At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team of software engineers and QA specialists.
- Company: Smartbox is dedicated to enhancing lives through innovative communication solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive company culture.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven team focused on social impact and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping those without speech communicate effectively.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development and leadership is essential.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description Software Team Lead Bristol (Hybrid, minimum 2 days in the office) Full-Time (37.5 hours per week) Join us in making sure no one is left without a voice.
At Smartbox, our assistive technology empowers people with disabilities who experience speech difficulties to express themselves, connect with others, and live more independent lives. We’re proud to be a global leader in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), supporting people across the UK, US, Europe, and beyond, but what truly sets us apart is our people – passionate, collaborative, and driven by the impact our products have every day.
If you’re motivated by meaningful work and want to apply your technical expertise to something that genuinely changes lives, we’d love to hear from you.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a Software Team Lead to guide one of our cross‑functional product teams, shaping innovative AAC solutions across Windows, iOS, and cloud‑based platforms. This is a hands‑on leadership role. You’ll lead and support a talented team, while also contributing directly to the codebase, setting the standard for engineering excellence and continuous improvement. You’ll work closely with Developers, Designers, Product Specialists, and, uniquely, our users, ensuring everything you build delivers meaningful real‑world outcomes.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead, mentor and grow a talented team of Software Engineers and QA specialists, supporting them to do their best work.
- Collaborate with product and technical leaders to shape roadmaps, priorities and meaningful outcomes.
- Contribute directly to high-quality, scalable solutions across the full software lifecycle, including clean, maintainable C# (.NET 10) code.
- Champion modern engineering practices, including practical use of AI-assisted development tools to improve productivity and code quality.
- Build a strong, user-focused engineering culture, guided by real feedback, data and genuine needs.
- Drive agile delivery through collaborative planning, continuous improvement and shared ownership of outcomes.
- Work on complex, real‑world challenges where reliability, usability and performance truly matter, and where your decisions directly impact people’s daily lives.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a combination of deep technical expertise, curiosity, and purpose‑driven thinking.
Essential Experience
- Proven experience leading high-performing agile software teams.
- Strong background in C#, .NET (or similar languages such as Java or C++).
- Demonstrable ability to deliver measurable user or business outcomes.
- Experience using AI-assisted development tools to improve team effectiveness.
- Excellent understanding of software engineering best practices, testing, and architecture.
- Confidence working across the stack, from UI to backend systems.
- Strong communication and leadership skills, with experience developing others.
Some Areas We Often Work with Include
- Cloud-based products, secure deployment, permissions and thoughtful resource management.
- Modern software tools and frameworks, including WPF / XAML, Avalonia, Entity Framework, SQL Server, Android, JavaScript and React.js.
- Reliable .NET build and deployment pipelines, using tools such as TeamCity, Jenkins or similar.
- AAC, assistive technology and customer-led product development, alongside coaching, people support and continuous improvement.
Why Join Smartbox
- Purpose-driven work with real‑world impact.
- Collaborative and supportive culture.
- Hybrid working and flexibility.
- Opportunities to grow, lead and shape future products.
- Strong benefits package and wellbeing support.
Inclusion and Sustainability
At Smartbox, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and able to thrive. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
If there’s anything we can do to support you during the recruitment process, please feel free to let us know within your application.
We also aim to build sustainability into everything we do, from how we design our products to how we operate as a business.
Ready To Make a Difference
If you’re excited by the idea of combining cutting‑edge electronics engineering with real‑world impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Software Team Lead employer: Smartbox Assistive Technology
Smartbox Assistive Technology is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work culture in Bristol that prioritises employee well-being and growth. With flexible working hours and a range of perks, we empower our team to thrive while contributing to our mission of enhancing lives through innovative assistive technology. Join us to be part of a collaborative environment where your skills will be valued and developed.
Contact Details:
Smartbox Assistive Technology Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Team Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Smartbox's mission and values. Understanding how your role as a Software Team Lead can directly impact the lives of people with disabilities will help you convey your passion during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your capability to mentor and guide others.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the latest trends in software development and assistive technology. Being knowledgeable about current advancements will not only impress the interviewers but also show your commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Smartbox on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Team Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Software Team Lead position at Smartbox. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills.
Highlight Leadership Experience:Emphasise your leadership and mentoring experience in your CV and cover letter. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in software development.
Showcase Technical Skills:Make sure to include your technical skills that are relevant to the role, such as programming languages, frameworks, and tools you are proficient in. Mention any experience with accessibility technologies, as this aligns with Smartbox's mission.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a personalised cover letter that expresses your passion for the role and the company's mission. Explain why you want to work at Smartbox and how you can contribute to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smartbox Assistive Technology
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with technology that enhances the lives of people with disabilities. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive your passion for this field.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and mentored teams in the past. Highlight specific situations where your leadership made a positive impact on project outcomes or team dynamics.
✨Technical Proficiency is Key
Be ready to discuss your technical skills in software development and quality assurance. Brush up on relevant technologies and methodologies that are commonly used in the industry, as well as any tools that Smartbox might be using.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's projects, team dynamics, and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your values and career aspirations.
