The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

AMRC North-West seeks a passionate digital manufacturing enthusiast to help make Lancashire a hub of innovation in the UK. Based in Samlesbury, Blackburn, this role provides the chance to work with some of the biggest names in Aerospace, Automotive, Construction, and SMEs across the North-West region.

Your responsibilities will focus on driving the implementation of innovative technologies, including:

• Smart Shop-Floor Connectivity
• 5G Factory of the Future
• Big Data
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Automation and Robotics for advanced manufacturing systems.

Candidates should have strong social skills, research competence, problem-solving proficiency, and hands-on experience in crafting and implementing solutions. A practical approach, a positive demeanor, and confident communication and leadership abilities will be crucial for success in this role.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Remove external impediments for the team, enabling them to focus on delivery.
• Lead a team that develops high-quality software.
• Collaborate with Product Owners and partners to handle delivery timelines and scheduling expectations.
• Track, monitor, lead, and report to ensure projects are delivered within scope, on time, and within budget.
• Work with the Agile engagement team to own and implement Agile and Scrum processes.
• Be responsible for the team’s operational routines, including stand-ups, refinements, and retrospectives.
• This is a hybrid role, requiring a minimum of 60% on-site attendance with the team.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students appreciates the remarkable abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all individuals. We promote a culture of inclusivity, where everyone feels a sense of belonging and is valued. Even if your prior experience doesn't flawlessly match the criteria for this role, your contribution is invaluable, and we invite you to apply. Please remember to mention the application criteria in your application statement.

Essential criteria

• Must have a technical background with experience in the software development lifecycle. Previous experience as a software engineer or developer is crucial (assessed at: application/interview)
• Confirmed expertise in product delivery, project planning, granular task planning, and resource requirement analysis (assessed at application/interview)

• Extensive experience in software project delivery, line management, Scrum Mastery, and related roles. Strong people and resource leadership skills are critical (assessed at: application/interview)
• Ability to encourage, guide, and lead dedicated engineers to develop outstanding solutions (assessed at: application/interview)
• A strong technical foundation is required, ideally stemming from a development background (assessed at: application/interview)
• A degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD or equivalent experience) in Software Engineering, Computer Networks, Embedded Systems, AI, Data Engineering, or a related subject (assessed at: application/interview)
•  Experience in tracking delivery performance and reporting key performance indicators (critical metrics) to internal partners and clients (assessed at: application/interview)
• Skilled in implementing project documentation, traceability, and establishing critical metrics (assessed at: application/interview)
• Hands-on knowledge of Jira or similar project management tools (assessed at: application/interview)

 Desirable criteria

• Validated experience working in research-focused settings, demonstrating the ability to adapt to dynamic and exploratory projects (assessed at: application/interview)
• Practical experience with software and systems architectures. Proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++, C#, Java, or Python. (assessed at: application/interview/task)

Further Information

Grade: 8

Salary: £48,149 - £57,422

Work Arrangements: Full time

Line manager: Head of Digital

Direct reports: Senior Software Engineers, Software Engineers, Digital Manufacturing Engineers

Our website:

For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Aparajithan Sivanathan, Head of Digital Technologies: on a.siva@sheffield.ac.uk or on 01254 947100

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place three weeks after the closing date of the advert. The selection process will include an interview, during which you will have the opportunity to present your previous work. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to participate in a hands-on exercise with the team. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage two weeks following the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Tracey A Wyatt t.wyatt@amrc.co.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
 

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Closing Date : 19/06/2025 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.