Job Description

Role Purpose



Our Head of Development is a leadership role accountable for delivery and quality of software development projects at Oak Furnitureland.



The role of Head of Development is to lead and manage a team of Software Developers, supporting them in building unique products using robust architectural practices and innovative software solutions that are fit for purpose. You will be responsible for leading a team of permanent development teams to meet the company's goals and objectives.



Responsible for the quality and technical approach taken by team members, ensuring it is in-line with the company strategy and that projects are delivered on time and within budget. This is a hands-on role where you will be expected to code and to hold the overall technical knowledge around company solutions and platforms.



You will be accountable for the creation and delivery of the strategic software development strategy and oversee all aspects of internal development and play a key role in structuring the development team.



The ideal candidate will be a commercially astute Lead who understands the practicalities of resourcing and delivering a broad range of software project to a high standard.

Key Responsibilities:

Champion Oak Furnitureland culture and values

Take ownership in ensuring that all initiatives that are put in place are agreed with key stakeholders and are defined against clear goals and objectives

Design and deliver wide-ranging solutions that are in line with identified needs and business requirements

Review and discuss feedback with key stakeholders to ensure that all outcomes are appropriately captured, and any technical or process recommendations are made

Attend relevant key stakeholder meetings providing specialist expertise and guidance

Develop and deliver a strategic technological vision and direction for Oak Furnitureland

Lead and manage the QA, Development, DevOps, and IT support teams to deliver software and infrastructure that meets the needs of users and that are cost effective

Work effectively with team managers to ensure delivery against agreed priorities

Implement mechanisms to monitor, manage and provide progress on all softwaredevelopment activities

Be accountable for the quality of delivery software development projects and uptime of our systems

Create, implement, and maintain a continuous improvement plan for softwaredevelopment and infrastructure

Keep up to date with the latest technologies and where appropriate identify and recommend if there could be a benefit

Collaborate with the users to evaluate and identify technology platforms for delivering the company's products and internal services

Ensure that technology standards and best practices are maintained across thecompany

Be responsible for planning work for themselves and others against objectives set in agreement with the Head of Technology

Report to and meet with the Head of Technology regularly

Communicate and ensure engagement of Oak Furnitureland technology strategies internally and within the user community

Ensure effective internal communications both within the IT teams and across the organisation

Skills and Experience:

Strong financial, commercial, and business acumen

Experience in a senior leadership role and ability to motivate a team

Strong agile practises

Experience managing cloud-based technologies

A high level of SQL skills to support in-depth data analysis and problem solving - ideally in a MySQL environment

A solid understanding of web applications including security implications, session management, caching, and best practice development approaches

Experience defining and building robust software development architecture

Experience with modern frontend and backend web technologies

Experience with cloud technologies including AWS

Experience with modern operating systems

Experience with relational databases

Experience designing software solutions that meet user needs and solve business problems

Experience leading development teams

Ability to articulate and gain engagement for ideas

Ability to motivate in a team-orientated, collaborative environment

Benefits:

Employee discount:

amazing discounts available on all Oak Furnitureland products after successful completion of probation

Life assurance:

free cover of a minimum of two times your annual salary up to the age of 65

25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays

Birthday:

an additional day off for you to celebrate your birthday

Hybrid working

Pension:

4% employee contribution matched by the company

Employee Assistance Programme:

gives all employees access to both telephone and face-to-face counselling services

My Rewards Programme:

offers discounts on everything from restaurants and supermarkets, to entertainment and holidays

Free on-site parking