At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the development function while writing code and solving problems.
- Company: Dynamic agency with an impressive client portfolio and a clear vision.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day working week, hybrid work model, and a high-trust environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on development and AI direction in a hands-on role.
- Qualifications: Strong background in PHP, JavaScript frameworks, APIs, and databases.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Bolton (moving to Manchester) | Full-time | 4-day working week
If you’re looking for a role where you can genuinely shape how an agency builds, delivers and scales, this is one of those rare ones. You’ll be joining an ambitious team with an impressive portfolio of clients, a clear vision for where they’re heading, and the appetite to do things properly.
This isn’t a sit-back leadership role. It’s hands-on, strategic, and not for everyone. But if you like being in the detail and influencing the bigger picture, it’s a unique offering.
The role
- You’ll lead the development function while staying close to the work. Writing code, solving problems, and shaping technical direction.
- Own end-to-end delivery across web and platform projects
- Work across WordPress (custom themes), Next.js, React, PHP and modern JavaScript
- Build and integrate RESTful APIs and headless CMS architectures
- Work with SQL, PostgreSQL and database-driven systems
- Manage hosting environments, servers, DNS, domains and deployments
- Get involved in CI/CD workflows, testing, QA and performance optimisation
- Scope, plan and price technical work
- Drive better processes, workflows and development standards
- Build internal tools, dashboards and automation
- Play a key role in how AI, automation and agentic workflows are rolled out across the agency
A blend of builder, leader and strategist.
What they’re looking for
- Strong hands-on development background across PHP, JavaScript frameworks, APIs and databases
- Experience with WordPress, Next.js and modern frontend/backend builds
- Comfortable working across infrastructure, hosting and deployment
- Experience in fast-paced, client-facing environments
- Able to own projects from idea through to delivery
- Clear communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Someone who improves how things are done, not just maintains them
Why it’s worth a look
- 4-day working week
- Hybrid: Monday to Thursday in the office, Wednesday from home
- Great agency with strong momentum
- Impressive portfolio of clients
- Real opportunity to shape development and AI direction
- High trust, high ownership environment
- A role where you’ll genuinely have impact
Mirai believes in the power of diversity and the importance of an inclusive culture. It welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, understanding that a range of perspectives strengthens both its team and the teams of its partners. This is just one of the ways that they’re taking positive action to shape a collaborative and diverse future in the workplace.
Locations
Head of IT Development in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Mirai Talent
Contact Detail:
Mirai Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IT Development in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of IT Development role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on with your skills! Since this role is all about being in the detail, brush up on your coding and technical skills. Consider working on personal projects or contributing to open-source to showcase your abilities when you land that interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews by understanding the company’s tech stack and their approach to development. Dive deep into their projects and think about how you can contribute to their vision. This will show them you’re genuinely interested and ready to make an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by the hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of IT Development in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hands-On Experience: Make sure to highlight your hands-on development experience in your application. We want to see how you've tackled real-world problems and contributed to projects, especially with PHP, JavaScript frameworks, and APIs.
Communicate Clearly: Since you'll be working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Use clear language in your application to show that you can bridge the gap between different teams.
Emphasise Your Strategic Thinking: We’re looking for someone who can influence the bigger picture. In your application, share examples of how you've shaped technical direction or improved processes in previous roles. Show us you're not just a doer, but a thinker too!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow instructions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mirai Talent
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, like PHP, JavaScript frameworks, and RESTful APIs. Brush up on your knowledge of WordPress and Next.js, as you’ll need to demonstrate your hands-on experience with these tools during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you tackled them. This role is all about being hands-on and strategic, so be ready to share examples that highlight your ability to solve complex problems and influence technical direction.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you’ll be working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on how you can bridge the gap between different teams and ensure everyone is on the same page.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
This isn’t just a coding role; it’s about leading a team and shaping processes. Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach, how you motivate your team, and any strategies you’ve implemented to improve workflows and development standards.