Hands-on Head of Development (811606)

Hands-on Head of Development (811606) - Cyways Recruitment Menu Whatsapp Menu Hands-on Head of Development (811606) Development , Senior Management Israel July 22, 2026 Full Time Hybrid Israel Apply Now Apply for this job Email * You accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Job Description A profitable and growing fintech company in central Israel is looking for an exceptional, highly hands-on Head of Development with deep practical expertise in AI tools and coding agents to lead its software development function. This is a central and highly influential role with direct impact on the company’s products, delivery capabilities, and business growth. We are looking for a strong technological builder who combines deep engineering expertise, direct people management, strong execution, and a genuine passion for AI-driven development. The right person already uses AI tools and coding agents extensively in day-to-day engineering work and knows how to lead a team in adopting these methods effectively. The company operates several mission-critical payment, transactional, and SaaS platforms that run 24/7. The current technology environment is based primarily on PHP and MySQL, alongside .NET, Python, JavaScript/Node.js, and legacy components. Experience with a specific programming language is not mandatory. In an AI-driven development environment, the key requirement is the ability to enter a complex codebase quickly, understand it in depth, make sound architectural decisions, and lead the team toward faster and more effective ways of working. Responsibilities: • Directly manage and professionally lead a small development team, including remote developers, QA professionals, and external vendors • Take responsibility for the lifecycle of the software systems managed by the development department, from planning and development through releases, production, and ongoing maintenance • Lead architecture and System Design for existing systems and new products, services, and capabilities • Remain deeply involved in technical planning, Design Reviews, Code Reviews, and complex production challenges • Improve Delivery through effective planning, prioritization, estimation, dependency management, and execution against commitments • Increase predictability and shorten the time between a business need and a stable production release • Build and improve development processes, including QA, CI/CD, deployments, releases, and Production Readiness • Lead the gradual modernization of existing systems while maintaining stability and business continuity • Implement AI tools and coding agents across development, testing, Code Review, debugging, documentation, security, and maintenance • Inspire and guide the team in adopting AI-based working methods that improve speed, quality, and productivity • Work closely with company leadership and other business and technology functions Requirements : • Significant Backend or Full Stack development experience with complex software systems • Proven experience directly managing a development team • Recent and meaningful hands-on involvement in architecture, System Design, code, and production environments • Experience building a significant system, service, or product from the ground up • Experience managing business-critical systems operating 24/7 in a fintech, payments, transactional SaaS, high-availability, or similarly critical environment • Strong and recent experience with Production, Deployments, Releases, critical incidents, and Delivery improvement • Strong knowledge of relational databases and SQL • Extensive practical use of AI development tools and coding agents • Ability to demonstrate how AI has materially improved development speed, quality, security, or team productivity • Genuine passion for AI and the ability to lead others in adopting new AI-based working methods • Experience working with remote teams or outsourced development providers • High ownership, sound judgment, and the confidence to challenge decisions when necessary • Strong English communication skills Significant Advantages: • Direct experience in payments or payment processing • Strong experience with PHP and MySQL • Experience working with Legacy systems and multi-technology environments • Experience in regulated environments • Experience with High Availability, On-premises or Hybrid environments, QA Automation, and CI/CD Why This Role: • A central role with direct impact on technology, products, and business results • The opportunity to lead meaningful AI adoption across the development function • Broad ownership of architecture, delivery, and team development • A profitable, growing fintech company with significant room to build and improve Share this post Facebook Twitter Pinterest Related Jobs Business Applications & Information Systems Department Manager (968592) Information Systems , Senior Management Israel Full Time Hybrid Israel Statutory Planning Manager (803216) Real Estate , Senior Management Israel Full Time Israel CyWayz Recruitment – your go-to partner for finding top talent across the globe Quick Links • Terms & Conditions • Privacy Policy Contact Information • meital@cywayz.co.il • +972 54-593-1328 • Menora St 13, Giv'atayim, Israel Hm-mail-open Whatsapp Linkedin Calendar-alt Get the latest insights on today's world of work delivered straight to your inbox. 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