Lead Software Engineer

Lead Software Engineer – London/Manchester/Birmingham/Cardiff/North East, UK – 2 days per week Onsite

Security Clearance: Active SC Clearance is must have

Role Overview

Senior / Lead Software Engineer (Python, Django)

This role is responsible for the design, development, delivery, and ongoing improvement of soft-ware solutions within a secure, government-focused environment. The successful candidate will contribute to building resilient, scalable, and user-centred services, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards relating to controlled goods and exports. The position requires strong technical leadership, collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, and ownership of both development and live service performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of scalable software solutions
• Translate user needs into technical outcomes
• Build secure, test-driven, high-quality code
• Support and maintain live services (performance & stability)
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (BA, UCD, Developers)
• Drive continuous improvement of systems and processes
• Ensure integration across complex systems

Technical Environment

• Primary Stack: Python, Django
• Backend-focused with full-stack awareness
• Multiple user journeys (~27 frontend journeys)

Team Structure

• Total team: ~27 people
• 4 Agile squads (~7 per squad)
• Typical squad includes:
• Business Analyst
• UCD Specialists (Content, Interaction, Design)

Ways of Working

• Daily stand-ups (~10am)
• Ticket-based workflow
• Collaborative problem-solving
• Focus on:
• Clean code
• Testing & documentation

Key Requirements

• Strong Python and Django experience
• Proven system design capability (end-to-end)
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Experience working in agile, multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to contribute to secure, structured environments
• Minimum 5+ years’ experience (ideally 8–10 years)

Top 3 Evaluation Criteria

• Python & Django technical expertise
• System design and architecture capability
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Experience with GDS standards
• Public sector or defence-related experience
• Exposure to secure or regulated environments

Candidate Profile

• T-shaped skillset (deep technical + broad system awareness)
• Strong delivery focus and efficiency
• Comfortable taking ownership and leading within squads
• Experience working in structured, governance-heavy environments

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