Head of Applications

Proactive.IT Appointments Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Head of Applications to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight in London. This senior role involves shaping application strategy and ensuring system performance across various platforms. The candidate must have 5+ years in software development and at least 3 years in management. Strong skills in application lifecycle management and cloud technologies are essential. The role offers hybrid working arrangements and a chance to lead a high-performance team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in software development.
• At least 3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Strong hands-on experience in application support.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across a complex application landscape.
• Drive modernization initiatives and agile practices.
• Lead and develop a multi-disciplinary team.

Skills

Software development leadership

Application lifecycle management

Agile methodologies

DevOps practices

Cloud platforms (Microsoft Azure)

Service management frameworks (ITIL)

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Education

Professional certifications (PMP, Scrum Master)

Job description

11380SR1
£80k – 90k per year

Head of Applications

Hybrid work in London

We are seeking an experienced Head of Applications to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across a complex enterprise application landscape. This senior role is responsible for shaping application strategy, defining architecture standards, and ensuring the stability, scalability, and performance of core business systems, including core banking platforms, integration services, and digital applications.

You will have end‑to‑end ownership of application delivery and support, ensuring systems align with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and technology best practices. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will drive continuous improvement, modernization initiatives, and the adoption of agile and DevOps ways of working.

A key element of the role is people leadership. You will lead, mentor, and develop a multi‑disciplinary team comprising software developers, support analysts, and Solution & Integration Architects. You will foster a collaborative, high‑performance culture that encourages innovation, accountability, and professional growth, supported by regular performance reviews and coaching.

The successful candidate will bring strong hands‑on experience across the full software development lifecycle, including analysis, design, testing, documentation, deployment, and operational support. You will be adept at managing applications in complex, business‑critical environments and confident handling major incidents and service challenges.

Key Skills

• 5+ year’s experience in software development and at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Strong knowledge of application lifecycle management, agile and DevOps practices, cloud platforms (particularly Microsoft Azure), and service management frameworks such as ITIL is essential.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, Scrum Master, or relevant technical qualifications are highly desirable.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and project prioritisation skills are critical to success in this role.
• Proven experience with application support and incident management in complex technical environments.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills with the ability to handle complex technical issues.

Due to the volume of applications received for positions, it will not be possible to respond to all applications and only applicants who are considered suitable for interview will be contacted.

Proactive Appointments Limited operates as an employment agency and employment business and is an equal opportunities organisation.

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