At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of developers to ensure reliable examination systems and drive technical direction.
- Company: Join WJEC, a trusted organisation enhancing education for future generations.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your leadership and technical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in RPG, COBOL, or Java, with team management skills preferred.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with great opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
At WJEC, we contribute to our education communities by providing trusted qualifications and specialist support, to allow our learners the opportunity to reach their full potential. This is a fantastic chance to be part of an organisation that both encourages and enhances the minds of tomorrow.
About the Role
The iSeries Development Lead is key to ensuring our examinations related systems run reliably for a myriad of external and internal stakeholders. They provide leadership and management to a team of 5 developers at various stages in their career and act as a point of reference across the business in regard to COBOL and RPG programming languages. They’ll be closely involved in the design, implementation and integration of business systems, setting the technical direction of the deliveries then applying the principles and methodologies of software engineering to the technical design, development, testing, and maintenance of applications and services.
About you
Candidates will have significant experience developing systems in a computer language such as RPG, COBOL, Java, or .net, ideally with some understanding of the AS400 operating environment. They’ll be good at networking and be able to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders to understand system requirements and produce development specifications that mitigate risk and support various needed integrations. Previous experience managing a team and providing technical and pastoral support to others would also be advantageous.
Pay range and compensation package
- Contract type: Full-time (36.5 hours per week), Permanent
Equal Opportunity Statement
At WJEC, we pride in being an inclusive and supportive place to work. We also offer a range of excellent benefits including: 25 days annual leave per year (in addition to 16 statutory / additional holidays), free Welsh lessons, a competitive pension scheme and numerous family friendly policies. A career with WJEC can be extremely rewarding and you will be encouraged throughout with great opportunities to develop your professional and personal skills.
WJEC operates a hybrid working model, enabling the successful candidate to split their time between WJEC offices and working at home, subject to business need. As such, applications are invited from individuals across the UK but please note that regular working from our Cardiff offices will be required. Welsh language skills are not essential but the willingness to learn is always valued.
If you would like to know more about this role, or about working at WJEC, please do not hesitate to contact our HR team (HR@wjec.co.uk), who will be more than happy to help. Please visit our website to download a copy of the job description and application form.
Closing date 23:59, Sunday 11 January 2026. Interviews are anticipated to be held in person on Monday 26 January 2026.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Training and Information Technology
Industries: Higher Education, Primary and Secondary Education, Education
iSeries Development Lead in Cardiff employer: WJEC / CBAC
Contact Detail:
WJEC / CBAC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land iSeries Development Lead in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at WJEC on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your application noticed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your COBOL and RPG skills. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams and tackled challenges in past projects. Show them you're the iSeries Development Lead they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your soft skills! Communication is key, especially when working with various stakeholders. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ideas in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It shows you're serious about the role and gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for WJEC's mission in education.
We think you need these skills to ace iSeries Development Lead in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the iSeries Development Lead role. Highlight your experience with COBOL, RPG, and any relevant team management skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to WJEC. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm and a clear understanding of our mission.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your technical skills in your application. Mention specific projects or systems you've developed using RPG or COBOL, and how they relate to the AS400 environment. We’re keen on seeing your hands-on experience!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can find all the details you need about the role and our company there. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at WJEC / CBAC
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of COBOL, RPG, and any other relevant programming languages. Be ready to discuss your experience with these technologies and how you've applied them in past projects. This will show that you're not just familiar with the tech but can also lead a team effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led others in the past. Talk about your approach to mentoring developers and how you handle challenges within a team. This will demonstrate your capability to provide both technical and pastoral support.
✨Understand the Business Needs
Familiarise yourself with WJEC's mission and how the iSeries Development Lead role fits into their goals. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their examination systems and improve reliability for stakeholders. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the hybrid working model, and opportunities for professional development. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.