At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a diverse team in software development to tackle complex challenges.
- Company: Join the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, a key player in digital services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and 25 days annual leave plus more.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on user-focused digital services while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience in software development and a knack for strategic direction.
The predicted salary is between 69501 - 97561 £ per year.
- Head of Software Engineering
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Location: Swansea, Nottingham, Bristol, Newcastle‑upon‑Tyne, Yeading (Hayes), Oldham (Chadderton), Leeds, Birmingham (Garretts Green). (This role is suitable for hybrid working)
Candidates based in Yeading receive the London Weighting allowance of £4,000.
Plus an additional Government Digital and Data Profession allowance (non‑pensionable) up to £28,560.
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
- Available Positions: 1
- Top Responsibilities
- Demonstrate leadership by providing influence, direction, and guidance to staff to support the delivery of objectives.
- Provide direction for software development across DVSA developing a diverse, inclusive team bringing together in‑house and external experts.
- Ensure the team is motivated, skilled, and equipped to tackle complex software development challenges.
By setting clear goals, ongoing mentorship, and professional development to enhance capabilities and drive superior performance.
- Ensure continuous development of the team, keeping up to date with new technologies and methodologies in software development.
- Set the strategic direction of software development, including the adoption of new technologies, methodologies, and best practices in software release processes and use of cloud services.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your base salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days).
- 8 bank holidays plus an additional privilege day to mark the king’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- 24‑hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
About You
- Strong strategic leadership experience within software development, with the ability to define and implement organisational software development strategies that support the delivery of reliable, secure and user‑focused digital services.
- Demonstrable experience of having developed and built software at enterprise scale and been in a senior technical position with exposure to the full software development lifecycle.
- A strong technical understanding of software delivery practices, tooling and engineering approaches, combined with the ability to guide teams in adopting scalable and sustainable software development.
- Proven ability to lead, influence and develop professional capability across teams, fostering a collaborative and quality‑focused culture.
- Experience of working with senior stakeholders, delivery teams and cross‑functional leaders, providing strategic advice and driving continuous improvement in quality practices.
- Strong communication, leadership and decision‑making skills, with the ability to represent the organisation, provide expert advice and respond effectively to emerging risks, operational challenges and evolving technology landscapes.
- Government Digital and Data Allowance
The role is part of the Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession and utilises an enhanced Capability‑Based Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance.
The base pay is £69,501.
In addition to this the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £28,560.
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Head of Software Engineering in Leeds employer: Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and employee well-being, offering a generous pension scheme, flexible working options, and ample annual leave. With a strong commitment to professional development and a supportive work culture, DVSA empowers its employees to thrive while contributing to safer and more sustainable road transport across the UK. Join us in making a meaningful impact on road safety and enjoy a fulfilling career in a dynamic environment.
Contact Details:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Software Engineering in Leeds
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Software Engineering in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
