Head Of Development, Development Lead, Lead Developer in Somerset

Location: Telford area, Hybrid, with regular office attendance.

Role and responsibilities

The opportunity is to appoint a senior leader to head the technical function, shape the future of the business and influence technology, AI and automation across the agency. This role goes beyond managing projects and includes defining technical strategy, driving research and development, improving internal systems and workflows, supporting client growth and developing the capability of the team. You will report to the senior leadership team and lead a development department spanning experienced, mid-level and junior technical talent.

You will:

• Provide clear leadership and direction to the 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 the agency's growth plans.
• Take commercial ownership of the function, including responsibility for departmental revenue, costs, budgets and profitability.
• Define the agency's technology strategy and identify where new technologies can improve client outcomes and overall business efficiency.
• Lead thinking around AI adoption and capability, research, development and technical innovation, automation of internal workflows, and 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, prioritising new services, technical improvements, team requirements and future opportunities.
• Engage with clients to scope solutions, shape proposals and translate complex requirements into practical, commercially viable projects; contribute to pitches and technical meetings as a senior technical representative.
• Ensure development projects are delivered to a consistently high standard and manage capacity, productivity and utilisation, balancing billable and non-billable work; build relationships with external technology partners as needed.

Innovation, AI and continuous improvement

This role will be central to the agency's evolution. You will stay ahead of emerging technologies and development trends, assess where they add meaningful value, and introduce new tools and approaches where appropriate. You will act as a champion for AI across the organisation, helping leaders identify and deliver projects that improve productivity, workflows, client services and decision-making.

About you

You are likely to have at least 7 years' experience in web or software development, with a strong track record of leading technical teams. Previous agency, consultancy or fast-paced client-environment experience is valuable. Technically, you will bring strong knowledge of modern web development technologies. Experience across HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP and CMS platforms, with a solid understanding of UX and UI principles, is highly relevant.

What you will ideally bring

• Experience leading, mentoring and developing technical teams.
• The 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.
• A practical understanding of AI, automation and emerging technologies.
• The ability to troubleshoot complex technical challenges and make sound decisions.
• A genuine interest in innovation and improving how technology supports both clients and the wider business.

This is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of a technical function rather than merely managing a development team. You will influence the company’s wider technology direction, introduce AI and automation, improve internal systems, shape new services and contribute to commercial growth.

Apply now for immediate consideration – client is ready to interview.