Tech Lead Manager (TLM) or just “Lead Developer” - FadiZahhar/ideas GitHub Wiki

Great question — both Head Technical Lead and Team Lead are leadership roles in software development, but they focus on different areas. Let’s break it down:

👨‍💻 Head Technical Lead (aka Tech Lead / Lead Developer)

✅ Focus: Technology & Architecture

The Head Technical Lead is responsible for technical direction, ensuring code quality, and making decisions about architecture, tools, and best practices.

🔧 Responsibilities:

  • Define technical architecture and development standards

  • Review code and ensure high quality

  • Guide developers on complex problems

  • Choose technologies, libraries, and frameworks

  • Ensure the app is scalable, secure, and performant

  • Collaborate with product owners to align technical solutions with business goals

  • Mentor junior and mid-level developers

  • Handle technical debt and planning for refactoring

🧠 Skills:

  • Deep technical expertise (full stack or specialized)

  • Problem-solving, architecture design

  • Ability to balance speed and quality

  • Communication with non-technical stakeholders

👥 Team Lead

✅ Focus: People & Project Management

The Team Lead manages the people side of the development team, making sure deadlines are met, communication flows well, and the team works efficiently together.

📋 Responsibilities:

  • Assign tasks to team members

  • Organize stand-ups, sprint planning, and retros

  • Keep track of progress and blockers

  • Act as a bridge between the team and upper management or clients

  • Support career growth and resolve conflicts

  • Ensure timely delivery of features

🧠 Skills:

  • Strong communication and leadership

  • Understanding of the development process (though not always hands-on)

  • Project management tools (like Jira, Trello, Asana)

  • Empathy and people skills

🧑‍💼 What if You're Both?

In smaller teams, one person may wear both hats:

  • Leading technically (architecture, code reviews)

  • Managing the team (sprints, people, delivery)

This role is often called Tech Lead Manager (TLM) or just “Lead Developer” with dual responsibilities.

💡 Summary:

Role Focus Key Strengths
Technical Lead Code, architecture Deep technical skills
Team Lead People, process Leadership, communication
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