Head Of Development

Smile Digital; Shrewsbury; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading digital agency in Shrewsbury is seeking a Head of Development to lead their technical team while driving development strategy. The ideal candidate will combine strong leadership skills with hands-on expertise in PHP and WordPress, actively contributing to coding while ensuring projects meet high standards of quality. This is a senior role that influences the company’s technical direction and supports broader goals like sustainability and social responsibility, in a forward-thinking environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years' experience in web or software development, strong in PHP and WordPress.
• Proven ability to lead from the front, hands on with coding while leading a team.
• Experienced in leading teams in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

Responsibilities

• Leading and mentoring the development team, building a collaborative environment.
• Setting objectives and KPIs aligned with company priorities.
• Recruiting and developing team members for clear career progression.
• Actively coding and contributing to PHP, WordPress, and related projects.
• Shaping the technical roadmap and identifying opportunities for new services.
• Leading initiatives in AI adoption and technical innovations.
• Ensuring timely, high quality delivery of development projects.

Skills

PHP

WordPress

Leadership

Team building

Technical innovation

Job description

Head of Development - Shrewsbury, Shropshire - Hybrid - £50k-£60k - Commutable from Wolverhampton, Walsall, Telford, Birmingham, Dudley.

We are partnered with a client who are seeking a Head of Development to lead their technical team, drive development strategy, and deliver high quality projects. This role requires a leader who can combine leadership with hands on technical expertise, particularly in PHP and WordPress, to guide the team and actively contribute to coding and development projects.

As Head of Development you will oversee the direction of the development team, shaping strategy while also being directly involved in coding and technical delivery. You will introduce best practices, implement new technologies, and ensure the team meets current and future project requirements. This role also supports broader company goals, including sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Leading and mentoring the development team, building a collaborative, high performing environment.
• Setting objectives and KPIs aligned with company priorities.
• Recruiting, supporting, and developing team members, ensuring clear career progression.
• Leading from the front by actively coding and contributing to PHP, WordPress, and related projects.
• Shaping the department's technical roadmap and identifying opportunities for new services or tools.
• Leading initiatives such as AI adoption and other technical innovation projects.
• Ensuring timely, high quality delivery of development projects.

Qualifications

• 7+ years' experience in web or software development, with strong PHP and WordPress expertise.
• Proven ability to lead from the front, hands on with coding while leading a team.
• Experienced in leading teams in fast paced, dynamic environments.
• Strategic, collaborative, and capable of translating technical execution into measurable business outcomes.

This opportunity will play a key role in the business within the senior leadership team. You will lead a technical team, influence strategy, and make a real impact within a forward thinking company, while remaining deeply involved in development.

Apply now for immediate consideration