Job Description
Head of Software DevelopmentHome-based (with occasional travel to London and other locations)About UsAt Family Action, we transform lives by providing practical, emotional, and financial support to those experiencing poverty, disadvantage, and social isolation.Since 1869, we have been building stronger families, and today, we work with over 60,000 families across more than 150 community-based services. We also support thousands more through national programmes and grants, ensuring everyone has the tools to overcome challenges and thrive.We are now looking for a Head of Software Development to join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 37 hours per week.The Benefits- Salary of £61,959 per annum (inclusive of £6,751 market supplement and £480 home working allowance)- An annual paid leave entitlement of 30 working days plus bank holidays- Up to 6% matched-pension contributions- Flexible working arrangements and new starters have the right to make flexible working requests from day one of employment- Enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions- Eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers- Cycle to work scheme- Investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunitiesThis is a rewarding opportunity for an exceptional software developer with leadership capabilities and experience delivering production web applications to join our forward-thinking charity.Showcasing your leadership skills, you will have the chance to lead a new team and build systems from the ground up, innovating to make a positive impact on our charity and empowering our teams to excel in their vital work.Whats more, youll lead important tech projects that will grow your portfolio of experience and enhance your expertise whilst helping drive real social change.The RoleAs Head of Software Development, you will lead the delivery of innovative digital systems that strengthen the services we provide to hundreds of thousands of children and families across the UK.Leading, managing and coaching a new Software Development team, you will develop modern web applications, including a bespoke case management system for a large counselling service.You will also architect systems and data to align with organisational goals, while establishing the tools, platforms, and processes that enable fast, high-quality development, testing, and deployment.Additionally, you will:- Ensure high standards of usability, performance, security, maintainability, and availability- Incorporate accessibility, thoughtful user experience, and AI into software- Gather operational requirements from staff and stakeholders- Communicate priorities to your team and stakeholdersAbout YouTo be considered as a Head of Software Development, you will need:- Significant experience leading, coaching, and forming a collaborative and high-performing software development team that consistently delivers excellence- In-depth experience leveraging public cloud platforms and services to deliver modern web applications, and setting up platforms, tools, and processes for effective software development, testing, and deployment- Multiple years of experience developing and delivering production web applications using JavaScript/TypeScript and popular frameworks such as React- Strong understanding of best practices in web application development, including usability, performance, security, and maintainability- Expertise in designing and architecting systems and data to deliver business goals, coupled with expertise in authentication, authorisation, and permission systemsThe closing date for this role is 13th July 2025.Other organisations may call this role Software Development Manager, Lead Software Engineer, Development Lead, Senior Software Manager, or Technical Lead.Webrecruit and Family Action are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.So, if you want to take the next step in your career as a Head of Software Development, please apply via the button shown.
This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.TPBN1_UKTJ
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Software Development in Barnet
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Family Action or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Family Action.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Family Action.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Family Action that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Family Action.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Family Action and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Family Action
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Family Action uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
