Location: Swansea, Nottingham, Bristol, Newcastle upon Tyne, Yeading (Hayes), Oldham (Chadderton), Leeds, Birmingham (Garretts Green).
About The Job
The Head of Software Engineering (Principal Developer) will lead the team of Software Engineers, hold the key responsibility for defining and overseeing the software development ethos within the DVSA, as well as for external partners developing software on our behalf. Their leadership will establish the benchmarks for excellence, ensuring that all software development activities meet best practice modern software development and adhere to the highest standards of security, usability, statutory compliance, performance, and environmental sustainability. This is a high-impact role as the software development team plays a pivotal role in crafting and enhancing the mission‑critical applications necessary for our operations, focusing on creating solutions that are secure by design, reliable, and intuitive for our users. As demands evolve, the role holder will be expected to dynamically scale, incorporating contractors or outsourcing, to boost capacity and address specific project requirements efficiently.
Joining Our Department Comes With Many Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your base salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work‑life balance.
Read more in the Benefits section below!
Job Description
This leadership role requires the post holder to foster the growth of the profession, maintaining a strong focus on user‑centred design and ensuring quality assurance remains a central focus, underpinning the reliability and excellence of all software outputs. They will manage a significant portfolio, refining a comprehensive suite of tools and practices that standardise our software development processes, encouraging innovation and elevating productivity. Through strategic oversight, the role holder will ensure that our software development practices are not only consistent but also adaptable, paving the way for enhanced outcomes and the efficient achievement of the DVSA’s digital transformation goals.
Your Responsibilities Will Include, But Aren’t Limited To
- Demonstrate leadership by providing influence, direction, and guidance to staff to support the delivery of objectives.
- Provide direction for software development across DVSA, developing a diverse, inclusive team bringing together in‑house and external experts.
- Ensure the team is motivated, skilled, and equipped to tackle complex software development challenges. By setting clear goals, ongoing mentorship, and professional development to enhance capabilities and drive superior performance.
- Ensure continuous development of the team, keeping up to date with new technologies and methodologies in software development.
- Set the strategic direction of software development, including the adoption of new technologies, methodologies, and best practices in software release processes and use of cloud services.
Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.
Person specification
Required Experience
- Strong strategic leadership experience within software development, with the ability to define and implement organisational software development strategies that support the delivery of reliable, secure and user‑focused digital services.
- Demonstrable experience of having developed and built software at enterprise scale and been in a senior technical position with exposure to the full software development lifecycle.
- A strong technical understanding of software delivery practices, tooling and engineering approaches, combined with the ability to guide teams in adopting scalable and sustainable software development.
- Proven ability to lead, influence and develop professional capability across teams, fostering a collaborative and quality‑focused culture.
- Experience of working with senior stakeholders, delivery teams and cross‑functional leaders, providing strategic advice and driving continuous improvement in quality practices.
- Strong communication, leadership and decision‑making skills, with the ability to represent the organisation, provide expert advice and respond effectively to emerging risks, operational challenges and evolving technology landscapes.
Government Digital and Data Allowance
The role is part of the Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession and utilises an enhanced Capability–Based Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance. The base pay is £69,501. In addition, the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £28,560. The value of allowance awarded will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated through the selection process.
Additional Information
Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements
Full‑time roles consist of 37 hours per week. Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part‑time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 30 hours per week. Frequent travel to other offices will be required, which may involve overnight stays.
This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non‑contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home‑based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements. The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.
Please note that we do not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Licence sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate right to work in the UK before application.
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