At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee application strategy and delivery in a dynamic enterprise environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while mentoring a talented team.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in software development with leadership experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, tech-driven environment.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Head of Applications to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across a complex enterprise application landscape. This senior role is responsible for shaping application strategy, defining architecture standards, and ensuring the stability, scalability, and performance of core business systems, including core banking platforms, integration services, and digital applications.
You will have end‑to‑end ownership of application delivery and support, ensuring systems align with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and technology best practices. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will drive continuous improvement, modernization initiatives, and the adoption of agile and DevOps ways of working.
A key element of the role is people leadership. You will lead, mentor, and develop a multi‑disciplinary team comprising software developers, support analysts, and Solution & Integration Architects. You will foster a collaborative, high‑performance culture that encourages innovation, accountability, and professional growth, supported by regular performance reviews and coaching.
The successful candidate will bring strong hands‑on experience across the full software development lifecycle, including analysis, design, testing, documentation, deployment, and operational support. You will be adept at managing applications in complex, business‑critical environments and confident handling major incidents and service challenges.
Key Skills- 5+ year’s experience in software development and at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.
- Strong knowledge of application lifecycle management, agile and DevOps practices, cloud platforms (particularly Microsoft Azure), and service management frameworks such as ITIL is essential.
- Professional certifications such as PMP, Scrum Master, or relevant technical qualifications are highly desirable.
- Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and project prioritisation skills are critical to success in this role.
- Proven experience with application support and incident management in complex technical environments.
- Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to handle complex technical issues.
Due to the volume of applications received for positions, it will not be possible to respond to all applications and only applicants who are considered suitable for interview will be contacted.
Proactive Appointments Limited operates as an employment agency and employment business and is an equal opportunities organisation. We take our obligations to protect your personal data very seriously. Any information provided to us will be processed as detailed in our Privacy Notice, a copy of which can be found on our website.
Head of Applications – 11380SR1 in Bristol employer: Proactive.IT Appointments Limited
Contact Detail:
Proactive.IT Appointments Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Applications – 11380SR1 in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their application landscape and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your leadership style and how you've driven improvements in past roles. We know you’ve got the skills, so show them off confidently!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing familiar faces from our community!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Applications – 11380SR1 in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Applications role. Highlight your leadership experience, especially in software development and application management, to show us you’re the right fit.
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 candidate. Don’t forget to mention your experience with agile and DevOps practices!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage complex applications. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so let us see the impact you've made!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Proactive.IT Appointments Limited
✨Know Your Applications Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the applications and systems relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with core banking platforms, integration services, and digital applications. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Applications, you'll be leading a multi-disciplinary team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully mentored and developed team members in the past. Highlight your experience in fostering a collaborative culture and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle major incidents. Think of specific challenges you've encountered in complex environments and how you resolved them. This will showcase your hands-on experience and strategic thinking.
✨Communicate Effectively with Stakeholders
Exceptional communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed stakeholder relationships and prioritised projects in the past, as this will be crucial for aligning application strategy with business objectives.