The role of a lead developer in software teams is to oversee the technical aspects of a project, ensuring that the development is executed efficiently and effectively. They serve as the primary point of contact between team members, stakeholders, and management. Responsibilities include setting coding standards, mentoring junior developers, and providing guidance on best practices. Lead developers also participate in architecture discussions and code reviews, fostering collaboration and maintaining high-quality output. Ultimately, they play a vital role in steering the project towards successful completion while managing team dynamics.