Development Manager

Eclipse IT Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading IT recruitment agency in the United Kingdom is seeking a highly motivated Software Development Manager to oversee the development function. The role is responsible for designing scalable software solutions while transitioning legacy systems to modern platforms. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience, strong technical skills, and a passion for innovation in software delivery.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Software Development Manager or in a similar leadership role.
• Strong background in modernizing legacy applications.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to think critically.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the software development team.
• Architect and design modern scalable applications.
• Oversee the full software development lifecycle.
• Establish best practices for code quality and security.

Skills

Software architecture and system design

Application modernization

API design and integration

Database design and performance optimization

Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)

CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices

Security best practices

Software testing strategies and automation

Education

Degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field

Tools

Agile methodologies

DevOps practices

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Software Development Manager to join our team and work alongside the existing Development Manager to oversee and guide the development function. This role is responsible for designing and implementing scalable, modern software solutions that meet business needs, while leading the transition of legacy systems into more flexible, web-based platforms using APIs and industry-standard practices.

Technical & Architectural Skills

• Software architecture and system design

• Application modernization (legacy-to-web/platform transformation)

• API design and integration (REST, GraphQL, etc.)

• Database design and performance optimization

• Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)

• CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices

• Security best practices (application and data security)

• Knowledge of software testing strategies and automation

The ideal candidate will combine strong technical expertise with proven leadership experience, and will be passionate about driving innovation, modernization, and excellence in software delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage the software development team (including contractors) in collaboration with the current Development Manager, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

• Architect and design modern, scalable applications and integrations, with a focus on transitioning from legacy platforms to modern solutions.

• Collaborate with stakeholders and change management teams to gather requirements and translate them into clear, actionable technical specifications.

• Oversee the full software development lifecycle, ensuring timely, high-quality, and secure delivery of projects.

• Establish and enforce best practices for code quality, security, performance, and maintainability.

• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues effectively and efficiently.

• Stay current with emerging technologies, tools, and industry trends relevant to software development and modernization.

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and knowledge sharing within the team.

Skills & Knowledge

• Degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• Proven experience as a Software Development Manager or in a similar leadership role.

• Strong background in modernizing legacy applications and integrating with web-based platforms.

• Solid understanding of software architecture, database design, integration patterns, and performance optimization.

• Familiarity with modern development methodologies, such as Agile and DevOps practices.

• Experience managing and motivating diverse development teams.

• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and strategically.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively across technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Ability to balance multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.