At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of innovative software solutions for government projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on impactful public sector technology.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and potential contract extension.
- Other info: Collaborative atmosphere with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in secure environments while developing cutting-edge software.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in software engineering with strong Python and Django skills.
Role: Lead Software Engineer
Salary/Rate: £650-750 per day inside IR35
Location: Hybrid, 2 days per week - multiple locations available
Contract Duration: 12 months
We are currently looking for a Lead Software Engineer for our government client. This Lead Software Engineer role is hybrid, based between 2 days per week on site and the remainder of the week working from home. Office locations include London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff or Darlington, as preferred. There is no further flexibility with expected time on site, or the office locations.
The contract for this position is for 12 months, with potential to extend, operating inside IR35.
Security Clearance: Security Check (SC Clearance)
This role is inside IR35 - Due to the service of the role, it will now be based on an Umbrella solution.
Essential Skills / Experience required:
- Strong Python and Django experience
- Proven system design and architecture 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)
- 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
Desirable Skills:
- Experience with GDS standards
- Public sector or defence-related experience
- Exposure to secure or regulated environments
Role / Responsibilities:
- This role is responsible for the design, development, delivery, and ongoing improvement of software 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.
- 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)
- Oversee development across multiple workstreams
- Drive continuous improvement of systems and processes
- Ensure integration across complex systems
If you are interested in the above role, please click Apply Now and send a CV for quick review.
Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a better way for us to communicate, please do let us know.
Lead Software Engineer in Manchester employer: Circle Recruitment
As a Lead Software Engineer with our government client, you will thrive in a dynamic hybrid work environment that balances on-site collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities and a culture that values innovation and teamwork, all while contributing to meaningful projects that serve the public sector. With multiple office locations across the UK, you can choose a base that suits your lifestyle, ensuring a rewarding and fulfilling career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Open-Source Projects
Diving into open-source projects is a brilliant way to showcase your skills and connect with other developers in the community. Not only will you beef up your GitHub profile but you might also catch the eye of someone at Circle Recruitment who values hands-on experience over just theory.
✨Attend Local Tech Meetups
Tech meetups are gold mines for networking and discovering job opportunities, especially in the fast-paced world of software engineering. Check out local listings for events in your area and don’t shy away from introducing yourself. This could lead directly to a temporary position at Circle Recruitment!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
With temporary roles, it’s all about standing out in a short space of time. Create a portfolio website where you highlight your projects and skills. Talk about your code, and provide links to your GitHub repositories. This will not only demonstrate your abilities but will also make it easier for recruiters at Circle Recruitment to see what you bring to the table.
✨Leverage Temporary Job Boards
Don’t forget to check specialised job boards for temporary software development roles. Websites like We Work Remotely or Remote OK often list short-term gigs that can be a perfect fit. Apply directly through our website as well, making sure your application is sharp—temporary roles can move fast!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Skills:Make sure your CV highlights your tech stack and any programming languages you’re proficient in. Include specifics about any frameworks or technologies you’ve worked with; they can make you stand out in the sea of applicants. It’s all about showing that you have the chops we need at Circle Recruitment!
Portfolio 2.0:Since you’re applying for a temporary gig, it’s super important to showcase a portfolio that highlights your best projects. Include links to GitHub or any personal projects that demonstrate what you can do in a real-world environment. This gives us a taste of your style and your problem-solving approach!
Keep It Brief and Relevant:With a temporary position, we want to see your ability to hit the ground running. Be concise in your CV and cover letter; stick to experiences that directly relate to the role. Highlight any previous temporary roles or freelance gigs that show your adaptability and quick learning!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic cover letter. Personalise it for Lead Software Engineer at Circle Recruitment! Mention why this temporary role excites you and how you see yourself contributing in the short run. Show us what you've got and why you're the one for this quick turn-around!
How to prepare for a job interview at Circle Recruitment
✨Nail the Technical Skills
For a software engineering role, you'll likely face technical questions or coding tasks during your interview. Brush up on the relevant programming languages and frameworks that Circle Recruitment uses, and don’t forget to practice some coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. Showing your coding prowess can really make you stand out!
✨Prepare for System Design Questions
Even for a temporary role, having a grasp of system design principles can be crucial. Be ready to discuss how you would architect a software solution, including discussing trade-offs, scalability, and performance considerations. Having examples from previous projects can really show off your analytical thinking.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, you'll want to emphasise your ability to hit the ground running. Highlight experiences where you quickly adapted to new technologies or teams. Let’s make it clear to the interviewers at Circle Recruitment that you can learn on the job and deliver results in a short timeframe!
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
Make sure to have a portfolio or GitHub ready showcasing your projects. Having tangible evidence of what you've done—be it personal projects, contributions to open-source, or previous work—can convey how capable you are. Tailor this for what might interest Circle Recruitment, so it's relevant and sparks conversation during your interview.
