Software Development Manager

About the company

This opportunity is with a long-established and financially secure organisation in West Yorkshire that has built a loyal customer following and operates across Europe. The business is actively investing in its technology platform and is looking for a leader who can help shape its future direction.

About the role

This position is intended for a technically strong development leader who wants to influence change rather than simply maintain existing systems. The successful person will be expected to question current approaches, guide modernisation in a thoughtful and collaborative way, and help shape what the next 5 to 10 years of the technology landscape should look like.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and support a blended team of permanent staff and contractors.
• Encourage improvement by reviewing current practices and introducing modern ways of working carefully and collaboratively.
• Contribute to the long-term technology strategy and roadmap for the next 5 to 10 years.
• Convert business needs into practical technical designs that can scale.
• Manage the end-to-end software development lifecycle.
• Promote strong standards in coding quality, DevOps, security, and system performance.
• Keep up with new technologies, including AI, and help the wider team adopt them where appropriate.

Requirements

• Strong experience as a development leader who has successfully managed and developed technical teams.
• Hands-on background in Progress OpenEdge / ABL, with enough technical depth to earn credibility quickly with an experienced team.
• Demonstrated ability to modernise legacy systems and lead change initiatives.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A curious, commercially minded approach with confidence to challenge assumptions and ask the right questions.
• Ability to defend ideas constructively, steer discussions toward decisions, and avoid unnecessary disruption.

Work style and package

The role is based in West Yorkshire with a hybrid working pattern. A competitive salary and benefits package is offered.

Additional information

This is not a maintenance-only position. The organisation is looking for someone who can help redefine how technology is delivered and who is comfortable pushing for meaningful progress in a respectful, collaborative manner.