Software Development Lead

At HR Wallingford, we design smart, resilient solutions across the natural and built environments to help everyone live and work more sustainably with water. By harnessing research, data insights and the power of our collective expertise, we help the world to better understand the changing influence and impact of water.

Our newly created Software Solutions Division is responsible for developing, productising, and taking to market a broad range of software products. The Software Development Lead is a key member of this group, responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the software development function. You will develop and implement best-practice software development methodologies and processes, manage a geographically distributed team (currently based in the UK and Italy), and ensure that development efforts align with the group’s overall business objectives.

This role requires a strategic and collaborative thinker with a strong background in software development management, software product development, and technical team leadership. Key responsibilities will include managing and mentoring a team of software developers, developing best-practice operational software development processes to ensure that we meet our business goals and continue to deliver innovative, high quality software products developed through team work.

You will oversee all product development activities, including design, coding, testing, deployment and both technical support and technical presales capabilities. This will include ensuring that software projects are delivered on time, new products are created and existing ones enhanced, with rigorous testing and QA to ensure product reliability, performance and scalability. You will support the development of best practice across HR Wallingford via an established software development Community of Practice.

About you

To succeed in this role, You will bring extensive knowledge of software development principles, methodologies, and best-practice in a commercial product-based environment. You will have significant experience with implementation of product development and management tools (such as Visual Studio, GitHub/GitLab, Jira & Backlog), cloud-based deployments and a proficiency in Agile and DevOps methodologies.

You will have demonstrated experience leading and developing collaborative, geographically distributed teams.and be able to demonstrate excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, communication skills and ability to work inclusively across diverse teams.

You will need to  have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (professional certifications desirable) with a  extensive experience in software development, typically 15 years or more, with demonstrated experience in a leadership role, typically of 5 years

Experience in the water/environmental sector and geospatial technologies would be beneficial

We value diverse perspectives and welcome candidates who bring curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to continuous learning.

This role needs to be within a good commutable distance to our offices in Wallingford, Oxfordshire as it requires regular presence at our Wallingford office. We support flexible working arrangements to help you balance professional and personal commitments.

Further information

• Salary: from £75,000 to £80,000 plus benefits


• Download a full job description and person specification.


• Check out our exceptional benefits at hrwallingford.com/careers.


• The closing date is Friday 13 February 2026

How to apply

If you are excited about this role but unsure whether you’re the right fit, we encourage you to apply. We’re also happy to answer any questions by emailing [email protected]

Interested? Please apply providing your CV with covering letter. 

Additional information

Our privacy notice for job applicants, available from our website, explains how we collect and process the personal data you may provide us when you apply for a job with us through our websites, or by any other means. This notice also explains how we’ll store and handle that data and keep it.

HR Wallingford are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. We do not discriminate, and work to create an inclusive culture across our business.