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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 empowering innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public sector projects while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Strong backend development skills in Java and experience with microservices architecture.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
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).
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.
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
- Microservices and distributed systems design
- Code quality
- Development practices
- Team collaboration
- 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
- Basic to working knowledge of frontend templating, particularly Nunjucks
- Exposure to JavaScript or TypeScript
- Ability to contribute to UI templating where required
- Collaborate effectively with frontend specialists
Note: This is not a frontend role, but awareness is important for full-stack collaboration.
Lead Software Developer - FDS Squad 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
✨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
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your backend projects, especially those using Java and microservices. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview! Brush up on common technical questions related to backend development and microservices. Practice explaining your thought process clearly, as collaboration is key in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Developer - FDS Squad
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 makes you a great fit for our team.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a hands-on leadership role, make sure to highlight any previous experience where you’ve led teams or mentored other developers. We love seeing how you can guide design decisions and foster collaboration!
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 to share specific examples of projects where you've led design decisions or improved code quality.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Software Developer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to mentor and guide other engineers. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams, and be prepared to discuss how you fostered a culture of continuous improvement within your squad.
✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape
Since this role involves working within the UK public sector, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with its unique challenges and requirements. Research Amber Labs' previous projects in this space and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission to provide exceptional value to government clients.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in fluid environments. Think about how you would handle evolving requirements or technical challenges. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills during the interview.