Job Description

Join us as a Development Delivery Manager and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity!

The Fera IT Systems Development (ITSD) Team is responsible for developing, supporting, and maintaining a wide range of web applications, databases, and services that underpin the work of Fera and its customers. These systems vary in size and complexity and include tools that support laboratory operations, commercial services delivering insights on global food integrity, web applications for Plant and Bee Health, and integrations that streamline Fera's internal business processes.


As a development delivery manager in the ITSD team you will support the delivery of new or enhanced software products and services, and help facilitate the provision of day-to-day maintenance and support for existing products and services. The role will involve overseeing the day-to-day technical delivery of work, either in support of a Product Manager for larger products/projects, or by acting as delivery lead for smaller products or projects. There will be opportunity to maintain some hands-on development if desired.

What you'll be doing:

Oversee technical delivery, ensure developers follow technical standards and processes, including code merging, testing, dependency updates, documentation, and Jira updates. Support product managers by contributing to prioritisation, planning, and agile ceremonies such as stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives. Act as delivery manager by liaising with stakeholders, clarifying requirements, managing Jira, monitoring progress, and overseeing deployments and support tickets. Contribute to development tasks where appropriate and beneficial. Facilitate communication across teams to remove blockers and support timely decision-making. Participate in system architecture and technical development discussions. Build and maintain knowledge of product functionality, architecture, and contract requirements. Line manage staff, providing support and performance management in line with policies. Mentor junior developers to support skill development and problem-solving. Maintain and develop personal expertise in software development and delivery management.

What we're looking for:

An experienced software developer or delivery manager, ideally with full stack development expertise. Solid understanding of software design patterns (e.g. MVC), version control (preferably Git), relational databases, and CI/CD practices. Strong knowledge of the software development life cycle and Agile methodologies, with experience working in Scrum or Kanban teams -especially valuable for developers transitioning into delivery roles. Experience in delivery management, product management, or leading development teams -- or a clear ambition to grow into this area. Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain decisions clearly, tailor communication to different audiences, and collaborate effectively within small teams. Strong time management, adaptability to changing priorities, and the ability to work independently and pragmatically. A proactive and supportive approach to coaching and motivating others to achieve delivery goals.

What's in it for you?

?25 days' holiday (rising to 29) with the opportunity to buy & sell extra leave. Flexible working hours, on-site gym, restaurant, and free parking The opportunity to take a paid day out of the office, volunteering for our charity partners or a cause of your choice Company matched pension, life assurance, a cycle2work scheme, 15 weeks' fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, paternity pay of two weeks...and plenty more. Voluntary benefits designed to suit your lifestyle - from discounts on retail and socialising, to health & wellbeing, travel and technology Fera operates a LTIP ( Long Term Incentive Plan) under which all employees are awarded points towards shares in the Employee Benefits Trust on an annual basis. The Employee Benefits Trust holds shares on behalf of our employee, at the point of an equity event the shares will realise a cash value.

What we hope you'll do next:

Choose 'Apply now' to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you. If you have any questions you'd like to ask before applying, you can contact recruitment@fera.co.uk


We're an equal opportunity employer, which means we recruit and develop people based on their merit and passion. We're committed to providing an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process and working environment for everyone. If you need the job description or application form in an alternative format or if you'd like to discuss other changes or support you might need going forward, please email at recruitment@fera.co.uk and we'll get back to you.


At Fera, we're making the world a better, healthier and safer place. We're a joint venture partnership between Bridgepoint and Defra and we're working proactively to protect the world we live in and the food we eat. Our teams are investigating plant and bee health, crop protection and sustainable agriculture. Join us and discover better as you deliver world-class science for the future.

+44 (0)300 100 0321

recruitment@fera.co.uk

https://www.fera.co.uk/careers