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Role Overview

To lead and manage a team of software developers, supporting them in building industry leading, robust and innovative software solutions that are fit for purpose.

To develop a strategy for the team to meet the company’s goals and objectives, and to improve the quality of the service it delivers internally and externally. To plan and monitor the successful implementation of this strategy.

Responsible for the quality and technical approach taken by team members, ensuring it is in-line with the company strategy – and that projects are delivered on time and on budget.

Creating and maintaining a professional culture within the team, where individuals take ownership and are fastidious and proud of delivering excellence and quality.

Main responsibilities

• To lead and manage a team of senior software developers and software developers. Line management responsibilities will include technical recruitment, appraisals, 121 meetings, identifying training needs, motivating and performance managing the team
• To drive the strategic direction of our products & services taking into account emerging and legacy technologies
• To oversee strategy for both product and bespoke code base platform definition and implementation
• To strategically decide whether we can inherit existing /support legacy code bases – and how we handle our growing levels of software support
• To design and implement a standard Microsoft DevOps process for development planning, delivery and releases
• To implement an automated testing strategy in conjunction with the testing team leader
• To devise a tactical plan which can be collaboratively carried out by the team – to implement improvements to our products, services, processes and knowledge sharing within the team
• To deliver a consistent progress reporting format to be delivered to the Senior Management Team
• To implement a robust, consistent release process across all areas of development
• To work with the Chief Technical Architect to create and maintain technical architecture documentation for all of the Castleton products
• To plan for team growth considering the blend/level of skills required within team
• To assist in resourcing decisions
• To review project progress and overview of the performance of all individuals in team
• To facilitate the smooth delivery of all projects, enhancements and support delivered by the team
• To make sure that all team members have the latest in-depth knowledge of all onsite and relevant offsite aspects at the heart of all decisions on projects or enhancements that they make
• To facilitate technology and methodology decision making throughout team, including standardisation of system architecture, reusable code base development, versions of software tools, best practice, source control and deployment processes
• To make sure that all training and support that team members require is delivered internally or externally
• To keep up to date with the latest software development technologies and methodologies
• To drive consistent standards and approaches throughout the team
• To write clean and healthy structured, well documented code
• To build future-proof reusable core code libraries, which can be shared, in-order to drive further efficiencies throughout the team
• To deliver code which is well tested and consistently error free
• To assist in critical support issues where your experience is required to ascertain the issue quickly and to find the more appropriate resolution
• To take control over critical support instances and putting into place the correct escalation and process to manage and resolve issue as soon as possible
• To encourage pro-active discussions with client delivery and account management teams
• To instigate cross team ideas and initiatives – to bring products and services together
• To lead and oversee all technical quotes, analysis, specifications to make sure they are complete and accurate
• To stay aware of latest data protection and security threats and to make sure we mitigate against these risks against known industry standards
• To proactively drive innovation with new ideas and options made available by new technologies
• To actively contribute to a list of innovation & research projects
• To assist by offering strategic and technical advice for anyone working on these projects
• To foster a focus on excellence across the development team.

Key skills and experience

• A senior level software developer with strong and successful technical lead experience
• Significant software development experience in a Windows environment
• Excellent working knowledge of C#.Net, Microsoft SQL Server and Angular
• Excellent working knowledge of the ASP.Net Zero framework
• Significant experience of leading a large cross-functional, multi-location team of developers
• Experience of working with off-shore development teams
• Experience of configuration and management of Microsoft DevOps for SDLC processes
• Advanced level (knowledge and experience) of programming languages and methodologies
• Experience of managing, directing and motivating staff to deliver projects with stretching scope and objectives
• Highly numerate and literate, with the ability to produce top quality written specifications and strategy and implementation communication
• Proactive and highly organised, with strong time management and planning skills
• Able to meet tight deadlines and remain calm under pressure
• Experience at advising key stakeholders at senior and board level.

Key behaviours

• Strong Leadership, professional attitude – and leading by example
• Bright, highly self-motivated and driven
• Passionate about Software Development, with a general thirst for digital knowledge and a significant interest in new emerging technologies
• Ability to solve problems quickly and completely
• Ability to multi-task and stay organised in a dynamic work environment
• Analytical and inquisitive, with excellent attention to detail
• Innovative and creative, with a concise, precise and effective approach to problem solving and the ability to develop, deliver and evaluate brilliant ideas founded on rock-solid strategic thinking
• Credible, confident and articulate, with excellent communication and presentation skills and the gravitas to deliver ideas clearly and concisely to internal and external stakeholders at all levels of seniority
• Reliable, flexible and cooperative
• Diplomatic and tactful
• Personable and approachable, with an enthusiastic and motivational nature and an overall passion for excellence.