Development Manager

Software Development Manager

📍 Ipswich (Hybrid Working)
💰 £75,000 – £85,000
🕒 Full Time

The Opportunity

Mploy Group is partnering with a growing, technology-led organisation seeking an experienced Development Manager to lead and shape its engineering function.

This is a leadership-first role.

While the environment is predominantly Python and Java, we are not looking for a hands-on coder. Instead, we need a strategic technology leader who can build high-performing teams, shape technical direction, improve delivery capability and create a culture of accountability and ownership.

You will work closely with senior leadership to ensure technology aligns with business objectives and supports long-term growth.

The Role

This position balances people leadership, delivery governance and technical direction.

Key responsibilities include:

* Leading and developing multiple software engineering teams

* Driving performance, engagement and professional growth

* Shaping technical direction in collaboration with architects and senior engineers

* Ensuring consistent, high-quality software delivery

* Improving velocity, processes and engineering maturity

* Removing blockers and creating an environment where teams can perform at their best

* Overseeing Agile practices and delivery standards

* Supporting roadmap planning and prioritisation

* Partnering with Product, Operations and Commercial stakeholders

You will not be expected to code day-to-day — but you must be technically credible and able to challenge, guide and support engineering decisions.

What We’re Looking For

* Proven experience leading software development teams in a mid-to-large scale organisation

* Strong people leadership and coaching capability

* Experience managing cross-functional engineering teams

* Solid understanding of modern software engineering practices and Agile methodologies

* Exposure to Python and/or Java environments

* Experience overseeing architecture decisions (microservices, APIs, cloud-native systems)

* Demonstrable track record of improving delivery performance and team effectiveness

* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

* Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational oversight

We’re looking for someone who:

* Leads from the front

* Builds trust and accountability

* Drives clarity and focus

* Thinks long-term about capability and scalability

Package

* £75,000 – £85,000

* Hybrid working (Ipswich-based with flexibility)

* Pension

* 25 days holiday + bank holidays

* Professional development support

* Additional benefits dependent on experience

Please apply at your earliest convenience to find out more