Head of Development

Job Description

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Head of Dev/Lead Dev with a robust background in commercial web and application development, to lead the talented team at Bolser, delivering exceptional digital solutions for some of the world’s biggest brands, including Microsoft, Portakabin, AIG Life, Football Foundation and Xbox.

You will head up an experienced, collaborative team of 12, working on award-winning digital products delivered through a structured, Agile process using SCRUM methodology. This is a varied role requiring excellent team leadership, technical strategic direction and project management skills to deliver high quality digital solutions on time and within budget. At least 5 years experience leading a technical team is essential, preferably within an agency or consultancy environment. Although not primarily a hands-on role, the technical capability to assist with the delivery of the agency’s more complex projects would be beneficial.

This is a hybrid role working 3 days from our vibrant office in Leeds City Centre, and an optional 2 days working from home. Flexible start and finish times are applicable when in the office.

Key responsibilities and duties will include:

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Team Leadership and Development: Guide the development and test teams in best practices and personal growth, represent the team within the broader agency, and manage direct client interaction.
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Technical Strategy: Lead technical strategy in proposals and presentations. Articulate technical approaches to both clients and potential clients clearly and concisely.
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Project Management: Oversee project scope, prioritise tasks, and drive improvements to ensure timely, budget-compliant project delivery.
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Technology Coordination: Facilitate technology development coordination and collaboration across the company.
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Architectural Oversight: Direct the architectural infrastructure for project construction, including platform and development language selection.
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Risk Management: Proactively identify and address potential project risks, issues, and dependencies.
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Research and Development: Identify and pursue research and development opportunities to enhance project delivery.
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Documentation: Produce top-tier documentation to support ongoing development.
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Agile Process Management: Collaborate with the Agile Delivery Lead to refine processes and adapt to change.
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Complex project delivery: Hands-on delivery of the agency’s more complex technical projects.
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Leadership Contributions: Actively contribute to management team meetings with a development team perspective.

Skills and experience required :
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A minimum of 10 years in a technical role with at least 5 years leadership experience.
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Proven track record in leading development teams and enhancing operations.
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Expertise in strategic project scoping for new clients and projects.
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Excellent communication skills, with the ability to simplify technical concepts for a non-technical audience.
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Experience in establishing and maintaining web infrastructure, using provisioning tools and continuous integration.
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In-depth knowledge of dev ops, AWS, and Azure cloud platforms.
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Up-to-date with industry trends, including the application of AI in development tools.
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Excellent communication, technical, diagnostic, and troubleshooting skills.

Main technologies :
Vue.js
Node.js
React
SASS
Graphql
Symfony PHP
Laravel PHP
DevOps with AWS and Azure
Wordpress / Drupal / Strapi CMS

We will offer you:
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A competitive salary
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Profit share scheme
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25 days holiday
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Personal development plan / time
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3% pension contribution
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Bike to work and ebike scheme
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Optional private health care
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Simply Health Wellbeing Plan
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Hybrid working – 3 days in the Leeds office
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Flexible working hours – 10-4 core hours

Plus:
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A vibrant, social, and collaborative working environment in Leeds City Centre.
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Opportunities to work on award-winning projects for major clients, setting industry standards.
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Access to top-tier project delivery tools, both hardware and software.