What does an application lead do?
A lead applications developer is in charge of directing the development department in applications design, creation, coding, debugging, and testing. Lead applications developers serve as mentors for lower-level or new software programmers or developers. They supervise the development team members in pair programming, code reviews, and good development principle promotions. Their duties include the coordination of the schedule of development staff. Also, they ensure effective communication between the team members and the other IT functions.
Application lead responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real application lead resumes:
- Manage EDI customer requests, labeling, and customer compliance.
- Code JSP pages and used JavaScript for client side validations and to achieve other client-side functionality.
- Lead a team modifying existing software to incorporate new company name where applicable, which require extensive QA testing and debugging.
- Conduct integration testing and regression testing with developers in development and QA, also conduct user acceptance testing with UAT team.
- Coordinate n-tier client and server-side Java application development activities.
- Upgrade to support XML input.
- Advise client on SaaS CRM capabilities functions and features.
- Design and develop integration between Siebel CRM and Documentum ECM base of DFS/DFC.
- Monitor ECW technicians while they perform new product installations, upgrades and patching to existing EMR.
- Integrate ACEGI with custom java code to implement CAC as a seamless component of the web application.
- Develop back-end modules that connect to database and front end modules to allow user interaction with the use of JSP.
- Track defects in QC, log during UAT and resolve the defects with minimal turnaround time by assigning to respective team.
- Customize XML serialization of entities.
- Analyze both infrastructure and application bottlenecks.
- Key contributor to the overall product specification, user interface design, and information architecture.
Application lead skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Application Leads are proficient in Java, Architecture, and Emerging Technologies. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Application Leads that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Java, 11%
Collaborate and co-ordinate with distributed teams for requirements sync-up* Perform release management activities for deploying the Java application in Prod environment
- Architecture, 8%
Prepared reports and architecture design presentations for communications to lead operating bases and site communications across Iraq and Afghanistan.
- Emerging Technologies, 8%
Research and develop new and emerging technologies.
- SDLC, 5%
Defined rules and processes while balancing internal release constraints, local SDLC and being mindful of efficient, national solutions.
- Application Development, 5%
Provide technical consultation to the senior managers for future application development planning.
- Code Reviews, 5%
Provided technical expertise and direction to the offshore development team including milestone code reviews.
Common skills that an application lead uses to do their job include "java," "architecture," and "emerging technologies." You can find details on the most important application lead responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an application lead to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project." Application leads often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "developed jms based components to subscribe data from tibco ems and parse the xml messages. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling application lead duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "analysts work as a go-between with management and the it department and must explain complex issues in a way that both will understand." According to an application lead resume, here's how application leads can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "developed and implemented web service for communication with message broker a java messaging interface. "
Creativity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of application leads is creativity. This skill is critical to many everyday application lead duties, as "because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "collaborated with creative teams to designs & partner with the technical scrum team to ensure proper uat and results were exceeded. "
The three companies that hire the most application leads are:
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Application lead vs. Developer analyst
A developer analyst is an individual who is responsible for building application requirements and develops database solutions that allow operational efficiency and user-friendly tools. Developer analysts are required to develop a detailed definition of business solutions that can include database design, data flow, and transaction processing requirements. They work with other teams to design and implement a web application that manages internal processes and can result in increased productivity. Developer analysts are also required to perform integration tests for various vendors for services that are according to business requirements and testing processes.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between application leads and developer analyst. For instance, application lead responsibilities require skills such as "code reviews," "c #," "project management," and "javascript." Whereas a developer analyst is skilled in "c++," "data analysis," "visualization," and "dashboards." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Developer analysts tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $99,277. In contrast, application leads make the biggest average salary, $113,717, in the finance industry.The education levels that developer analysts earn slightly differ from application leads. In particular, developer analysts are 4.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an application lead. Additionally, they're 0.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Application lead vs. Lead system analyst
A lead system analyst is someone who designs and analyzes existing systems used in a company. The person getting this position is tasked with reviewing all existing business processes, providing suggestions for improvements, and requesting upgrades. This position is vital for many businesses, especially ones focused on rapid business processing activities. Alongside this primary role, the lead system analyst also guides clients on the proper course of business systems and what changes are necessary to maximize the business's potential for success.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, application lead responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "emerging technologies," "code reviews," "lifecycle management," and "api." Meanwhile, a lead system analyst has duties that require skills in areas such as "strong analytical," "system design," "web application," and "business processes." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, lead system analysts earn a lower salary than application leads. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, lead system analysts earn the most pay in the retail industry with an average salary of $109,463. Whereas application leads have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $113,717.In general, lead system analysts achieve lower levels of education than application leads. They're 5.4% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Application lead vs. Lead technician
Lead technicians are technicians who oversee the technical needs of a specific project or department. They are usually tenured employees, and their familiarity with the company's technical and technological processes, software, and hardware would be a great advantage in succeeding in their role. Lead technicians are responsible for installing, updating, and maintaining various software and hardware components in the office. They often manage a group of technicians, and they ensure that the group they manage is properly trained and well-versed on the processes of the company. Lead technicians are expected to have strong analytical skills and decision-making skills.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an application lead is likely to be skilled in "c #," "project management," "lifecycle management," and "azure," while a typical lead technician is skilled in "digital transformation," "customer service," "database," and "c++."
Lead technicians earn the best pay in the retail industry, where they command an average salary of $109,487. Application leads earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $113,717.Most lead technicians achieve a lower degree level compared to application leads. For example, they're 7.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Application lead vs. Lead developer
A lead developer is responsible for creating software programs and applications, following the client and the business's software quality standards and design specifications. Lead developers assist a team of developers in implementing strategic procedures, managing system codes, debugging applications, running diagnostic tests, and troubleshooting defects to ensure its smooth performance. They also respond to clients' inquiries and concerns, performing feature adjustments as needed. A lead developer must have strong knowledge of the technology industry and command on programming languages and software design processes.
Types of application lead
Updated January 8, 2025











