Development Manager (Java Software Development Leadership)

Main Responsibilities:

As a **Development Manager**, you will lead our global **Java** software development organization, providing overall leadership, direction, and accountability across multiple engineering teams. You will manage the design, development, modernization, and timely delivery of high-quality enterprise software solutions, ensuring alignment with customer commitments, business objectives, and technical standards.

This role requires a blend of **10+ years** of senior engineering leadership, strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and deep operational execution. You will guide geographically distributed teams—including engineering managers, technical leads, and individual contributors—while balancing immediate delivery priorities with long-term engineering and platform modernization.

The ideal candidate will combine hands-on technical understanding with extensive leadership experience in **enterprise Java architectures**, **Agile practices**, and **CMMI process frameworks**. You will drive engineering excellence, foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, and engage with global stakeholders to support FreeBalance's strategic technology roadmap.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead complex software delivery initiatives in **large-scale enterprise environments** with **10 years** of Java development experience, including **5+ years** in leadership roles.

• Manage **geographically distributed engineering teams** across multiple time zones and cultures.

• Combine **hands-on technical expertise** with **senior-level organizational leadership** and strategic planning.

• Lead **engineering process improvements**, **organizational transformation**, and modernization initiatives while maintaining ongoing software delivery.

Technical Expertise:

• **Java, Spring, Spring Boot, REST APIs**—deep expertise required.

• Experience with **front-end technologies** like **JSF/MyFaces, React**, or similar frameworks.

• **Relational and NoSQL databases**, **SQL**, and **ORM frameworks** (Hibernate, JPA).

• Familiarity with **cloud platforms** (AWS, Azure, GCP) and **containerization** (Docker, Kubernetes).

• **Agile/Scrum methodologies** and tools (**JIRA, Confluence, Git**).

• Hands-on understanding of **software architecture**, **REST APIs**, and **enterprise integration patterns**.

• Experience with **monolithic, microservices, and event-driven architectures**.

• **DevOps practices**, **CI/CD pipelines**, and **infrastructure automation**.

• Strong grasp of **source control**, **branching strategies**, **automated testing**, and **release management**.

• Ability to evaluate **technical architecture** and **trade-offs** without hands-on coding.

• Experience with **legacy technologies** and **ongoing modernization**.

Delivery, Quality, and Process Management:

• Manage projects aligned with **CMMI Level 2 or higher**.

• Balance **multiple concurrent development projects** and competing priorities.

• Establish and improve **software engineering processes**, **development standards**, and **quality controls**.

• Strong understanding of **software testing strategies**, **automated testing**, and **defect management**.

• Establish **engineering performance metrics** to improve **delivery predictability, quality, and productivity**.

• Identify and address **systemic engineering challenges**, **delivery bottlenecks**, and **technical debt**.

• Balance **customer-driven commitments** with **product roadmap priorities**.

Leadership and Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent **problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills**.

• Lead, motivate, and **develop engineering teams**.

• Strong **executive communication** for presenting complex technical matters.

• Influence stakeholders, build consensus, and resolve competing priorities.

• Sound judgment, **resilience, adaptability**, and **decision-making skills**.

• Navigate **organizational ambiguity** and drive accountability.

• Lead **organizational change** and adopt new engineering practices.

• Work effectively with **globally distributed teams**.

What Success Looks Like:

The successful candidate will establish a **high-performing global Development organization** that delivers:

• **Predictable and transparent software delivery** aligned with commitments.

• **Measurable improvements** in **software quality**, **development efficiency**, and **release reliability**.

• **Sustainable engineering practices** supported by **standards, automation, and governance**.

• **Effective management** of **technical debt** and **complex enterprise delivery**.

• **Continued modernization** of the technology platform.

• Strong **partnerships** across **R&D, Professional Services, QA, DevOps, and IT**.

• A culture of **technical excellence**, **ownership**, and **continuous improvement**.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.

• 10+ years of Java software development experience, including 10+ years in leadership roles.

• Proven success leading **large-scale enterprise software delivery**.

• Experience managing **geographically distributed teams** across cultures.

• Ability to balance **technical expertise** with **senior leadership**.

• Experience in **engineering process improvements** and **modernization initiatives**.

Skills:

FreeBalance solutions support governments in achieving **transparency, accountability, and effective management** of public resources. As a **Development Manager**, you will shape the **architectural backbone** and **leadership structure** of product delivery, ensuring **reliable, secure, and compliant** capabilities for global digital government platforms.