Development - Development Lead (.NET)

As a Development Lead (.NET) at Endava, you'll take on several essential responsibilities. You'll lead a team of developers, guiding them in their daily activities and professional development. You will be responsible for planning, implementing, and delivering software solutions while ensuring adherence to quality standards. Additionally, you'll design technical solutions for high-complexity applications and actively collaborate with project stakeholders to clarify requirements and processes. Mentorship, participation in the development lifecycle, and promoting industry standards are also critical parts of the role.

To become a Development Lead (.NET) at Endava, you should have at least 6 years of experience in software development with a strong grasp of programming paradigms. Proficiency in C#, .NET Framework, and associated tools is essential, along with familiarity with design patterns, clean code principles, and cloud platforms such as Azure. You'll need solid experience with SQL Server and Agile methodologies. Effective communication skills in English, mentoring abilities, and a collaborative mindset are also important for the role.

As a Development Lead (.NET) at Endava, you'll work with an array of modern technologies including C#, .NET Framework, .NET Core, ASP.NET, and Entity Framework. Familiarity with tools like Visual Studio and Azure fundamentals is fundamental. You'll also engage with SQL Server for database management and optimization, as well as explore various communication protocols such as HTTP and REST. Keeping up with the latest in tech and continuously improving your skills will be part of your journey.

Endava is committed to empowering its Development Lead (.NET) professionals to achieve their full potential. We offer a supportive environment with access to career coaching, internal development programs aimed at fostering both technical leadership and management skills. You’ll have opportunities for global career advancement, complex project involvement, and continuous learning through workshops and tech communities. We believe in a non-linear career path that adapts to your aspirations.

As a Development Lead (.NET) at Endava, you'll enjoy a competitive salary package and performance-based bonuses. We also offer unique perks such as flexible working hours, hybrid work models, a wellbeing program, and opportunities for certifications and learning. The values of inclusion and diversity are at our core, and you'll be part of vibrant tech communities and clubs that foster a supportive workplace culture.

When mentoring junior developers as a Development Lead (.NET), I focus on fostering an open environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and experimenting. I believe in providing constructive feedback and guiding them through code reviews to help them understand best practices. I also encourage them to take ownership of small tasks, allowing them to learn through hands-on experience while offering my support and resources whenever needed.

Agile methodologies have been integral to my approach as a Development Lead (.NET). I actively participate in all Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning and retrospectives, to ensure our team aligns on goals and improves workflows. I encourage adaptability among team members, promoting collaboration and clear communication to deliver quality software efficiently while promptly responding to changing requirements.

To ensure code quality within my team, I advocate for comprehensive code reviews, automated testing, and adherence to coding standards. I emphasize the use of tools like CI/CD pipelines to facilitate continuous integration and deployment, as well as testing frameworks that enhance code reliability. Encouraging peer reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions reinforces these practices and helps build a culture of excellence.

Conflicts in a development team can be challenging, but I approach them with open communication and empathy. I ensure that team members can voice their concerns without fear of repercussions. I facilitate discussions to help them understand each other's perspectives and guide them toward finding common ground. If necessary, I involve a third party or implement a structured resolution process to ensure a fair outcome.

When estimating project timelines and workloads, I utilize a combination of historical data, team input, and Agile estimation techniques like Planning Poker. I work closely with my team to break down tasks into manageable units, discuss potential challenges, and evaluate the complexity based on experience. This collaborative approach helps create realistic timelines while considering individual strengths and current workloads.

Staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in .NET development is crucial for me. I regularly attend workshops, webinars, and tech conferences, and I’m an active participant in relevant online communities. Following industry leaders on platforms like Twitter, participating in forums, and continuously experimenting with new tools and frameworks keeps my skills sharp and informed, which ultimately benefits my team.

As a Development Lead, I once faced a significant performance bottleneck in a crucial feature. I initiated a root cause analysis involving the whole team to dissect the issue thoroughly. We identified inefficient database queries and suboptimal code structures. By collaborating, we were able to refactor the code and optimize our SQL queries, resulting in a significant performance improvement and a smoother user experience.

Prioritizing tasks amidst multiple concurrent projects requires a strategic approach. I typically collaborate with stakeholders to establish clear priorities based on business impact and deadlines. I encourage my team to engage in regular status check-ins to assess progress and address roadblocks. Utilizing project management tools helps in visualizing tasks, deadlines, and workloads, allowing us to adjust priorities dynamically as needed.

Soft skills are incredibly important for a Development Lead. Strong communication and emotional intelligence are essential for building a cohesive team and addressing transparency. The ability to listen, empathize, and provide feedback contributes significantly to a positive work culture. Additionally, conflict resolution and negotiation skills are crucial when navigating team dynamics and project challenges.

Encouraging innovation within my development team is a priority. I cultivate an environment where team members feel safe to share new ideas and explore unconventional solutions. I promote hackathons, brainstorming sessions, and collaboration across different tech disciplines. By providing resources for learning and experimentation, I empower my team to think outside the box and drive creative solutions that can lead to growth and improvement.