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- Tasks: Lead a team of developers while coding in Node.js and delivering impactful digital services.
- Company: Join Amber Labs, a cutting-edge digital consultancy focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public-sector technology and grow your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong Node.js experience and proven leadership in software development teams.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture that values innovation and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Remote (UK-based)
Type: 12-Month Fixed Term Contract (FTC)
Clearance Requirement: BPSS eligibility essential (we cannot sponsor)
About Amber Labs
Amber Labs is a cutting-edge digital consultancy specialising in data, cloud, and software engineering solutions for high-impact projects. We partner with organisations to deliver secure, modern, and user-centred digital services. Our culture is collaborative, innovative, and focused on technical excellence.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Lead Software Developer for a 12-month fixed-term contract, working fully remote. This is a hands-on role that also requires strong leadership capabilities to guide a development team delivering complex central-government digital services. The ideal candidate will have solid central government project experience, extensive Node.js coding expertise, and a proven ability to lead, mentor, and influence technical teams while remaining actively involved in day-to-day development.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and support a team of software developers, ensuring high-quality delivery and adherence to engineering best practices.
- Maintain a hands-on approach to software development, primarily using Node.js.
- Contribute to architecture, design decisions, and technical planning, ensuring alignment with client needs and modern engineering standards.
- Work closely with product owners, architects, and central government stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with GDS (Government Digital Service) standards, including security, performance, and accessibility.
- Participate in sprint ceremonies, estimations, and Agile delivery processes.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, technical excellence, and knowledge sharing.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong, hands-on Node.js coding experience.
- Proven experience working on central government digital projects.
- Demonstrable experience leading or mentoring development teams.
- Eligible for BPSS clearance.
- Strong understanding of modern software engineering practices: CI/CD, automated testing, APIs, cloud-native development.
- Comfortable working within Agile, multi-disciplinary teams.
Desirable Skills
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS preferred).
- Knowledge of microservice architectures.
- Understanding of GDS service standards and GOV.UK design patterns.
- Experience working within consultancy or client-facing environments.
What We Offer
- Fully remote working.
- Opportunities to work on meaningful public-sector and government services.
- A supportive environment that values innovation, professional growth, and modern engineering practices.
Why Amber Labs?
At Amber Labs, we pride ourselves on a culture of learning, innovation, and collaboration. You’ll join a diverse, supportive team delivering meaningful outcomes across UK Government digital transformation programmes.
Why Join Us?
- Join a fast-growing consultancy delivering high-impact public-sector technology.
- Develop skills across cloud engineering, secure development, automation, and large-scale transformations.
- Private Medical Insurance (Aviva).
- Company Pension Plan (Nest).
- 25 days annual leave + UK bank holidays.
- Perkbox – global employee rewards and wellbeing platform.
- Generous employee referral scheme.
- Supportive, inclusive environment encouraging innovation and growth.
- Choose your preferred working device – Mac or PC.
Diversity & Inclusion at Amber Labs
At Amber Labs, diversity fuels innovation. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and respected.
- Welcome a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
- Promote equality and inclusion across all teams.
- Maintain a workplace free from discrimination, bullying, and harassment.
Important Information
- We cannot accept applications from candidates requiring visa sponsorship.
- BPSS eligibility is required before starting.
- Applicants must be based in the UK and able to travel occasionally to Manchester.
What Happens Next?
After reviewing your application, our Talent Acquisition team will be in touch to outline next steps. The process typically includes two interview stages, with a possible third involving our company Partners if required.
Lead Software Developer in Manchester employer: Amber Labs
Contact Detail:
Amber Labs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Developer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience with central government projects. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a GitHub or portfolio showcasing your Node.js projects, make sure to share it during interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience and technical prowess.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research Amber Labs and their work in digital consultancy. Be ready to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their collaborative culture and how you can contribute to their projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Developer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Software Developer role. Highlight your Node.js experience and any central government projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your leadership experience can benefit our team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Projects: If you have any notable projects, especially those related to government digital services, make sure to mention them. We love seeing real examples of your work and how you've contributed to successful outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at Amber Labs!
How to prepare for a job interview at Amber Labs
✨Know Your Node.js Inside Out
As a Lead Software Developer, you'll need to showcase your extensive Node.js expertise. Brush up on your coding skills and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used Node.js effectively. Prepare to explain your thought process behind architectural decisions and how you ensure high-quality delivery.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities, so think of examples where you've successfully led or mentored a team. Be prepared to discuss how you foster a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence within your team. Highlight your experience in guiding developers through complex projects.
✨Familiarise Yourself with GDS Standards
Since compliance with GDS standards is crucial, make sure you understand these guidelines thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented security, performance, and accessibility measures in past projects. Showing that you can align with client needs while adhering to these standards will set you apart.
✨Engage in Agile Methodologies
Given the emphasis on Agile delivery processes, brush up on your experience with sprint ceremonies and estimations. Be prepared to share how you've contributed to Agile teams in the past and how you handle challenges in a multi-disciplinary environment. This will demonstrate your adaptability and collaborative spirit.
