Systems Development Manager

Are you an experienced people leader with a background in software delivery and development teams? We’re working with an innovative Edinburgh-based technology business operating at the forefront of Britain’s transition to a smarter, more flexible and sustainable systems in their sector. Following a significant new phase of growth, they’re looking to appoint a Systems Development Manager to lead and develop their software engineering team. This is a leadership role focused on building high-performing development teams, enabling successful delivery, and creating an environment where engineers can thrive. You’ll play a key role in workforce planning, team development, recruitment, performance coaching, and ensuring development capacity aligns with business priorities. Working closely with Product Owners, Technical Leads and senior stakeholders, you’ll help balance business demand with team capability, removing barriers to delivery while supporting the growth and wellbeing of your teams. While technical leadership remains with dedicated technical specialists, you’ll ideally have either an interest or a good understanding of modern software development practices and know how to create the conditions for engineers to excel.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading, coaching and developing software development professionals
• Managing recruitment, onboarding and team growth activities
• Supporting performance management, career planning and professional development
• Coordinating development capacity across multiple products and workstreams
• Partnering with technical and product leaders to support effective delivery
• Identifying and mitigating risks relating to capacity, workload and team wellbeing
• Promoting knowledge sharing, mentoring and continuous improvement
• Contributing to succession planning and long-term capability development

• Previous experience leading software developers or technical delivery teams
• Strong people management, coaching and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience balancing resource allocation across multiple projects or products
• Good understanding of modern software development and delivery methodologies
• Ability to influence and collaborate across technical and non-technical stakeholders
• A pragmatic, organised and people-focused leadership style

This is an opportunity to join a well-established technology business that is playing a critical role in the market they are involved in. You’ll work alongside highly skilled professionals in a collaborative environment where innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement are genuinely valued. The company offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• 30 days annual leave plus recognised public holidays
• 7% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance
• Hybrid working
• Ongoing professional development opportunities Location: Edinburgh (Hybrid, minimum two days per week in the office) For a confidential discussion, please get in touch.