At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead software development projects and mentor a dynamic team of developers.
- Company: Join Heriot-Watt University, a leader in higher education with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and to stay ahead with emerging technologies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by guiding innovative software solutions in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development, particularly with C#, ASP.NET, and Angular.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 58225 € per year.
Join to apply for the Software Development Lead role at Heriot-Watt University.
Role: Software Development Lead
Grade and Salary: Grade 8, £47,389 - £58,225 per annum
FTE and working pattern: 1FTE, 35hrs per week, Monday - Friday (hybrid)
Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)
Purpose of Role
Reporting to the Head of Applications & Data, the Software Development Manager will lead the technical direction and quality of software development projects within the Applications and Data team. The role involves hands‑on development, technical leadership, and close collaboration with the Applications Manager to ensure seamless integration between bespoke applications and off‑the‑shelf systems.
You will guide the architecture and development of web applications and integrations, with a strong emphasis on modern front‑end frameworks (particularly Angular), Azure‑based services, and scalable, maintainable code. You will lead a small team of Applications Developers. A helpful, friendly manner when working with end‑users is essential. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your software leadership skills as part of a small, dynamic team.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Lead the technical development of software projects, taking responsibility for architecture, technical decisions, and code quality.
- Provide technical leadership and mentoring to developers through pairing, coaching, code reviews, and identifying development needs.
- Collaborate with the Head of Applications & Data and the Applications Manager to align bespoke development with off‑the‑shelf system capabilities.
- Develop and maintain software using C#, ASP.NET, databases (SQL Server and Oracle), and modern front‑end frameworks (particularly Angular).
- Use Microsoft Azure services for DevOps, integrations (Azure Integration Services), and hosting (primarily in web apps).
- Write and maintain unit tests to ensure code quality and reliability.
- Deploy code to production environments and support the maintenance of legacy systems.
- Liaise with third‑party developers to ensure adherence to technical standards and code quality.
- Promote the development of T‑shaped skills within the team to support cross‑functional collaboration and adaptability.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and practices that could enhance the University's software systems or development processes.
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.
Essential & Desirable Criteria
- A first degree in Computer Science (or related discipline) or equivalent practical experience.
- Proven experience as a senior developer or technical lead on complex software systems, preferably web‑based.
- Strong knowledge of C#, ASP.NET, databases, and modern front‑end frameworks (particularly Angular).
- Experience with RESTful systems.
- Experience with Agile development methodologies and the full software development lifecycle.
- Experience mentoring or managing developers and leading technical teams.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Azure services for DevOps, application security, integration, and hosting.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with stakeholders.
- Experience working in Higher Education.
- Experience of messaging‑based systems (e.g. using RabbitMQ or Azure Service Bus).
- Experience of performance profiling and tuning.
- Experience of customising/configuring complex off‑the‑shelf software systems.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Friday 31st October 2025. Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot‑Watt online recruitment. We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part‑time working and job share options.
Software Development Lead employer: Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the field of software development. With a generous holiday entitlement of 33 days plus additional closed days, and a commitment to employee growth through mentoring and technical leadership opportunities, this role provides a unique chance to thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to impactful projects in higher education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Development Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech world, especially those who might have insights into Heriot-Watt University. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills and leadership experience. Be ready to discuss how you’ve led teams and tackled complex projects, especially with C#, ASP.NET, and Angular. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your soft skills! The role requires excellent communication and collaboration. Think of examples where you’ve worked well with others or mentored team members. We love seeing candidates who can connect with end-users and colleagues alike.
✨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 serious about joining the team at Heriot-Watt University. Let’s get you in the door!
We think you need these skills to ace Software Development Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Software Development Lead role. Highlight your experience with C#, ASP.NET, and Angular, as well as any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience in mentoring and leading teams, as that’s key for us.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills and any relevant projects you've worked on. We love seeing examples of your work, especially if they involve modern frameworks and Azure services. It helps us understand your capabilities better!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both you and us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially C#, ASP.NET, and Angular. Brush up on your knowledge of Azure services too, as they’ll likely ask how you’ve used these in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to discuss your experience in mentoring and guiding developers. Share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and technical growth within your teams.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face some technical challenges during the interview. Practice coding problems related to web applications and integrations, and be ready to explain your thought process clearly. They might also want to see how you approach problem-solving.
✨Demonstrate Your Interpersonal Skills
This role requires a friendly manner when working with end-users. Be ready to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated with stakeholders in the past and how you handle feedback or conflicts within a team setting.
