At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team of Software Engineers to drive innovative software solutions.
- Company: Join DVSA, a forward-thinking organisation committed to digital transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive environment for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the future of software development in a vital role.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in software engineering and a passion for user-centred design.
The predicted salary is between 69501 - 69501 £ per year.
Location: Swansea, Nottingham, Bristol, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Yeading (Hayes), Oldham (Chadderton), Leeds, Birmingham (Garretts Green)
Salary: £69,501 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time or Part Time
Closing Date: Tuesday 7th July 2026
The Head of Software Engineering (Principal Developer) will lead the team of Software Engineers, holding the key responsibility for defining and overseeing the software development ethos within the DVSA, as well as for external partners developing software on our behalf. Their leadership will establish the benchmarks for excellence, ensuring that all software development activities meet best practice modern software development and adhere to the highest standards of security, usability, statutory compliance, performance, and environmental sustainability.
This is a high-impact role as the software development team plays a pivotal role on behalf of the organisation in crafting and enhancing the mission-critical applications necessary for our operations, focusing on creating solutions that are secure by design, reliable, and intuitive for our users. As demands evolve, the role holder will be expected to dynamically scale, incorporating contractors or outsourcing, to boost capacity and address specific project requirements efficiently.
Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:
- 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 annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King's birthday
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance
This leadership role requires the post holder to foster the growth of the profession, maintaining a strong focus on user-centred design and ensuring quality assurance remains a central focus, underpinning the reliability and excellence of all software outputs. They will manage a significant portfolio, refining a comprehensive suite of tools and practices that standardise our software development processes, encouraging innovation and elevating productivity. Through strategic oversight, the role holder will ensure that our software development practices are not only consistent but also adaptable, paving the way for enhanced outcomes and the efficient achievement of the DVSA's digital transformation goals.
Your responsibilities will include, but aren't limited to:
- 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.
Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.
To Apply: If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for DVSA, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Head of Software Engineering employer: DVSA
The DVSA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment across various locations including Swansea, Nottingham, and Birmingham. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive benefits such as a generous pension contribution, flexible working options, and increasing annual leave, all while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration that empowers our teams to excel in delivering high-quality software solutions.
