Software Development Manager

Are you an experienced Software Development Manager - Services with a background in Retail, looking for a role where it's not just about the opportunity to develop, but one where you'll also be valued, rewarded and supported? One where your work will also have a real impact? We help people build things. Make things better. How good would it be to know that you're part of that?

The core responsibility for the Software Development Manager at Wickes is to develop and maintain standards, principles, and policies for system integrations across all engineering teams. This ensures robust, secure, and scalable interactions between internal and external systems, promoting consistent, high-quality integration development practices. A key aspect of this position involves collaborating with engineering delivery leads and the platform team to establish and implement efficient and robust engineering delivery methods. This includes selecting appropriate tools, refining existing methodologies, and promoting industry best practices. We offer flexible hybrid working, with two - three days a week in our Head Office of Watford. With ambitious plans, time together will create a winning culture. Time in the business will unlock opportunities for impact. Time at home gives you a career that doesn't put your life on hold. It's the best of both worlds really. The Role:

• Drive collaboration with cross-functional teams, including product managers and architects, to create and implement microservices-based software solutions that elevate the DIY retailer's digital presence and significantly improve the customer experience.
• We are seeking candidates with proven experience in defining comprehensive test strategies, ensuring thorough testing of developed solutions, and upholding rigorous quality standards throughout the software development lifecycle.
• With excellent leadership qualities, you will lead and mentor a team of offshore developers, providing guidance, support, and technical expertise throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Managing the end-to-end delivery of microservices-based projects, you will ensure that they are completed and ready for production, meeting the required quality standards.

Does this sound like you?

• Proven experience in software development, with a focus on microservices architecture and distributed systems.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with a track record of successfully leading and mentoring software development teams.
• Demonstrable planning skills with ability to organise, and coordinate development efforts, set realistic deadlines, allocate resources effectively, and manage project risks and issues. Experience with agile methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban, is essential.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or Node.js, and familiarity with frameworks like Spring Boot, Flask, or Express.js.
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Solid understanding of agile development methodologies and tools e.g., Scrum, Kanban, JIRA, DevOps (like CI/CD, Blue Green setup). Strong understanding of low code platforms like Boomi will also be preferable.

What's in it for you? Our strong family values and 'cornerstones' lie at the heart of the success of our journey. If matching your ambition to our culture is an exciting prospect, there's never been a better time to join us. We're a team. And teams work best together when they know and respect one another. Listen and learn from one another. So we offer a hybrid working model. Giving you the support you need to do well at work, and the flexibility to make life work for you. We'll also equip you with a benefits package that includes:

• Competitive package including an annual bonus and car allowance.
• 25 Days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Contributory Pension and Life Assurance.
• Flexible Hybrid working (2-3 days in Watford).
• Save-as-you-earn scheme and colleague discount.
• Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme.

Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we're proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause, and fertility support. About Us: We are a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With 40 years in industry, we now generate revenue in excess of £1.5Bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues. We care for our people - and we look out for one another. Everyone has a voice. We're ambitious, but we're inclusive, supportive and down-to-earth with it. Anyone can build on their talent and expect our support to get on. Please contact us here if you require any adjustments within the application process. If you require any reasonable adjustments at the interview stage you will have an opportunity to inform us when we invite you to interview. Please note, this link is only for reasonable adjustments required - general enquiries, or direct CV applications cannot be accepted via this form. Closing date for application 20/4/2025.