Software Development Team Leader
Department: Research and Development
Reporting to: Director of R&D
Main Activities and Tasks
· Lead, manage and develop the Software Team, ensuring high levels of performance, motivation and engagement.
· Drive the ideation, specification and research of innovative software and digital products.
· Oversee the development of scalable firmware and software using structured, process-driven methodologies.
· Plan workloads and communicate progress to key stakeholders including Project Leads and Programme Managers.
· Maintain best practices, ensuring adherence to documentation standards and quality management systems.
· Manage software development projects, including liaison with OEM partners.
· Lead Agile sprint processes and contribute to project planning, scoping and problem-solving.
· Ensure delivery of software and firmware from concept through to production, including testing and validation.
· Participate in cross-functional New Product Introduction teams.
· Contribute hands-on to software development where required.
· Support wider business activities with a flexible and collaborative approach.
Requirements
· Degree-level qualification (or equivalent) in a software-related discipline.
· Several years’ experience in a commercial software development environment.
· Strong understanding of software engineering and testing principles.
· Experience with Agile Scrum and sprint planning methodologies.
· Proven people management experience, including line management responsibilities.
· Experience leading projects from conception through to delivery.
· Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Desirable
· Experience in audio software development.
· Familiarity with JUCE framework or similar technologies.
· Embedded firmware development experience.
· Knowledge of DSP principles.
· Experience with Git, Confluence and Jira.
· Understanding of full product lifecycle and mass manufacturing processes.
· Background or interest in music (e.g. playing guitar).
· Knowledge of the musical instrument industry.
The Offer
· Full-time position (Monday to Friday, 8:00 – 17:00).
· Based in Northampton, UK.
· Flexible approach to working hours and environment depending on business needs.
· Opportunity to work on innovative, industry-leading products.
· Collaborative and dynamic working environment.
The company:
Launched in 2007, Blackstar is globally recognised and respected as an innovator and leader in guitar amplification design. We are a company of musicians who are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great tone. Blackstar is based in Northampton, with over 80 years’ combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. Our team pioneers change in the industry and has a strong commitment to driving transformational innovation within all of our products. Blackstar products are the best in the world for design, technology and performance – we create the ultimate tolls for self-expression.
The Environment:
Blackstar is a unique environment; we are all musicians/music lovers and the dress code is relaxed.
Our teams are experts in their field and we are incredibly passionate about our products and the industry as a whole. Most of our staff have worked in the industry for a long time and we are looking for candidates who wish to grow with the company and share in our current and future success.
If you share our passion, approach your work with pride, are driven by innovation, want to be the best and help to grow our global brand to its highest potential we would love to hear from you. Please apply with an up-to-date CV. We are looking to hold interviews ASAP, for which an initial telephone or video conversation would be the first step.