Head of Development

Capita Childrens services are looking for a Head of Development to work in Bedford on a contract basis. This is a great opportunity to advance your leadership career with the leading name in schools management information software - Capita SIMS.

Capita SIMS is the world class information management system used in 22,000 schools in the UK and internationally. We're a dynamic business working at the forefront of education software by empowering teachers through technology. This key senior role will give you a major influence on the continued success of the organisation and its suite of innovative products - making this an excellent next step in your leadership career.

THE ROLE

As the Head of Development (SIMS8), you will be responsible for leading and managing the SIMS8 Development Programme to deliver a very significant and ground breaking cloud-based MIS system which will ultimately replace our existing market leading product. This is a high profile role, with regular exposure to the Capita Childrens Services Board, and the wider Capita Group.

The role involves leading a team of over 100 development, testing, business analysis and project management staff based in the UK and India. We want you to be a visible presence who enjoys walking the floor and getting involved. You will thrive in the role by providing strong, visible leadership, by mentoring the team and by setting an example for others to follow.

You will be ultimately accountable for delivering the development programme to time, cost and quality and driving an improvement culture to step change the effectiveness of the processes in place in the team.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS REQUIRED

- Experience of successfully managing and leading very large and complex development projects (>50 people over a significant term)
- Exceptional team leadership skills, including motivation, performance management, cultural awareness, coaching and development
- Experience of leading off-site development.
- Significant experience of Agile development methods, preferably in a Cloud-based environment with a continuous delivery pipeline
- A strong technical background

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED

- Strong people management and leadership skills.
- Someone who walks the floor and gains respect within their team
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong organisational and analytical skills
- Ability to deal with the pressure that comes with a role at this level
- Excellent problem solving skills
- Ability to command respect from sponsors, peers and project team
- Ability to balance short-term need with strategic aims
- Ability to bring together people with different viewpoints and cultural values
- Ability to develop strategies for achieving significant positive change and improvements amidst ongoing demands and pressures
- Flexible attitude and approach
- Passion for software engineering excellence

Capita Resourcing welcome applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of gender, race, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Capita Resourcing is a trading name of Capita Resourcing Ltd. Services offered are those of an Employment Agency and Employment Business. Applicants will be required to register with us.