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 across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, learning days, birthday off, and professional development perks.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact by building software that supports community-focused organisations.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in development, leadership experience, and a passion for quality software.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career growth and a collaborative culture.
The predicted salary is between 53000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid (3 days in our Solihull office per week)
Contact: 0121 651 11 25
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. Whether a charity is building community, caring for members, or reaching out to their local area, our software is designed to help them do it well.
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. This role is Hybrid with 3 days per week based in our Solihull Office.
Software Development Manager in Solihull employer: IKnow Church Software
Contact Detail:
IKnow Church Software Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Development Manager in Solihull
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or at local meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to software development management. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio of your past projects and contributions. We love seeing real examples of your work, so make sure to highlight any leadership roles you've had in previous positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Development Manager in Solihull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match our job description. Highlight your leadership experience and technical skills, especially in PHP and cloud-based hosting, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about working with charities and how your background aligns with our mission. Share specific examples of how you've empowered teams or improved software quality in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t just list your technical skills; give us a glimpse into your hands-on experience. Mention any projects where you’ve led development or contributed code, especially in environments similar to ours.
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 IKnow Church Software
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re familiar with the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially PHP (Laravel), React, and AWS. Brush up on your knowledge of these tools and be ready 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 guided a team or resolved conflicts. This role requires strong people skills, so be ready to demonstrate how you empower others.
✨Understand Their Mission
Research iKnow and Edit’s mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding supporting charities and making a meaningful impact. This shows you care about more than just the job.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about their development processes, team culture, or future projects. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.