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- Tasks: Lead the design and development of scalable backend services using Java and microservices.
- Company: Join Amber Labs, a cutting-edge tech consultancy focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible work, private medical insurance, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic team while shaping the future of UK digital services.
- Qualifications: Strong backend development skills in Java and experience with microservices architecture.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Strong back-end focus.
12-month Fixed Term Contract (with a view to go permanent).
Hybrid: one visit per week onsite in Manchester.
SC Clearance: SC Clearance preferred, however, SC Eligibility accepted.
Experience within UK public sector and or central government department(s).
The Company
At Amber Labs, we are a cutting‑edge UK and European technology consultancy that prioritises empowering autonomy, promoting experimentation, and facilitating rapid learning to provide exceptional value to our clients. Our teams consist of highly skilled engineers, designers, analysts, and consultants dedicated to building world‑class digital services for government and enterprise clients.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Lead Software Developer to play a key role within a large, cross-functional delivery squad. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines technical excellence with strong collaboration and alignment across engineering, QA, DevOps and product disciplines. The role is primarily backend-focused, leveraging Java and microservices architecture, with some awareness of frontend templating to support full-stack delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development of scalable backend services
- Act as a technical authority within the squad, guiding design decisions
- Contribute hands-on to development while mentoring other engineers
- Collaborate closely with Product managers, QA engineers, and Analysts
- Ensure alignment with shared engineering standards and practices
- Strong experience with Microservices and distributed systems design
- Support delivery in fluid and evolving requirement environments
- Drive continuous improvement in code quality, development practices, and team collaboration
Essential Skills
- Backend Development (Primary)
- Strong expertise in Java (modern versions)
- Deep experience with Spring Boot for building RESTful services
- Proven track record in designing and developing microservices architectures
- Strong understanding of API design and integration, service-to-service communication, resilience and fault tolerance
- Front-End Awareness (Secondary)
- Basic to working knowledge of frontend templating, particularly Nunjucks
- Exposure to JavaScript or TypeScript
- Ability to contribute to UI templating where required and collaborate effectively with frontend specialists
Note: This is not a frontend role, but awareness is important for full-stack collaboration.
Cloud & DevOps
- Strong working knowledge of AWS, including compute, storage, and managed services.
- Understanding of Docker and containerisation strategies and CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitLab).
- Ability to guide cloud-native design decisions and align teams on deployment and operational practices.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a dynamic and innovative team, with opportunities for professional growth and development
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to shape and influence asset management strategy in a fast‑paced environment
Benefits
- Join a rapidly expanding start‑up where personal growth is a part of our DNA
- Benefit from a flexible work environment focused on deliverable outcomes
- Receive private medical insurance
- 25 days of annual leave plus UK bank holidays
Diversity & Inclusion
Here at Amber Labs, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace for all. We celebrate individuality and believe that different perspectives drive innovation. Every colleague is valued, respected, and supported to thrive.
What Happens Next?
Our Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch to advise you on the next steps. We have a two‑stage interview process for most of our consultants. In certain cases, we may include a third and final stage: a conversation with the end client. This will only be considered if deemed necessary.
Apply Now and help shape the future of UK digital services with Amber Labs.
Lead Software Developer - FDS Squad in Bolton employer: Amber Labs
Contact Detail:
Amber Labs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Developer - FDS Squad in Bolton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who work in public sector roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your Java and microservices knowledge, and be ready to discuss your past projects. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges and led teams in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your collaboration skills! During interviews, highlight how you've worked with product managers, QA engineers, and other team members. We love to see candidates who can bridge gaps and foster teamwork.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our awesome team at Amber Labs.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Developer - FDS Squad in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your backend development experience, especially with Java and microservices. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about the Lead Software Developer position and how your experience in the UK public sector can add value to our team.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: When filling out your application, be specific about your technical expertise. Mention your experience with Spring Boot, AWS, and any CI/CD tools you've used. We love seeing candidates who are hands-on and ready to lead!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Amber Labs
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Java and Spring Boot skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with microservices architecture and how you've tackled challenges in backend development. Prepare examples that showcase your technical authority and hands-on contributions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Software Developer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to mentor and guide other engineers. Think of specific instances where you've led a project or helped a colleague overcome a technical hurdle. Highlight your collaborative approach with product managers and QA engineers.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the UK public sector and central government departments. Being able to discuss how your work aligns with their goals will show that you're not just a techie but also understand the context in which you'll be operating.
✨Prepare for Cloud and DevOps Questions
Since AWS and CI/CD pipelines are crucial for this role, be ready to talk about your experience with cloud-native design decisions and containerisation strategies. Have examples ready that illustrate how you've improved code quality and team collaboration in previous roles.