Software Development Director

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We are looking to offer a Software Development Director the opportunity to join our expanding Group IT team based in Stevenage.

About the team

We are committed to helping our business grow both organically and through acquisition by enhancing our digital presence and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our work management systems built using the Salesforce, Microsoft and Oracle technology stack. Our company leverages a mix of waterfall and agile development methodologies and leverage outsourced/offshore resources to deliver innovative solutions and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

About the role

As the Software Development Director, you will lead and oversee the software development function, ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality software products and services. This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong background in agile development methodologies and experience managing outsourced development teams.

Hybrid working is offered with this role and is something that can be discussed in more detail at interview.

About M Group Services

M Group Services is a trusted employer to more than 10,500 people in the UK and Ireland. Operating across 21 businesses in 240 locations, we provide specialist infrastructure services in the water, energy, transport and telecommunications sectors.

As a business we believe communication is key. We work in an environment where growth and development are promoted within the business, our employees feel they are trusted to get on with their work as well as finding this work interesting and challenging.

Where we are able, we work flexibly, believing that empowered colleagues are happier and more productive. We want to support our people as much as possible, therefore if you require a more flexible working arrangement, we would be happy to discuss this with you!

As the Software Development Director you'll get the opportunity to:

• Leadership and Strategy: Develop and execute the software development strategy in alignment with the company's overall business objectives. Provide leadership and direction to the software development team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Agile Development: Champion agile development methodologies, ensuring that best practices are followed and that the team is continuously improving its processes. Facilitate agile ceremonies such as sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives.
• Outsourced Management: Manage relationships with outsourced development partners, ensuring that they deliver high-quality work on time and within budget. Oversee the selection and onboarding of new outsourcing partners as needed.
• Project Management: Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of software development projects. Ensure that projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget. Monitor project progress and address any issues that arise.
• Quality Assurance: Implement and maintain robust quality assurance processes to ensure that all software products meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. Collaborate with QA teams to define and enforce testing standards and practices.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with key stakeholders, including business leaders, product managers, and customers, to understand their needs and ensure that the software development team is delivering value. Communicate project status, risks, and issues to stakeholders in a clear and timely manner.
• Team Development: Build and develop a high-performing software development team. Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to team members. Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment.
• Software Development Testing: Manage the software development testing process, ensuring that all deliverables are thoroughly tested and meet the required quality standards.
• Cybersecurity: Ensure that all software deliverables result in cyber secure code, adhering to the latest security best practices and standards.

What you'll bring?

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred.
• Proven experience in a senior software development leadership role, preferably in a large, complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of agile development methodologies and experience implementing agile practices in a software development environment.
• Experience managing outsourced development teams and working with external vendors.
• Excellent project management skills, with a track record of successfully delivering complex software projects on time and within budget.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
• A strategic thinker with the ability to align software development initiatives with business objectives.
• Experience in the technology or digital services industry.
• Knowledge of modern software development tools and technologies.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools.

What's in it for you?

• 25 days' annual leave plus statutory holidays
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Contributory Pension scheme
• Life Assurance
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to a wide range of discounts and special offers through our online rewards platform
• Private health care
• Company car/car allowance and fuel card

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Notes/Brief for Recruitment Team:

About The Company

M Group Services delivers a range of essential infrastructure services within the water, energy, transport and telecommunications sectors in the UK & Ireland. We have built and maintained relationships with our clients over a number of years and have a strong culture that continuously focuses on safety, operational delivery, efficiency and customer service. We are committed to profitable growth both organically and through acquisitions. M Group Services, a trusted employer to over 10,000 skilled specialists working from 240 locations, operates a divisional structure aligned with its end markets.

At M Group Services we recognise and value the benefits from our workforce diversity. We work hard to build and maintain inclusive environments and develop a culture where our people feel included and valued.