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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a software squad, ensuring quality delivery and mentoring developers.
- Company: Fast-growing digital business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fully remote work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact by leading high-performing teams and delivering top-notch software.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in software development, strong PHP and Laravel skills, leadership experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career advancement potential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
A fast-growing, product-focused tech business is looking for a Principal / Lead Software Engineer to guide a skilled engineering team based in Nottingham. This is a primarily on-site role, with some hybrid flexibility, ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on leadership in a collaborative, in-person environment.
You’ll guide the development of features and systems across web apps, APIs, and internal tools, working closely with product, design, and engineering teams to bring high-impact ideas to life. You\’ll combine technical direction with day-to-day coding, team mentorship, and delivery oversight, playing a key role in shaping both the product and the team’s growth.
Salary: £75,000 to £85,000 + benefits
Location: Nottingham, Hybrid
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and build of new product features, services, and technical systems
- Own features end-to-end—from technical design to testing, deployment, and monitoring
- Write production-grade code alongside the team (this is a hands-on role)
- Align technical delivery with business goals through close collaboration with stakeholders
- Mentor and support developers, fostering a culture of learning and improvement
- Maintain high standards for code quality, scalability, and team communication
What You’ll Bring
- 7+ years’ experience in software engineering, including recent time in a senior or lead role
- Strong experience with Node.js (NestJS) and TypeScript
- A good knowledge of a Front End framework like Vue, React or Angular.
- Solid understanding of cloud infrastructure (preferably AWS) and CI/CD practices
- A thoughtful approach to system design, security, and performance at scale
- Great communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Bonus points for experience with AI/ML tools or data-led platforms
Tech Stack Overview
- Backend: NestJS / Node.js / TypeScript
- Frontend: Vue 3 / TypeScript
- Cloud: AWS
- Databases: PostgreSQL / MongoDB
- Tools: Rush (monorepo), GitHub, Notion, Linear
- Comms: Slack, Zoom, Around
If you\’re a seasoned engineer who thrives in a leadership role and enjoys building great products with great people, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now or get in touch to find out more.
Lead Software Engineer employer: Digital Waffle
Contact Detail:
Digital Waffle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who might know about opportunities at fast-growing digital businesses. A personal recommendation can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your best projects, especially those that highlight your leadership and technical abilities. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on both technical and soft skills. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Lead Software Engineer role. Highlight your PHP and Laravel expertise, along with any leadership experience you've had. We want to see how you can lead a squad and deliver quality software!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your experience in mentoring and managing teams, and how you’ve collaborated with product teams in the past. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Projects: If you’ve worked on any relevant projects, don’t hold back! Include links or descriptions of your work that demonstrate your technical skills and leadership abilities. We love seeing real examples of how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered results.
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 shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Digital Waffle
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your PHP and Laravel skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, especially those where you led a team or managed technical challenges. This will show that you’re not just a coder but a leader who understands the tech landscape.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've mentored developers and managed teams. Think about specific situations where you helped someone grow or resolved conflicts. This will demonstrate your ability to lead a squad effectively and support the growth of your team members.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to collaborate with product managers and non-technical stakeholders, so being able to bridge that gap is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with friends to refine your communication skills.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be ready to discuss how you’ve driven improvements in your previous roles. Whether it’s through code reviews, implementing new processes, or sharing knowledge, showing a proactive mindset towards growth and quality will resonate well with the interviewers.