Lead Software Engineer

Lead Software Engineer – Manchester

We are representing a confidential digital agency that designs and builds platforms for enterprise clients. Our talent team is seeking a Lead Software Engineer who wants to remain hands-on while guiding a small engineering team in Manchester.

This is not a position where you step away from code. You will write production software, make technical decisions, review architecture, tackle complex problems, and help the team navigate difficult trade-offs. You will also line manage 3–4 engineers through regular 1:1s, feedback, and career development conversations.

The role involves close collaboration with delivery managers, designers, product managers, principal engineers, and clients. You will work through technical challenges, explain trade-offs, and find pragmatic solutions. Most web projects use TypeScript, React, and Next.js, alongside APIs, cloud services, and headless platforms.

Responsibilities

• Write production code across the stack and stay engaged in day-to-day engineering work
• Lead technical decisions within the team, escalating to principal engineers when decisions have broader impact
• Break down large or complex problems into deliverable work the team can execute
• Line manage 3–4 engineers with regular 1:1s, coaching, and performance feedback
• Review code, discuss designs, and help engineers make sound technical decisions rather than deciding for them
• Collaborate with delivery, design, product, and client teams to define appropriate technical approaches
• Maintain focus on software quality: testing, CI/CD, observability, security, accessibility, and performance
• Design and evolve web platforms integrating with APIs, headless systems, and third-party services
• Contribute to the wider engineering community by sharing knowledge and improving how software is built

What We're Looking For

• Prior experience as a senior or lead engineer building and shipping production software
• Comfort taking responsibility for technical decisions and knowing when to seek broader input
• Strong hands-on TypeScript experience and solid experience with React, Next.js, or similar modern frameworks
• Ability to work beyond the frontend—experience with Node.js, C#/.NET, or another server-side technology; we value understanding of APIs, backend services, and full-system architecture over exact stack match
• Familiarity with modern web platform concerns: APIs, server-side rendering, automated testing, CI/CD, cloud services, web performance, and headless system integration
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both engineers and non-technical stakeholders (designers, delivery, clients)
• Experience line managing engineers is helpful but not essential if you have mentored, coached, or supported developers and are ready to formalize that responsibility
• Experience with Azure, AWS, or GCP is useful but not required; we prioritize good engineering judgment, curiosity, and the ability to help teams make sensible decisions and ship quality software
• Right to work in the UK is required

How We Work with You

Candidates apply directly through Get A Job.ai. Our recruiter will screen your application and conduct an initial conversation. If there is a strong match, we will submit your profile to our client for consideration. Please do not contact the client directly; all communication and interview coordination will be managed through our talent team to ensure a smooth and professional process.

Pay

Pay details will be discussed during the screening process with our recruiter.

Equal Opportunity: Get A Job.ai is committed to inclusive hiring practices. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background or characteristics.