Job Description

Role:

Software Development Lead

Grade and Salary:

Grade 8, 46,735 - 57,422 per annum

FTE and working pattern:

1FTE, 35hrs per week, Monday - Friday

Holiday Entitlement:

33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)

Join our team as a Software Development Lead!

Are you an experienced developer or technical lead looking for your next challenge? We're on the hunt for a Software Development Lead to join our Global Information Services team, where you'll guide a small, talented group of developers working on innovative digital services for students and staff. You'll shape the architecture and development of modern applications : particularly web applications and integrations that interact with a range of off-the-shelf systems : using C#, ASP.NET, Angular, and Microsoft Azure. This is a hands-on role where you'll mentor others, write code, and drive technical excellence. Full-time, Grade 8, with opportunities to grow in a supportive, forward-thinking environment.

Purpose of Role

Reporting to the Head of Applications & Data, the Software Development Manager will lead the technical direction and quality of software development projects within the Applications and Data team. The role involves hands-on development, technical leadership, and close collaboration with the Applications Manager to ensure seamless integration between bespoke applications and off-the-shelf systems.


You will guide the architecture and development of web applications and integrations, with a strong emphasis on modern front-end frameworks (particularly Angular), Azure-based services, and scalable, maintainable code.


You will lead a small team of Applications Developers. A helpful, friendly manner when working with end-users is essential. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your software leadership skills as part of a small, dynamic team.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Lead the technical development of software projects, taking responsibility for architecture, technical decisions, and code quality. Provide technical leadership and mentoring to developers through pairing, coaching, code reviews, and identifying development needs. Collaborate with the Head of Applications & Data and the Applications Manager to align bespoke development with off-the-shelf system capabilities. Develop and maintain software using C#, ASP.NET, databases (SQL Server and Oracle), and modern front-end frameworks (particularly Angular). Use Microsoft Azure services for DevOps, integrations (Azure Integration Services), and hosting (primarily in web apps). Write and maintain unit tests to ensure code quality and reliability. Deploy code to production environments and support the maintenance of legacy systems. Liaise with third-party developers to ensure adherence to technical standards and code quality. Promote the development of T-shaped skills within the team to support cross-functional collaboration and adaptability. Stay current with emerging technologies and practices that could enhance the University's software systems or development processes.
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.

Essential & Desirable Criteria

Essential


A first degree in Computer Science (or related discipline) or equivalent practical experience. Proven experience as a senior developer or technical lead on complex software systems, preferably web-based. Strong knowledge of C#, ASP.NET, databases, and modern front-end frameworks (particularly Angular). Experience with RESTful systems. Experience with Agile development methodologies and the full software development lifecycle. Experience mentoring or managing developers and leading technical teams. Familiarity with Microsoft Azure services for DevOps, application security, integration, and hosting. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with stakeholders. Desirable


Experience of working in Higher Education Experience of messaging- based systems (e.g. using RabbitMQ or Azure Service Bus). Experience of performance profiling and tuning. Experience of customising/configuring complex off-the-shelf software systems.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on

Sunday 3

rd

August 2025.

Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment.


We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options.


Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.


Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .


Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

About the Team

The Global Information Services directorate provides a range of services to support, promote and supply information, information skills and infrastructure to support a modern research-intensive university in a global setting. This straddles academic library provision alongside a range of technical services and systems such as IT and AV services, systems and support for learning & teaching, research & enterprise, and operational effectiveness.


It is an integrated global service, providing services to students, staff, applicants, alumni, and external users across all five campuses.


The Applications and Data team is part of Global Information Services, and this role will focus on the student digital experience, and the related staff systems. Right now, we are working on a major programme to redevelop these systems. This will improve the student's online experience, and support a range of pioneering offerings from the University including fully online programmes, short courses, and a wider range of on-campus offerings.

About Heriot-Watt University

At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.


Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.