Development Manager

Smile Digital; Wellington; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward thinking digital agency is seeking a Development Manager to lead its technical function in the UK. The candidate should have over 7 years of web/software development experience and a proven leadership background. This senior role involves balancing hands-on development with team management while overseeing strategic direction and driving innovation. The role offers a hybrid work model and opportunities for career growth.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience (7+ years) in web or software development.
• Proven leadership background with the ability to inspire and mentor.
• Knowledge of modern web technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a multi-skilled development team.
• Set and monitor departmental goals, KPIs, and budgets.
• Drive innovation and adopt best tools and technologies.

Skills

Web development

Team leadership

Performance optimization

Strategic delivery

HTML

CSS

JavaScript

PHP

Job description

Development Manager, Head of Development - Telford (Hybrid / West Midlands region)

A forward thinking digital agency is looking for an experienced Development Manager, Head of Development to lead its technical function, shape strategic direction, and drive innovation across all digital projects, whilst working in a hands on capacity.

This is a senior leadership role, ideal for someone who combines hands‑on technical knowledge with a strong record in team management, performance optimisation, and strategic delivery. The position offers real influence within the business, along with the opportunity to guide a growing department through its next stage of evolution.

The Role

You will take ownership of a small development team, overseeing strategy, delivery, and performance. The role requires balancing commercial thinking with technical leadership, ensuring projects are delivered to the highest standards while fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and continuous improvement. Leading from the front and working in a hands on capacity, 60% hands on and 40% management / leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a multi-skilled development team, whilst working hands on, leading from the front with 60% of your role being hands on web development.
• Set and monitor departmental goals, KPIs, and budgets in line with company objectives.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Drive innovation and adopt best in class tools and technologies.
• Support individual development plans to build a high performing, future ready team.
• Define and execute a long term vision for the development function.
• Analyse data, performance metrics, and market trends to inform decision making.
• Work closely with senior leadership to align department strategy with overall business goals.
• Promote sustainable and ethical working practices, embedding them within the team's culture and delivery processes.
• Ensure timely, efficient delivery of digital and web based projects.
• Monitor team output and productivity, balancing workloads and capacity.
• Maintain effective communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders.

About You

• Extensive experience (7+ years) in web or software development with a strong technical foundation.
• Proven leadership background with the ability to inspire, guide, and mentor others.
• Comfortable overseeing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring quality and profitability.
• Strong knowledge of modern web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and popular CMS platforms.
• Excellent communicator, able to translate complex ideas for varied audiences.
• Strategic thinker who can balance innovation with commercial focus.
• Passionate about sustainability, ethics, and responsible business practices.

This is a great opportunity to join the SLT within a forward thinking agency, where new ideas and approaches are encouraged and genuine career and development opportunities for both yourself and your team.

Apply now for immediate consideration