Group Application Development Manager

DFS Furniture Ltd; Woodlands; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses potential

Discounts

Wellbeing perks

Pension options

Life assurance

Job summary

DFS Furniture Ltd. seeks an experienced software development leader to steer the Group Software Development team and drive delivery across the roadmap and BAU projects.

You will champion policies, manage risks, and develop cross-functional partnerships while coaching remote teams to meet service levels and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and strategic responsibilities in a software environment.
• 3–5 years of management experience within a retail organization.
• Degree or equivalent in Computing/IT or related field, or relevant IT industry experience.
• Strong understanding of IT asset and cost management.
• Experience in formal risk and workload management processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to inspire performance and drive results across teams.
• Proficient in stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Capability in conflict resolution and negotiation.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering successful outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and line management for the Group Software Development team.
• Contribute to the Group Software Development & Test strategy and drive the delivery of the teams roadmap and objectives.
• Serve as the first point of contact for all software development matters.
• Ensure policies and procedures are up-to-date and compliant.
• Oversee the delivery of projects, bug fixes, and BAU development backlog.
• Implement KPIs and reporting to monitor team performance.
• Lead change initiatives to improve processes and efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong cross-team relationships.
• Drive team development through coaching and training.
• Manage sprints, backlogs, and planning reviews.
• Ensure service levels are met in third-party relationships.
• Standardize ways of working across the business.
• Monitor quality and implement improvements.
• Maintain up-to-date software development documentation.
• Manage resources and monitor skills gaps.
• Identify and mitigate risks across the function.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Effectively lead and support remote team members.

Skills

Leadership

Management experience

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Risk & workload management

Strategic thinking

Delivery focus

Influence & negotiation

Remote team leadership

Education

Degree in IT or Computing

Job description

Salary: £40,000 - 40,000 per year

Requirements

• Proven experience in leadership and strategic responsibilities in a software environment
• 3-5 years of management experience within a retail organization
• Degree or equivalent in Computing/IT or related field, or relevant IT industry experience
• Strong understanding of IT asset and cost management
• Experience in formal risk and workload management processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to inspire performance and drive results across teams
• Proficient in stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Capability in conflict resolution and negotiation
• Demonstrated track record of delivering successful outcomes

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and line management for the Group Software Development team
• Contribute to the Group Software Development & Test strategy and drive the delivery of the teams roadmap and objectives
• Serve as the first point of contact for all software development matters
• Ensure policies and procedures are up-to-date and compliant
• Oversee the delivery of projects, bug fixes, and BAU development backlog
• Implement KPIs and reporting to monitor team performance
• Lead change initiatives to improve processes and efficiency
• Build and maintain strong cross-team relationships
• Drive team development through coaching and training
• Manage sprints, backlogs, and planning reviews
• Ensure service levels are met in third-party relationships
• Standardize ways of working across the business
• Monitor quality and implement improvements
• Maintain up-to-date software development documentation
• Manage resources and monitor skills gaps
• Identify and mitigate risks across the function
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation
• Effectively lead and support remote team members

Technologies

• Support
• Security

More

At DFS, we are home to DFS, Sofology, and The Sofa Delivery Company - three brands united in our mission to make great design and comfort accessible to every home. Our culture emphasizes inclusion and values every team member, enabling them to thrive while supporting initiatives like Doncaster Pride and partnerships with organizations such as Carers UK. We are committed to being an equal-opportunity employer, reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve. We offer a range of benefits, including potential bonuses, generous leave policies, discounts, wellbeing perks, pension options, and life assurance, all aimed at supporting our employees both personally and professionally.

last updated 33 week of 2026