At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead software development teams to create impactful digital services for the Ministry of Justice.
- Company: Join a collaborative team at Justice Digital, making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong support for women and non-binary individuals in tech.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of technology, shaping the future of justice services.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in software development and a passion for mentoring others.
The predicted salary is between 71381 - 80419 £ per year.
Location: East Midlands (England), East of England, London (region), North East England, North West England, Scotland, South East England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands (England), Yorkshire and the Humber.
Please note this role requires you to pass Security Check clearance. We're recruiting for three Principal Software Developers here at Justice Digital, Data and Science, to be part of our warm and collaborative Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO), Legal Aid Digital (LAA) and Prisons and Probation Digital (HMPPS) designing and delivering digital services that make a genuine difference to people's lives, alongside championing the adoption of emerging technologies.
The Principal Developer will work under the Chief Engineer and alongside the Head of Profession for Engineering and will drive the product teams within OCTO, LAA and HMPPS, as well as acting as a leader within the software development profession across the MOJ. This is a hands-on technical role where you'll work directly with product teams across the department, bringing your expertise to help deliver solutions that reduce friction and improve engineering practices across Justice Digital, Data and Science.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work with the Chief Engineer to define, maintain and own CTO's engineering strategy, aligning with its wider business objectives.
- Oversee and guide technical teams, influence technical choices and seek out opportunities for digital transformation.
- Lead the Developer Assurance team, comprised of Staff Engineers, to ensure that development standards are maintained across Justice Digital, Data and Science.
- Lead the Engineering Standards team to develop and deliver a world-class development portal, that documents Justice Digital, Data and Science engineering standards.
- Work alongside the Principal DevOps Engineer to work with the DevX team, working on R&D projects to scope out new and emerging technologies to adopt across the department.
- Mentor, coach, and line manage lead and senior developers.
- Look for opportunities to collaborate and reuse common components, communicating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Build and maintain an inclusive culture across the software development community.
- Manage recruitment and allocation of developers to teams, identifying gaps in capability, ensuring a good balance of skills and seniority.
- Work with the engineering principals across other agencies to help break down silos and work on cross-cutting initiatives.
Person Specification:
- Experience leading and growing software development teams and technical capability and fostering an inclusive, high-performing team culture.
- Expertise designing, building and operating reliable, secure, and maintainable digital services.
- Experience coaching, mentoring and line managing senior developers or technical leads.
- Confidence working within agile environments to iteratively deliver software designed around the users' needs.
- Confidence working across teams and reaching out across organisational/team boundaries to understand common technical approaches and patterns.
- Experience supporting live services and managing technical risks.
- Code review experience.
- Willingness to be assessed against the requirements for SC clearance.
We welcome the unique contribution diverse applicants bring and do not discriminate based on culture, ethnicity, race, nationality or national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, religion or belief, disability status, sexual orientation, educational or social background or any other factor.
Our values are Purpose, Humanity, Openness and Together.
Salary Information: Base salary for this role is from £71,381 to £80,419 (National) or from £75,674 to £85,257 (London). New entrants to the Civil Service joining the MoJ are expected to start at the minimum of the pay band. Existing Civil Servants moving on a level transfer will retain their current base salary or move to the minimum of the pay band for the role, whichever is higher.
Why JDDS? Over the past year, we have strengthened our focus on attracting and retaining women and non-binary people in technical roles across the Ministry of Justice. We have steadily been increasing representation through targeted activity, including community forums, support and mentoring, and visible senior allyship committed to sustained improvement.
We're proud to back this up with action. Our internal Women in Digital, Data and Science Forum builds community for women and non-binary colleagues across all grades, creating space to share experiences, grow confidence, and shape practical changes.
Our values are Purpose, Humanity, Openness and Together.
Principal Software Developer - Ministry of Justice - G6 employer: Government Digital & Data
At the Ministry of Justice, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a warm and collaborative work culture that champions diversity and inclusion. As a Principal Software Developer, you'll have the opportunity to lead innovative projects that make a real difference in people's lives while benefiting from robust professional development and mentoring programmes. Our commitment to employee growth, alongside competitive salaries and allowances, makes us a standout choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in technology.
Contact Details:
Government Digital & Data Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Software Developer - Ministry of Justice - G6
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Ministry of Justice on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding the latest trends in software development. We want to see how you can bring fresh ideas to the table, so be ready to discuss emerging technologies!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've mentored others or led a project. The Ministry of Justice values collaboration and inclusivity, so highlight how you've fostered a positive team culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in digital services.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Software Developer - Ministry of Justice - G6
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for this role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. We love seeing how you can contribute to our mission!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made a difference in your previous roles. We’re all about making an impact here at StudySmarter.
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Digital & Data
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical skills and knowledge relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with the latest technologies and practices in software development, especially those mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Software Developer, you'll be expected to lead teams and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as well as how you fostered an inclusive team culture. This will demonstrate your capability to drive change and support your colleagues.
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
The Ministry of Justice values Purpose, Humanity, Openness, and Togetherness. Reflect on how your personal values align with these and be ready to share examples from your experience that illustrate this alignment. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're a good cultural fit for the organisation.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and the organisation's future projects. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right environment for you. Ask about their approach to digital transformation and how they support professional development within the team.
