At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead software delivery and optimise team collaboration for seamless integration.
- Company: Join Kaplan International Pathways, a leader in education and student support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and discounts on courses.
- Why this job: Shape the future of software delivery while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing software delivery and strong technical skills in CI/CD tooling.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth with a supportive team and innovative projects.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 89000 £ per year.
Location: Remote, with hybrid working available in our London office
Working pattern: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Number of roles: 1
Salary: £85,000 - £89,000 per annum
We are looking for Development Managers to join our team. We are seeking a strategic and technical Development Manager to join our Application Engineering and Architecture Team. This role is unique: you will own the "production line" of our software delivery. While we have multiple distributed development teams shipping code, we need to eliminate friction and ensure seamless integration.
You will not just be managing people; you will be the architect of our flow. You will coordinate teams to optimise cadence, professionalise our release capability, and ensure that our delivery ordering prevents technical debt. You will be the guardian of our platform's integrity and the driver of our engineering velocity.
As the Development Manager you will work intimately with the QA Manager, Solution Architects, Analytics Engineers, and the Portfolio Delivery Team. Your mission is to streamline our development cycle through lightweight governance, automation, and artificial intelligence. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled Development Manager who is looking to expand their skills and build their career with an industry leader.
What you’ll bring to the role:
- Demonstrable experience managing software delivery in a complex, multi-team environment (e.g., managing interdependencies between distinct Scrum teams or 3rd party vendors).
- Deep understanding of modern branching strategies (GitFlow vs. Trunk-Based Development), semantic versioning, and the ability to resolve complex merge/deployment conflicts.
- Practical, hands-on experience with CI/CD tooling (ArgoCD/Jenkins, Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions) and Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform/Bicep). You understand how to build the pipes, not just use them.
- A proven track record of reducing cycle time (lead time for changes) and deployment failure rates through automation and process re-engineering.
- Strong ability to negotiate with Dev Leads and Project Managers to ensure adherence to our governance standards.
What we offer:
As well as a competitive salary, hybrid/home working where possible, and paths for career progression, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- 28 days annual leave*
- Big discounts on Kaplan courses for you and your family
- 24/7 confidential helpline providing counselling and other support services
- Company pension contributions
- Maternity, Adoption, Shared Parental and Paternity/Partner pay which is well above statutory levels
- Medicash Health Cash Plan
*Please note that the annual leave entitlement will be calculated on a pro rata basis if the role is part time.
How to apply:
Please apply with CV and cover letter no later than 11pm on 15th March 2026. Note, we recommend that you apply at the earliest as we reserve the right to close the role before the closing date if we have gathered a suitable shortlist.
Development Manager in London employer: Kaplan
Contact Detail:
Kaplan Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. 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 scenarios related to software delivery management. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to get comfortable with articulating your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through projects or contributions to open-source. This not only demonstrates your technical abilities but also your commitment to continuous learning. Plus, it gives you something tangible to discuss during interviews!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Development Manager. Highlight your experience in managing software delivery and any relevant technical skills that align with our needs. We want to see how you can fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with CI/CD tooling and modern branching strategies.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to reduce cycle times and improve deployment success rates. Numbers and examples speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Early!: We recommend applying as soon as possible through our website. The sooner we see your application, the better your chances are of getting noticed. Plus, we might close the role early if we find the right candidate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kaplan
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of CI/CD tooling and Infrastructure-as-Code. Be ready to discuss how you've used tools like ArgoCD or Terraform in past projects, and be prepared to explain your approach to resolving complex deployment conflicts.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Development Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage interdependencies between teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully coordinated multiple teams in the past, focusing on how you optimised delivery and reduced cycle times.
✨Understand the Company’s Needs
Research Kaplan International Pathways and understand their mission and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in streamlining development cycles and enhancing software delivery.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly around governance standards and technical debt, and be ready to discuss how you overcame them.