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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Group Application Development Manager - **Company:** DFS Furniture Ltd - **Location:** Doncaster, UK - **Experience:** Experienced - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Software Bug Management, Software Engineering, Software Systems, Strategies of Testing, Performance Monitor - **Published:** August 11, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.totaljobs.com/job/application-development-manager/dfs-furniture-ltd-job107824859 ## About the Role * Proven experience leading and developing teams within a Software Development or IT environment, ideally within a retail organisation. * 3-5 years' management experience, with the ability to build high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring and clear direction. * Strong understanding of software delivery, workflow management, prioritisation and managing competing demands based on risk, impact and urgency. * Experience managing budgets, costs, resources and supplier relationships within an IT environment. * Experience of managing risk, workloads and operational challenges through structured processes and frameworks. * Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels and build trusted relationships across the business. * A proactive, solutions-focused approach, with the ability to take ownership of issues, resolve complex problems and make timely decisions. * Experience driving continuous improvement and delivering high-quality customer-focused services against agreed measures. * The ability to manage challenging situations, negotiate effectively and resolve conflicts. * Experience developing talent, identifying skills gaps and supporting recruitment, succession planning and team capability. * A degree (or equivalent) in Computing, IT or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience. * Strong knowledge of IT asset management, cost control and service delivery practices. Don't let it discourage you if you don't have all of this experience, it's a guideline that will help you hit the ground running. If the role sounds like it would be a great fit for you and you'reconfident that it suits you, we'd love you to apply. ## Description AsGroup Application Development Manager, you'll play a key role in leading our Application Development team, ensuring we deliver high-quality software solutions that support the needs of DFS Group. You'll be responsible for managing the development function, overseeing the delivery of projects, system enhancements, bug fixes and ongoing business-as-usual requests, while ensuring robust processes, governance and best practices are followed. You'll act as the key link between the business and the Software Development team, helping to shape priorities, manage demand and identify opportunities to improve the way we work. With a focus on leadership, collaboration and continuous improvement, you'll coach and develop a talented team, drive efficiencies, monitor performance and contribute to the wider Application Development & Test strategy to help deliver technology solutions that make a real difference across the Group. What you'll be responsible for * Leading and developing the Group Software Development team, providing coaching, support and direction to build a high-performing function. * Delivering the Application Development & Test roadmap, overseeing projects, enhancements, bug fixes and BAU requests to agreed quality standards and timescales. * Acting as the key point of contact for Software Development across DFS Group, managing demand, priorities and stakeholder relationships. * Managing backlogs, sprints, workload planning and resource capacity to support effective delivery. * Driving continuous improvement by simplifying processes, standardising ways of working and improving team efficiency. * Ensuring software development policies, procedures and standards align with industry best practice, security requirements and governance. * Establishing KPIs and reporting to monitor performance, delivery, capacity and risks. * Managing third-party relationships and supporting effective service delivery. * Coaching and developing the team through training, succession planning and cross-skilling to build capability and resilience. * Creating a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement across the function. ## Related Videos - [Navigating the Corporate Jungle: Life as a Developer in a large Company](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/621-navigating-the-corporate-jungle-life-as-a-developer-in-a-large-company) - [The Avengers Initiative (Practical Ethics for Software Engineers)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2070-the-avengers-initiative-practical-ethics-for-software-engineers) - [Automate everything via NodeJS and Puppeteer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/322-automate-everything-via-nodejs-and-puppeteer) - [Rethinking Intelligence: AI, Accessibility, and the Future of Inclusive Work - Artur Ortega](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1377-rethinking-intelligence-ai-accessibility-and-the-future-of-inclusive-work-artur-ortega) - [Official Opening of WeAreDevelopers World Congress 2026](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100000-official-opening-of-wearedevelopers-world-congress-2026) - [From Doubt to Confidence: How Sentry Uses Verdaccio to Bulletproof SDK Releases](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/739-from-doubt-to-confidence-how-sentry-uses-verdaccio-to-bulletproof-sdk-releases) ## Related Articles - [Should Tech Managers Be Developers First? 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