Software Development Manager

Defaqto Limited; Aylesbury; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial technology firm is seeking an experienced Software Development Manager to lead high-performing teams, drive innovation, and implement best practices in software development. The role requires expertise in Microsoft technologies and a strong background in leadership. This hybrid position is based in Aylesbury, requiring office presence three times a week. The firm values diversity and inclusion, providing a supportive and vibrant work environment.

Benefits

Flexible working

Social and charity events

Free fresh fruit

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Software Development Manager or similar leadership role.
• Strong background in Microsoft development technologies.
• Experience with AI, machine learning, or data analytics.

Responsibilities

• Build, lead, and mentor high-performing development teams.
• Shape strategy for innovation across teams and applications.
• Drive a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement.

Skills

Proactive problem-solver

Strong coding background

Leadership in software development

Knowledge of AI

Agile and DevOps methodologies

Tools

C#

.NET

Azure

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Software Development Manager to lead and grow our high-performing development teams.

This role is critical to our future growth and is focussed on delivering strategic projects including greenfield development, and modernising existing applications.

Defaqto is one of the UK’s most trusted sources of financial product and market intelligence. By bringing together product data, technology, and consumer insight, we help everyone make smarter, more informed financial choices now, and in the future.

Role purpose

You’ll ensure teams run smoothly, nurture a culture of continuous improvement, and act as a coach and mentor. By empowering your teams, you’ll drive exceptional results and support the company’s success. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of modern development practices, with a proven ability to apply best practices and use AI to boost efficiency, quality, and productivity.

What you'll do

Team Leadership & Management

• Build, lead, and mentor high-performing development teams.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and efficient work environment.
• Support team growth through regular feedback and career development.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time and to quality standards.
• Define team structure, recruit top talent, and manage resources.
• Remove technical and organisational blockers, shielding the team from distractions.

Strategic & Technical Direction

• Shape strategy for innovation and modernisation across teams and applications.
• Provide guidance on architecture, design, and implementation.
• Champion best practices in code quality, testing, and CI/CD.

Process & Culture

• Drive a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement.
• Refine agile processes (Scrum, Kanban) for predictable, high-quality delivery.
• Define and monitor SLAs, quality measures, and technical standards.
• Identify opportunities to streamline development workflows.

Innovation with AI

• Promote adoption of AI and emerging technologies to accelerate development.
• Integrate AI tools into workflows (e.g., code completion, automated testing, release management).

What you'll need to succeed

• Proven experience as a Software Development Manager or similar leadership role.
• Strong background in coding (although this isn't a hands-on coding role)
• Strong background in Microsoft development technologies (e.g., C#, .NET, Azure).
• Hands-on experience with modern software development methodologies (e.g., Agile, DevOps).
• Experience with matrix management or leading cross-functional teams.
• Experience with defining and implementing technical best practices and quality standards.
• Experience with AI, machine learning, or data analytics as they relate to software development.

Your approach to work

• Proactive problem-solver - identifies root causes and actionable solutions.
• A 'change agent' mentality with a passion for continuous improvement.
• Organised, ability to prioritise multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Enjoys working at pace.
• Builds a collaborative, inclusive environment that encourages innovation, team and individual accountability.

Work Details

We are currently unable to provide sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa, so you will need to hold the long-term right to work in the UK without sponsorship.

This is a hybrid role based from our Haddenham office. You will need to be able to work from the office 3 times each week.

Our values define how we work so that we can achieve our vision, provide a great employee experience, and positively impact our customers.

We have a vibrant office environment with a hybrid approach to working supported by our flexible working promise. We have a focus on wellbeing, a programme of social, charity and team-building events and free fresh fruit delivered to the office.

Fintel plc and all the businesses within it adopt a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination on any of the protected grounds in the Equality Act 2010.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all current and prospective employees regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse workforce because, in our view, diversity enables better business outcomes. We also believe that a more inclusive workplace, where people of different backgrounds work together, ensures better outcomes for all staff. From application to interview, we place inclusion at the heart of all we do.

We strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds.