At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead an agile team to build and maintain innovative software solutions.
- Company: Join Watchfinder, the premier destination for pre-owned luxury watches.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, healthcare packages, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Transparent interview process with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a tech-driven company with a passion for watches.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in software development and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Since Watchfinder & Co. was first founded in 2002, it has grown to become the premier resource from which to buy and sell premium pre-owned watches. With thousands of watches available from more than 50 brands, including Rolex, Omega, IWC and more, plus boutiques across the UK and a manufacturer certified service centre, Watchfinder has established itself as the top pre-owned watch specialist.
How will you make an impact?
- Part of an agile development team, building and maintaining internal software systems at Watchfinder.
- Works closely with squad delivery teams to deliver projects end to end.
- Provides hands‑on technical leadership alongside coaching and mentorship.
- Passionate about software engineering and continuous learning.
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of object‑oriented and service‑oriented application development principles.
- Communicates effectively with both internal team members and external business stakeholders.
- Internally motivated and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Actively supports the growth of others through mentoring and knowledge sharing.
- Takes initiative to continuously improve solutions, systems, and development processes.
How will you experience success with us?
Experience and Leadership:
- Proven experience in a technical leadership or Team Lead role.
- 5+ years’ experience as a software developer.
- Experience leading delivery within agile squad-based teams.
- Strong experience communicating with stakeholders, developers, and other technical teams to gather requirements and explain technical solutions.
- Ability to manage complex solutions, balance priorities, and deliver under pressure.
- Comfortable working to tight deadlines with a strong sense of urgency.
Technical Skills:
- Strong hands‑on experience with C#, MVC, and RESTful web services.
- Solid front‑end skills using Angular, JavaScript/TypeScript, HTML5, and MVC.
- Strong database experience with SQL / T‑SQL.
- Proven application of SOLID principles and common design patterns.
- Experience with unit testing, TDD, and modern build tools.
- Cloud experience with AWS, including deployment and messaging concepts.
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines.
- Knowledge of Infrastructure as Code (AWS CloudFormation, AWS CDK).
- Experience using Git and tools such as Azure DevOps.
- Strong understanding of secure coding and security best practices.
How do we keep you smiling?
- We are a great team at HQ, you will work alongside some of the most passionate people about Watches and technology.
- We have a generous benefits scheme, including discounts and healthcare packages.
- The chance to join aboard a business that is taking strides to introduce our product globally.
- Sociable, friendly team!
Your journey with us:
Our aim is to provide you a transparent interview process from the moment you apply for the role. It’s important for us that you get to know us to ensure the role aligns to your future career objectives. We provide all candidates with open-door access to key people across the business so they can discuss opportunities, get a feel for our culture, and better understand how they can make an impact and be part of Watchfinder’s exciting trajectory.
Interview Process:
- 1st Stage: A ‘Let’s Chat’ conversation. Initially, when your application is selected, you will receive an introduction call to explain the main points in terms of this position, and to have a chance to showcase your motivation.
- 2nd Stage: Interview with our Software Development Manager and Software Development Team Lead.
- Final Stage: Meet with our CIO and HR Business Partner.
Why work for Watchfinder?
Firstly, what makes Watchfinder a great place to work is the people! Whether that be within your immediate team or across other areas of the business, there really is a family feel across the whole company. If personal growth and development is high on your priority list, then Watchfinder is the place for you. We’ve had numerous success stories throughout the business of our staff furthering and developing their careers, proving to be integral contributors to the company. To be part of this exciting journey, apply now!
Development Team Lead employer: Watchfinder & Co
At Watchfinder & Co., we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment where passionate individuals thrive. As a Development Team Lead, you will not only lead a talented team in building cutting-edge software solutions but also benefit from our generous perks, including healthcare packages and discounts. With a strong emphasis on personal growth and a supportive culture, you'll find ample opportunities to advance your career while being part of a friendly and sociable team dedicated to excellence in the pre-owned watch industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Team Lead
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Watchfinder & Co or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Watchfinder & Co.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Watchfinder & Co.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Watchfinder & Co that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Team Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Watchfinder & Co.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Watchfinder & Co and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watchfinder & Co
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Watchfinder & Co uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
