Head of IT Development

Head of Development

Bolton (moving to Manchester) | Full-time | 4-day working week

If you’re looking for a role where you can genuinely shape how an agency builds, delivers and scales, this is one of those rare ones.

You’ll be joining an ambitious team with an impressive portfolio of clients, a clear vision for where they’re heading, and the appetite to do things properly.

This isn’t a sit-back leadership role. It’s hands-on, strategic, and not for everyone. But if you like being in the detail and influencing the bigger picture, it’s a unique offering.

The role

You’ll lead the development function while staying close to the work. Writing code, solving problems, and shaping technical direction.

• Own end-to-end delivery across web and platform projects
• Work across WordPress (custom themes), Next.js, React, PHP and modern JavaScript
• Build and integrate RESTful APIs and headless CMS architectures
• Work with SQL, PostgreSQL and database-driven systems
• Manage hosting environments, servers, DNS, domains and deployments
• Get involved in CI/CD workflows, testing, QA and performance optimisation
• Scope, plan and price technical work
• Drive better processes, workflows and development standards
• Build internal tools, dashboards and automation
• Play a key role in how AI, automation and agentic workflows are rolled out across the agency

A blend of builder, leader and strategist.

What they’re looking for

• Strong hands-on development background across PHP, JavaScript frameworks, APIs and databases
• Experience with WordPress, Next.js and modern frontend/backend builds
• Comfortable working across infrastructure, hosting and deployment
• Experience in fast-paced, client-facing environments
• Able to own projects from idea through to delivery
• Clear communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Someone who improves how things are done, not just maintains them

Why it’s worth a look

• 4-day working week
• Hybrid: Monday to Thursday in the office, Wednesday from home
• Great agency with strong momentum
• Impressive portfolio of clients
• Real opportunity to shape development and AI direction
• High trust, high ownership environment
• A role where you’ll genuinely have impact

Mirai believes in the power of diversity and the importance of an inclusive culture. It welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, understanding that a range of perspectives strengthens both its team and the teams of its partners. This is just one of the ways that they’re taking positive action to shape a collaborative and diverse future in the workplace.