FF07 Software development and engineering lead ITmanagemententerprise

Lead Developer

Also known as: Lead Software Engineer · Principal Developer · Development Lead

Steers the technical quality of a development team, keeps building along and ensures that code, reviews and agreements stay at the required level.

The lead developer is the technical authority in a team and decides how work is built, reviewed and delivered. Unlike the technical lead, the centre of gravity is code and craftsmanship rather than planning and stakeholders, and unlike the architect the scope stays with the own team. Selection fails when the strongest developer automatically gets the lead role: giving feedback, growing people and deciding without overruling the team are different skills from programming well.

Competencies to measure

These are the behavioural and ability constructs in this profile. Each one shows which hrmforce questionnaire measures it.

Competencies to measure	Target level	hrmforce instrument	Assessment method	Behavioural anchor at target level
Abstract and figural reasoning	N5	Ability Scan	Cognitive ability test	Unravels problems without a known example, formulates a new ordering and shapes it so that peers can build on it.
Accuracy and attention to detail Competency (50-framework): Accuracy	N5	Big Fifty, 360 Feedback	Personality questionnaire	Sets the standards for completeness and correctness, has samples checked and addresses teams on structural sloppiness.
Working independently Competency (50-framework): Independence	N4	Big Fifty, 15PF, Competency Check	Personality questionnaire	Determines own approach for a full work package, consults colleagues purposefully when unclear and delivers on time without reminders.

Short profile

The ten heaviest skills in this profile. The full profile with every skill, behavioural anchor and assessment method is in the download.

T	Skill	Target level	Weight	Knockout	Assessment method
V	Problem analysis	N5	5	yes	Assessment centre
V	Programming	N5	5	yes	Work sample test
V	Software design and architecture	N4	5	yes	Work sample test
V	Software testing and quality assurance	N4	5	no	Work sample test
A	Abstract and figural reasoning	N5	4	no	Cognitive ability test
V	Modelling and abstraction	N5	4	no	Work sample test
G	Accuracy and attention to detail	N5	4	no	Personality questionnaire
V	Quality control	N5	4	no	Work sample test
V	Coaching	N5	4	no	Simulation
T	Version control and collaboration workflow	N5	4	yes	Work sample test

See all 27 skills in the full profile

Assessment instruments for this job

16 measurable constructs

Work sample test

Representative work sample under standardized conditions

9 measurable constructs

Knowledge test (client-specific)

Professional knowledge test, customized for each client

8 measurable constructs

Competency Check

Behavioral-Level Competency Assessment

6 measurable constructs

360 Feedback

Multiple assessments based on behavioral anchors

5 measurable constructs

Portfolio

Evaluation of prior work against fixed criteria

3 measurable constructs

Big Fifty

Personality questionnaire, 150 items, 25 factors

2 measurable constructs

Ability Scan

Aptitude Test: Verbal, Numerical, and Abstract Reasoning Skills

2 measurable constructs

Structured interview

Behavioral interview with a fixed structure

1 measurable constructs

Development Review

Structured development interview

1 measurable constructs

Communication Styles

Preferred communication style

1 measurable constructs