Lead Developer

VIQU Limited; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A rapidly growing technology business is seeking a Lead Developer to transition into engineering leadership. This role entails leading a modern cloud-based development team and shaping best practices while mentoring junior engineers. The ideal candidate will have leadership experience, technical expertise in Python and AWS, and a passion for building team culture. This position offers flexible hybrid working, direct mentorship from senior developers, and a clear path to Engineering Manager and CTO-level roles.

Benefits

Hybrid working with flexibility

Direct mentorship from experienced developers

Opportunity to shape engineering organization

Qualifications

• Experience leading or managing developers.
• Proven mentoring, coaching or developing junior engineers.
• Comfortable shaping best practices, processes and team culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead development across a modern serverless cloud stack.
• Grow, mentor and manage multiple development teams.
• Shape the engineering culture and delivery frameworks.

Skills

Engineering Leadership

Experience with Python

Experience with AWS serverless

Experience with React

Strong back-end or cloud development

Job description

Lead Developer – Step Into Engineering Management (CTO-Level Growth Ahead)

£75,000 to £100,000 + Bonus (~10%)

Hybrid : 1 to 2 Days Onsite (Oxfordshire Area)

Must Be Commutable

We are working with a rapidly growing technology business in the energy sector, scaling at 40% year on year and about to onboard several major new clients. They are now looking for a Lead Developer who wants to step into genuine engineering leadership, with a clear path into Software Engineering Manager and longer-term CTO-level responsibility as the business evolves.

The company was originally spun out of a well-known energy organisation by two highly skilled senior developers who have successfully launched multiple businesses. As they step back from day‑to‑day leadership over the next 12 months, this role will become the central technical leadership position in the organisation.

The Opportunity

This role has two phases :

Phase 1 : Lead Developer (Now)

Lead development across a modern, serverless cloud stack (AWS, Python, React, SQL).

Work closely with the senior developers while contributing hands‑on.

Take ownership of development standards, technical decision‑making and tooling.

Support agile delivery within small, self‑managing teams.

Phase 2 : Engineering Manager / Future Technical Leader

Grow, mentor and manage multiple development teams (approx. 3 teams of 3).

Coach junior developers and guide technical career paths.

Shape the engineering culture, best‑practice processes and delivery frameworks.

Take increasing ownership of technical strategy as the founders step back.

This is a perfect role for a Lead Developer or Senior Developer who enjoys leading people and wants a realistic path into Engineering Management and eventually CTO‑level ownership.

What They Are Prioritising (in order of importance)

1. Engineering Leadership
   • Experience leading or managing developers.
   • Proven mentoring, coaching or developing junior engineers.
   • Comfortable shaping best practices, processes and team culture.
2. Technical Foundations

   Experience with any of the following is beneficial (they are open‑minded) :

   • Python
   • AWS serverless (Lambda, S3, SQS, API Gateway)
   • React / JavaScript
   • REST APIs
   • SQL
   • Strong back‑end or cloud developers from other stacks will still be considered.
3. Energy Sector Experience (Nice‑to‑Have)
   • Beneficial but not essential.

Why Join

Join a fast‑growing business with major new clients.

Direct mentorship from highly experienced senior developers and founders.

Opportunity to shape the future engineering organisation.

Clear, credible route to Engineering Manager to CTO‑level leadership.

Hybrid working with flexibility (typically 1 to 2 days onsite).

A genuine high‑impact role where your decisions will shape the company’s future.

Apply now to speak with VIQU IT in confidence. Or contact Aaron Chiverton via the VIQU IT website. Know someone great? Refer them and receive up to £1,000 if successful (terms apply). For more exciting roles and opportunities, follow us on LinkedIn @VIQU IT Recruitment.