gaps to meet operational demand and SLAs.
• Team development: provide coaching, training, and cross-skilling to improve responsiveness, retention, and succession planning.
• Risk management: identify, mitigate, and manage risks across the function and business.
• Foster continuous improvement: drive problem-solving, efficiency, and a culture of innovation.
• Remote team management: effectively lead and support remote team members.

The role is for you if...

• We’re looking for experience in Leadership & Strategic Responsibilities.
• Strategic and Team Leadership: provide clear direction, inspire performance, and drive results across the team.
• Integrity and Ownership: uphold the highest professional standards, take ownership of challenges, and proactively resolve issues.
• Resilience and Results: navigate adversity, manage challenging situations, and deliver outcomes with commitment and focus.
• Relationship Management: communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, manage demand, incidents, changes, and strategic initiatives.
• Conflict Resolution: handle complaints, settle disputes, and negotiate to achieve positive outcomes.
• Stakeholder Engagement: build strong internal and external relationships, including suppliers and partners, to support IT and business objectives.
• Decision Making: prioritise effectively based on risk, impact, and urgency; break up complex problems; make timely, sound decisions to resolve issues.
• People Management & Development: coach, mentor, and develop team members; recruit the right talent; set clear objectives and drive high‑performing, customer‑focused teams.
• Team Leadership: build trust, respect, and collaboration across teams; create a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• IT Asset & Cost Management: strong understanding of managing assets and controlling costs in an IT environment.
• Proactive & Results‑Oriented: self‑starter with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven Track Record: demonstrated success in delivering outcomes and leading teams effectively.

Experience / Qualifications

• Management of teams to deliver successful outcomes.
• 3-5yrs management experience in a Software environment within a retail organisation.
• Degree (or equivalent) in Computing/IT or a related field, or have equivalent IT industry experience.
• Budget control / cost management.
• Significant experience of formal risk & workload management within defined processes and frameworks.
• Self-starter can work under own initiative.

DFS Benefits

• Potential Annual Bonus Scheme: Contribute to our success and get rewarded for it.
• Growth and Training: Learn new skills and develop your career with us.
• Leave: Enjoy a great holiday allowance, with the option to buy 5 extra days. Take advantage of our enhanced leave for Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental, and Adoption, plus a paid volunteering day each year.
• Discounts: Get 30% off DFS and Sofology products for yourself, plus discounts for friends and family - and savings at big brands like Sainsbury’s, ASOS, and IKEA.
• Wellbeing Perks: Access healthcare services, an Employee Assistance Programme, and discounted gym memberships.
• Pension and Savings: Join our Group Pension and Sharesave schemes.
• Life Assurance & Sick Pay: Peace of mind with Life Assurance and Company Sick Pay.