Software Engineering Manager

Lorien; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

Lorien is seeking a Software Development Manager to lead a small development team in a Manchester-based role with hybrid working. You will bridge the gap between business stakeholders and engineering, defining what to build, guiding technical direction, and ensuring scalable, high-quality delivery.

Focus is on leadership, product delivery, and stakeholder engagement rather than hands-on coding. Previous management experience in SMEs, scale-ups, or similar teams is ideal.

Qualifications

• Experience leading software development teams.
• Ability to translate business needs into technical outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing software development team.
• Translate business requirements into clear technical solutions and delivery plans.
• Drive product development initiatives from concept through to delivery.
• Manage priorities, resources, and team capacity.
• Support architectural and technical decision-making.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver commercial value.
• Promote development best practices and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Full stack

Stakeholder management

Product development

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen with a growing retail business looking to appoint a Software Development Manager to lead a small development team and help shape the future of its digital products.

This role is focused on leadership, product delivery, and stakeholder engagement rather than hands-on coding. You'll work closely with the business to understand requirements, guide technical direction, and ensure the team delivers scalable, high-quality solutions. Adapted from the original role specification.

The Role

You'll lead a team of developers within a full stack development environment, acting as the link between business stakeholders and engineering. Whilst remaining technically credible, your focus will be on defining what needs to be built, supporting delivery, and helping the team achieve successful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing software development team.
• Translate business requirements into clear technical solutions and delivery plans.
• Drive product development initiatives from concept through to delivery.
• Manage priorities, resources, and team capacity.
• Support architectural and technical decision-making.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the business to deliver commercial value.
• Promote development best practice, quality, and continuous improvement.

About You

• Experience leading or mentoring software development teams.
• Strong understanding of product development within a full stack environment.
• Ability to translate business needs into technical outcomes.
• Proven stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Commercially minded with a passion for developing people and products.

Ideal Background

This role would suit:

• An existing Software Development Manager, Engineering Manager, or Technical Lead.
• A Technical Lead looking to take their first step into management.
• Someone who has worked within SMEs, scale-ups, or businesses with smaller development teams.
• Candidates with experience in retail, eCommerce, or customer-focused digital products.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid working with flexibility around office attendance.
• Manchester-based role.
• Opportunity to influence product direction and technology strategy.
• Career progression within a growing business.

If you enjoy leading teams, shaping products, and bridging the gap between technology and the business, we'd love to hear from you