Software Development Team Leader

Blackstar Amplification Ltd; Northampton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

On-site in Northampton

Job summary

Blackstar Amplification Ltd in Northampton seeks a Senior Software Manager to lead and develop the Software Team. You will drive ideation, specification and research of innovative software and digital products, and oversee scalable firmware and software using structured, process-driven methodologies.

You will plan workloads, manage OEM partnerships, lead Agile sprint processes, ensure delivery from concept to production with testing and validation, and contribute hands-on when required.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in a software discipline.
• Several years’ experience in a commercial software development environment.
• Strong understanding of software engineering and testing principles.
• Experience with Agile Scrum and sprint planning methodologies.
• Experience leading projects from conception through to delivery.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with JUCE framework or similar technologies.
• Embedded firmware development experience.
• Knowledge of DSP principles.
• Experience with Git, Confluence and Jira.
• Understanding of full product lifecycle and mass manufacturing processes.
• Background or interest in music (e.g. playing guitar).
• Knowledge of the musical instrument industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the Software Team, ensuring high levels of performance, motivation and engagement.
• Drive the ideation, specification and research of innovative software and digital products.
• Oversee the development of scalable firmware and software using structured, process-driven methodologies.
• Plan workloads and communicate progress to key stakeholders including Project Leads and Programme Managers.
• Maintain best practices, ensuring adherence to documentation standards and quality management systems.
• Manage software development projects, including liaison with OEM partners.
• Lead Agile sprint processes and contribute to project planning, scoping and problem-solving.
• Ensure delivery of software and firmware from concept through to production, including testing and validation.
• Participate in cross-functional New Product Introduction teams.
• Contribute hands‑on to software development where required.
• Support wider business activities with a flexible and collaborative approach.

Skills

Agile Scrum

Project leadership

Software testing principles

Git

Confluence

Jira

JUCE framework

Embedded firmware

DSP

Communication skills

Music industry knowledge

Education

Degree in software discipline

Tools

JUCE framework

Git

Confluence

Jira

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the Software Team, ensuring high levels of performance, motivation and engagement.
• Drive the ideation, specification and research of innovative software and digital products.
• Oversee the development of scalable firmware and software using structured, process-driven methodologies.
• Plan workloads and communicate progress to key stakeholders including Project Leads and Programme Managers.
• Maintain best practices, ensuring adherence to documentation standards and quality management systems.
• Manage software development projects, including liaison with OEM partners.
• Lead Agile sprint processes and contribute to project planning, scoping and problem-solving.
• Ensure delivery of software and firmware from concept through to production, including testing and validation.
• Participate in cross-functional New Product Introduction teams.
• Contribute hands‑on to software development where required.
• Support wider business activities with a flexible and collaborative approach.

Requirements

• Degree-level qualification (or equivalent) in a software-related discipline.
• Several years’ experience in a commercial software development environment.
• Strong understanding of software engineering and testing principles.
• Experience with Agile Scrum and sprint planning methodologies.
• Experience leading projects from conception through to delivery.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with JUCE framework or similar technologies.
• Embedded firmware development experience.
• Knowledge of DSP principles.
• Experience with Git, Confluence and Jira.
• Understanding of full product lifecycle and mass manufacturing processes.
• Background or interest in music (e.g. playing guitar).
• Knowledge of the musical instrument industry.

The Offer

• Full-time position (Monday to Friday, 8:00 – 17:00).
• Based in Northampton, UK.
• Flexible approach to working hours and environment depending on business needs.
• Opportunity to work on innovative, industry-leading products.
• Collaborative and dynamic working environment.

The company

Launched in 2007, Blackstar is globally recognised and respected as an innovator and leader in guitar amplification design. We are a company of musicians who are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great tone. Blackstar is based in Northampton, with over 80 years’ combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. Our team pioneers change in the industry and has a strong commitment to driving transformational innovation within all of our products. Blackstar products are the best in the world for design, technology and performance – we create the ultimate tolls for self-expression.

The Environment

Blackstar is a unique environment; we are all musicians/music lovers and the dress code is relaxed.

Our teams are experts in their field and we are incredibly passionate about our products and the industry as a whole. Most of our staff have worked in the industry for a long time and we are looking for candidates who wish to grow with the company and share in our current and future success.