At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team while coding and shaping innovative software solutions.
- Company: Join a friendly tech team dedicated to empowering charities and churches.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, learning days, birthday off, and more perks.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact by developing tools that help communities thrive.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in development, leadership experience, and strong technical skills.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 60000 £ per year.
Posted on 15 December 2025 by Church Edit and iKnow Church
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Job Level: Management / Leadership
Sector: Digital and Information Technology
Location: Hybrid (3 days per week in our Solihull office)
Salary: £53,000 - £60,000
Full Time: 8:30 - 17:00 Monday to Friday
Holidays: 26 days per year + Bank Holidays
About iKnow and Edit
Our iKnow and Edit platforms are trusted by thousands of organisations across the UK to help them communicate, stay organised, and support their mission. They range from small single‑location churches and charities up to charities with over £70m a year in income. Our software includes our Edit website builder and our iKnow admin software that is available in a number of different brands. This past year we have launched safeguarding software that we are told is market‑leading for managing concerns and checks. We want to continually build new features and support our growing customer base. At our heart, we’re a small, dedicated team who care deeply about creating tools that empower our charities to flourish.
Job Description
We’re looking for an experienced Development Manager who is a true all‑rounder – someone who combines strong technical ability with excellent people skills, and who enjoys both leading a team and building software. This is a hands‑on leadership role. You’ll guide our development team while continuing to contribute high‑quality code yourself. You’ll play a key part in shaping the future of our platforms, maintaining high standards, and fostering a positive, collaborative team culture. As leader of our development team, you’ll work on our two major platforms:
- Edit – our website platform
- iKnow – our management, donations and safeguarding software with companion mobile app and contactless app
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading and supporting a small team of developers, helping them grow and do their best work
- Planning and shaping new features, from whole‑team UI discussions through to task allocation
- Ensuring code reviews are thorough and maintain a high standard of quality
- Actively coding and contributing to the platform alongside the team
- Refining existing features and developing new modules that solve real customer problems
- Working closely with other teams to ensure our software meets the needs of churches and charities
- Being part of an on‑call rota for urgent hosting or software availability issues
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has at least 5 years’ experience in a commercial development environment
- Has previous leadership or management experience
- Is technically strong and comfortable remaining hands‑on
- Has strong emotional intelligence and enjoys empowering and supporting others
- Cares deeply about software quality and user experience
- Is motivated by building products that make a meaningful difference
- Demonstrates a high level of integrity
Technical Environment
Our software is hosted on AWS, so experience with cloud‑based hosting is essential. Our stack includes:
- PHP (Laravel)
- React
- Legacy system in CodeIgniter and jQuery (this still has some development but will be migrated to Laravel over time)
Why Work With Us?
Joining Edit means being part of a very friendly team committed not just to building software, but to serving churches and charities and helping them have greater impact in their communities. You’ll also enjoy:
- 1 Day per Month Dedicated to Learning – A paid Friday each month to explore new technologies, skills, or passion projects.
- Your Birthday Off – If it falls on a working day, it’s yours to enjoy.
- Subscription to Online Training – Access to professional learning resources.
- Complimentary Car Valet (Every 2 Months) – Professional car cleaning at our car park.
- Annual Eye Test – Plus a £49 contribution towards glasses if required.
Your work will support organisations across the UK, helping them communicate better, care for their contacts, and fulfil their mission.
To apply please send your CV and a covering letter to careers@iknowchurch.co.uk
This role is Hybrid with 3 days per week based in our Solihull Office.
Software Development Manager employer: Global Connections
Keswick Ministries is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture, ideal for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in the community. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer unique opportunities for professional advancement within a charity setting, all while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Keswick, Cumbria. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage with online communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your technical skills. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with the process.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply blindly! Tailor your approach for each role. Research the company culture and values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that dream job! It shows you're genuinely interested and gives you a direct line to the hiring team. Plus, we love seeing applications from motivated candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Software Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and technical skills, especially in PHP and cloud hosting, to show us you're the right fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for software development and how you can contribute to our mission of supporting charities. Let us know why you want to work with us specifically at iKnow and Edit.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since we value collaboration, mention any experiences where you've successfully led a team or worked closely with others. We want to see how you empower those around you and foster a positive team culture.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Global Connections
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re familiar with the technologies mentioned in the job description, like PHP (Laravel), React, and AWS. Brush up on your knowledge of these tools, as you might be asked to discuss how you've used them in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you’ve successfully led a team, resolved conflicts, or mentored others. This role requires strong people skills, so be ready to demonstrate how you empower your team.
✨Understand Their Mission
Research iKnow Church and Edit to understand their mission and the impact of their software. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goal of helping charities flourish.
✨Prepare for Hands-On Coding Questions
Since this is a hands-on leadership role, expect some technical questions or coding challenges during the interview. Practice coding problems relevant to the stack they use, and be ready to explain your thought process while solving them.
