Group Application Development Manager

At DFS Group, we’re proud to help people create spaces they love to live in. We’re home to DFS, Sofology, and The Sofa Delivery Company: three brands with their own personalities, brought together by a shared mission.

Behind our brands is a passionate Group team. From Finance and Technology to People, Marketing and Supply Chain, our Group functions power everything we do. They create the foundations that allow our brands to thrive, innovate and grow.

Whether you’re supporting our brands or serving our customers, the mindset that connects us means we expect more of ourselves and each other. It means every customer is our favourite, every voice is valued, and every interaction is one we’re proud of.

When you’re part of a community that shares your way of thinking, the wins feel bigger. The effort feels worth it. It’s a place where people stay because they feel valued, and find room to grow because they’re challenged.

About the role

As Group 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.

We’re looking for someone who has

• 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.

Room to grow

Everyone at DFS Group begins with a structured induction designed to help you understand our brands, our culture and how we work together.

From day one, you will have access to our online Learning Hub, filled with digital courses, tools and resources to support your development.

For leaders, we offer virtual workshops focused on building confident, capable leadership. We also run skills-based workshops to strengthen core capabilities across the business.

Colleagues can also undertake nationally recognised qualifications through our apprenticeship programmes, giving you the opportunity to gain external accreditation while you grow your career with us.

We believe great work deserves great support. That’s why we offer benefits that help you grow, feel looked after, and enjoy life beyond work. Here’s what we have to offer:

• Hybrid Working - 3 days office, 2 home
• 25 days holiday, plus the option to buy up to 5 more
• Enhanced parental leave
• Heath cash plan from £2 a month, with everyday cashback
• Employee Assistance Programme for support when you need it
• Extras like flu vouchers, menopause support and health check
• Pension with company contributions
• Life assurance for peace of mind
• Sharesave scheme to save each month and invest in our future
• Structured induction from day one
• Access to our Learning Hub and skills workshops
• Leadership development and apprenticeship programmes
• 30% colleague discount, plus 15% for friends and family, three times a year
• Discounts and cashback at hundreds of retailers
• SmartTech scheme to buy tech up to £1,000 through salary sacrifice
• Cycle to Work scheme for bikes and accessories up to £1,500
• Electric vehicle lease scheme with Octopus to help you save and reduce your impact
• One paid volunteering day each year

Equal opportunities

We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to building a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and makes room for different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.

We turn that commitment into action through colleague networks, trusted partnerships and recognised accessibility initiatives such as the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

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