Development Manager - Digital Platform & API

Location: Epsom, Surrey (Hybrid - 2 days office / 3 days work from home)

Position Overview

Are you an agile digital delivery specialist looking to shape the future of platform services across a progressive business?

We are seeking a Development Manager - Digital Platform & API to drive the modernization of our core technology layer. In this high-impact position, you will act as the Product Owner for both our digital applications and integration capabilities, ensuring systems are scalable, secure, and built to support ongoing digital transformation.

This is a modern, forward-thinking IT role designed for someone who excels at managing third-party development relationships. Because software build is outsourced, your primary focus will be guiding vendor delivery and solution architects-balancing high-value transformation projects with continuous operational BAU demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Product Ownership & Strategy: Lead the roadmap, product backlog, and feature prioritization for our API integration layer and a suite of around 20 application platforms, including flagship digital finance tools.
• Outsourced Delivery & Vendor Management: Direct external software providers and internal Solution Architects to convert business requirements into robust, high-performing platform capabilities.
• Agile Leadership: Champion agile ways of working, facilitating core ceremonies to navigate the daily challenge of balancing ongoing BAU improvements against long-term strategic projects.
• Business-Wide Alignment: Engage with stakeholders across the organization-from marketing and operations to executive management-to ensure platforms meet wider commercial goals.
• Governance & Standards: Collaborate with information security, compliance, and architectural advisory boards to ensure applications adhere to ISO27001, GDPR, and enterprise risk standards.
• Future Leadership & Growth: Oversee team performance with potential future scope to expand line management or matrix leadership structures as the platform footprint grows.

What We Are Looking For

• Agile Delivery Expertise: Proven track record applying Agile frameworks to manage digital product backlogs and platform lifecycles.
• Vendor & Partner Collaboration: Experience managing external software vendors and technical architects rather than leading hands-on internal software development.
• Versatile Industry Background: Open to candidates from various backgrounds-whether you are working in-house, managing products within a software vendor, or looking to step up from an emerging FinTech.
• Integration Understanding: Good foundational knowledge of modern integration concepts, API design (REST/SOAP), and enterprise application landscapes.
• Stakeholder & Operational Focus: Strong communication skills with a proven ability to manage competing demands between active project rollouts and live operational systems.
• Desirable: Certifications in Agile or Product Ownership (e.g., PSPO, CSPO, SAFe) are an advantage.