> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1905057-software-development-team-lead](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1905057-software-development-team-lead). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Software Development Team Lead - **Company:** AO Retail Limited - **Location:** Bolton, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Code Review, DevOps, Software Engineering - **Published:** August 3, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.ao-jobs.com/jobs/software-development-team-lead-3/ ## About the Role * Strong leadership skills with a knack for inspiring teams and fostering a healthy, collaborative culture. * Hands-on technical experience and the confidence to mentor others through pairing and code reviews. * A real passion for technical excellence, sustainable delivery, and continuous improvement. * Skilled at coaching individuals and managing performance constructively. * Comfortable making decisions in uncertain situations and framing problems clearly for others. * A solid understanding of modern software engineering practices, DevOps principles, and security best practices. * Able to manage the balance between short-term delivery needs and long-term technical health. * Great communicator who can build effective relationships at all levels. * Experience working with cross-functional teams, managing dependencies, and collaborating on shared outcomes. * Bonus points if you've worked with Internal Developer Platforms or enablement tooling! ## Description We're looking for someone who loves people as much as technology to join us as a Software Development Team Lead. You'll create an environment where brilliant engineers can do their best work - think collaboration, empowerment, and continuous learning all rolled into one. Your mission? Build a high-performing squad that takes real ownership of their craft and delivers fantastic outcomes without burning out. You'll balance technical excellence with sustainable delivery, helping the team create solutions that aren't just great today but stay great tomorrow. Alongside mentoring and coaching, you'll roll your sleeves up to pair-program, solve tricky problems, and shape the technical direction. If you're passionate about seeing engineers grow and thrive while keeping the bigger picture in focus, this could be your perfect next step. Here's What You Can Expect To Be Doing You'll be leading a fantastic software development team, creating the right environment for them to shine-setting ambitions, fostering accountability, and encouraging a culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. From shaping and delivering the team's technical strategy to getting hands-on to help implement solutions, you'll balance leadership with technical involvement. Expect to coach and mentor team members every day, sharing knowledge through pairing sessions and driving sustainable engineering practices that make long-term sense. You'll work closely with delivery and tech leadership to keep priorities aligned, break down complex problems, and make sure trade-offs are managed wisely. It's also about building strong relationships across teams, helping to resolve dependencies and ensuring everything we deliver ties back to customer and business goals. On top of that, you'll oversee hiring, career development, and provide timely feedback so that every team member feels supported to grow and succeed. ## Related Videos - [From DevOps to Scaled DevOps: How We’re Rebuilding Continuous Delivery as a Platform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100018-from-devops-to-scaled-devops-how-we-re-rebuilding-continuous-delivery-as-a-platform) - [Are Code Reviews Worth It? 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