Dev Lead / Technical Project Lead
The Dev Lead is responsible for ensuring that a project flows smoothly from a technical perspective and reaches completion in a realistic, efficient, and sustainable way.
This role focuses not only on what is built, but on how it is built, at what cost, and under which constraints.
The Dev Lead provides technical direction, decision-making, and clarity, especially when complexity, risk, or uncertainty appears.
Core Responsibility
Section titled “Core Responsibility”Ensure that the project:
- Moves forward without technical blockers
- Is built with a strong focus on performance, quality, and maintainability
- Stays within a realistic and achievable scope
- Has clear decisions when trade-offs or changes are required
What the Dev Lead Does
Section titled “What the Dev Lead Does”1. Keeps the Project Flowing
Section titled “1. Keeps the Project Flowing”- Identifies technical or execution blockers early.
- Unblocks dependencies between frontend, backend, design, and integrations.
- Adjusts the technical approach when something becomes too complex or risky.
2. Makes Technical Decisions
Section titled “2. Makes Technical Decisions”- Decides what can be done and what should not be done.
- Evaluates complexity versus value.
- Avoids over-engineering and unnecessary technical risk.
- Is able to clearly say:
- “This is not feasible in the current scope.”
- “This is too complex for the timeline.”
- “We should change approach to deliver properly.”
3. Estimates and Validates Feasibility
Section titled “3. Estimates and Validates Feasibility”- Provides realistic effort estimations.
- Validates whether the proposed roadmap is achievable.
- Flags when scope, timing, or expectations are misaligned.
- Proposes alternatives, phases, or reductions when needed.
4. Adjusts Direction When Needed
Section titled “4. Adjusts Direction When Needed”- Changes technical direction if the project is drifting.
- Re-prioritizes tasks when unexpected issues arise.
- Protects the team from decisions that would compromise quality or performance.
5. Owns Performance and Quality
Section titled “5. Owns Performance and Quality”- Ensures the project is built with:
- Performance in mind
- Scalability
- Long-term maintainability
- Prevents unnecessary technical debt.
6. Takes Ownership in Internal Calls
Section titled “6. Takes Ownership in Internal Calls”- Leads technical discussions in internal calls.
- Takes decisions when consensus is blocking progress.
- Provides clear direction so the team can move forward.
Not everything needs to be debated — some things need to be decided.
Relationship with the Project Manager
Section titled “Relationship with the Project Manager”The Dev Lead does not replace the Project Manager.
Both roles are complementary and work closely together.
Project Manager
Section titled “Project Manager”- Defines the destination
- Ensures the project reaches delivery
- Manages timelines, scope, stakeholders, and expectations
Dev Lead
Section titled “Dev Lead”- Defines how we get there
- Ensures the path is technically viable
- Protects execution quality and team sustainability
Depending on the context:
- The Dev Lead may take the lead on technical feasibility and scope decisions
- The PM leads prioritization, planning, and external communication
This is not a fixed hierarchy, but a shared responsibility depending on the situation.
What This Role Is Not
Section titled “What This Role Is Not”- Not just “the best developer on the team”
- Not only someone who writes code
- Not a Technical Project Manager
- Not the person who executes everything
The Dev Lead’s value is in judgement, clarity, and decision-making, not in doing all the work.
What This Role Enables
Section titled “What This Role Enables”- Fewer blockers
- Less rework
- Clearer decisions
- Better focus on what matters
- Stronger collaboration between design, development, and PM
- Projects that ship well, not just “on time”
What does the Dev Lead do?
Section titled “What does the Dev Lead do?”- Keeps the project technically on track
- Makes hard technical calls
- Protects performance and quality
- Adjusts scope and approach when needed
- Ensures the team can deliver realistically
What does the Dev Lead NOT do?
Section titled “What does the Dev Lead NOT do?”- Does not micromanage the team
- Does not replace the Project Manager
- Does not follow the scope if it is clearly unrealistic
- Does not aim for perfection over delivery
- Does not make decisions without understanding the impact
When does the Dev Lead step in?
Section titled “When does the Dev Lead step in?”- When things become more complex
- When delivery is at risk
- When technical decisions are not clear
- When trade-offs need to be made
- When the team needs clear direction
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