Salary: £50,000 - 60,000 per year Requirements: At least 7 years experience in web or software development. A strong track record of leading technical teams. Experience in an agency, consultancy, or similarly fast-paced client environment is highly valuable. Strong knowledge of modern web development technologies. Experience with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and CMS platforms. A sound understanding of UX and UI principles. Experience leading, mentoring, and developing technical teams. Ability to create and deliver a clear technical strategy. Strong commercial awareness and experience managing budgets or departmental financial performance. Confidence scoping complex technical solutions for clients. Practical understanding of AI, automation, and emerging technologies. Ability to troubleshoot complex technical challenges and make sound decisions. Genuine interest in innovation and improving how technology supports clients and the wider business. Responsibilities: Provide clear leadership and direction to our technical team. Create an environment where people can perform at their best, develop their skills, and progress their careers. Set objectives and performance measures for the department. Assess current and future skills requirements and ensure the team has the right structure, capabilities, and resources to support our growth plans. Take commercial ownership of the function, including responsibility for departmental revenue, costs, budgets, and profitability. Define our technology strategy and identify where new technologies can improve outcomes for clients and the efficiency of the wider business. Lead thinking around AI adoption and capability across our agency. Drive research, development, and technical innovation. Oversee automation of internal workflows and processes. Identify opportunities for new technology-led products and services. Improve reporting, delivery, and operational efficiency. Select and implement software and systems across the business. Create and maintain a longer-term development roadmap. Bring technical expertise into conversations with new and existing clients. Help scope solutions, shape proposals, and translate complex requirements into practical, commercially viable projects. Contribute to pitches and technical meetings when required. Act as a credible senior technical representative of our business. Ensure development projects are delivered to a consistently high standard. Oversee capacity, productivity, and utilisation across the team. Manage the balance between billable and non-billable activity. Build relationships with external technology partners where additional expertise or capacity is required. Champion AI across the organisation. Help senior leaders identify and deliver projects that improve productivity, workflows, client services, and decision-making. Keep ahead of emerging technologies and development trends. Assess where new tools and approaches can create meaningful value. Introduce new tools and approaches where appropriate. Technologies: AI CMS CSS Support JavaScript PHP Web UX UI Design More: We are working with an established and ambitious agency in the Telford area offering a hybrid working setup with regular office attendance. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a Head of Development / Development Lead / Lead Developer to step up and take ownership of the technical function. We offer the chance to shape our technology strategy, influence wider business direction, introduce AI and automation, improve internal systems and workflows, develop new services, support client growth, and lead a talented technical team spanning experienced, mid-level, and junior talent. The successful person will report into our senior leadership team and play a major role in the future of the business. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Development employer: Smile Digital
Join a dynamic and innovative digital product and venture business that values meaningful client relationships and high-quality delivery. As a remote employer based in the UK, we offer a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth and encourages you to take ownership of your role in shaping new business strategies. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to building a structured sales function, this is an exciting opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving industry.
