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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Group Application Development Manager - **Company:** DFS Head Office - **Location:** Woodlands, UK - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** £63,000.0 - £103,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Software Bug Management, Software Engineering, Performance Monitor - **Published:** September 26, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5896694211 ## 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. ## Description * Lead and develop our Group Software Development team, providing coaching, support and direction to build a high-performing function. * Deliver our Application Development and Test roadmap, overseeing projects, enhancements, bug fixes and BAU requests to agreed quality standards and timescales. * Act as the key point of contact for Software Development across DFS Group, managing demand, priorities and stakeholder relationships. * Manage backlogs, sprints, workload planning and resource capacity to support effective delivery. * Drive continuous improvement by simplifying processes, standardising ways of working and improving team efficiency. * Ensure software development policies, procedures and standards align with industry best practice, security requirements and governance. * Establish KPIs and reporting to monitor performance, delivery, capacity and risks. * Manage third-party relationships and support effective service delivery. * Coach and develop the team through training, succession planning and cross-skilling to build capability and resilience. * Create a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement across the function. ## Related Videos - [Software Rollouts Are a People Problem: Meet the Nine Change Management Monsters](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2109-software-rollouts-are-a-people-problem-meet-the-nine-change-management-monsters) - [Automate everything via NodeJS and Puppeteer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/322-automate-everything-via-nodejs-and-puppeteer) - [The Avengers Initiative (Practical Ethics for Software Engineers)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2070-the-avengers-initiative-practical-ethics-for-software-engineers) - [How to Survive The Worst Launch of Your Career with Brenda Romero](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/609-how-to-survive-the-worst-launch-of-your-career-with-brenda-romero) - [Tech with Tim at WeAreDevelopers World Congress 2024](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/913-tech-with-tim-at-wearedevelopers-world-congress-2024) - [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) ## Related Articles - [Should Tech Managers Be Developers First? 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