At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop innovative mobile applications for government services.
- Company: Be part of the Government Digital Service, transforming public sector digital experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on millions by improving access to essential government services.
- Qualifications: Experience in native mobile development with Swift or Kotlin; agile teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Government Digital Service (GDS) is the digital centre of government. We are responsible for setting, leading and delivering the vision for a modern digital government. Our priorities are to drive a modern digital government by:
- joining up public sector services
- harnessing the power of AI for the public good
- strengthening and extending our digital and data public infrastructure
- elevating leadership and investing in talent
- funding for outcomes and procuring for growth and innovation
- committing to transparency and driving accountability
We are home to the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence (I.AI), the world-leading GOV.UK and at the forefront of coordinating the UK’s geospatial strategy and activity. We lead the Government Digital and Data function and champion the work of digital teams across government. We’re part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and employ more than 1,000 people all over the UK, with hubs in Manchester, London and Bristol. The Government Digital Service is where talent translates into impact. From your first day, you’ll be working with some of the world’s most highly-skilled digital professionals, all contributing their knowledge to make change on a national scale. Join us for rewarding work that makes a difference across the UK. You'll solve some of the nation’s highest-priority digital challenges, helping millions of people access services they need.
We have vacancies for both iOS and Android Developers and Senior iOS and Android Developers. We are running a single campaign and will offer one of the two roles based on performance at interview. As a Developer or Senior Developer you can expect to have a central role in multidisciplinary teams building the future of government services. We are building in two main areas. Native iOS and Android applications power our identity proving service, allowing for a quick, easy and highly trusted way to prove your identity to government. We are also building a new Wallet application, allowing users to take control of their credentials and interact with the next generation of government digital services. You’ll join the GOV.UK One Login programme as a Mobile Developer or a Senior Mobile Developer. You’ll build and maintain either the GOV.UK iOS or Android application, as part of a multidisciplinary team. The apps are native, written in Swift and Kotlin and use UIKit, SwiftUI and Jetpack Compose.
As a Mobile Developer in GDS, you’ll:
- work as part of a multi-disciplinary agile team, getting involved with every part of the lifecycle of the application, from user research to releasing the application
- build accessible apps, taking responsibility for the quality of code you produce
- build automated tests to maintain software quality
- share knowledge of tools and techniques with your wider team, both developers and non-developers
- support the live operation of the services we run, and participate in out-of-hours support rotas where necessary - you'll be paid an allowance, and a further hourly payment, for any duties you perform when on call
- be involved in helping recruit developers and, where appropriate, helping sift and interview
- provide technical leadership within the team, advising and working with developers to identify the best solutions
- take responsibility for developing others, through line management and/or mentoring
- take responsibility for solving complex issues
You’ll share the responsibility for the digital transformation of the government. You’ll ensure high quality code is delivered in line with programme goals and delivery cycles. You’ll thrive using agile methods and enjoy working openly, collaboratively and as part of a multidisciplinary team focused on one or more services. Above all, you’ll want to make the government better, which may sometimes involve challenging the status quo. To learn more about what developers do in government please review the DDaT Capability Framework. You will have the autonomy to scope work and find a route to solutions, whilst enabling those around you to do the same. You will be given the space to hone a mastery and grow in the role, whilst sharing your existing experience with the engineering community. All whilst doing work that improves government services for millions of users across vital services.
Person specification
We’re interested in people who have:
- experience in relevant native mobile application development, with detailed knowledge of the Swift or Kotlin ecosystem, and familiarity with SwiftUI or Jetpack compose
- experience prototyping and building with Apple Human Interface or Material Design Guidelines
- familiarity with modern software development approaches such as automated testing, test-driven development (TDD), continuous integration, pair programming, code review and version control
- experience working in a collaborative environment, and an understanding of the benefits of agile and multi-disciplinary approaches
Senior iOS/Android Developers will also have:
- experience supporting others in applying modern development standards
- experience in management, helping colleagues with their career development and coaching more junior staff members
Please note this role requires SC clearance, which would normally need 5 years’ UK residency in the past 5 years. This is not an absolute requirement, but supplementary checks may be needed where individuals have not lived in the UK for that period. This may mean your security clearance (and therefore your appointment) will take longer or, in some cases, not be possible. DSIT cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. DSIT holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.
Senior Mobile Developer - iOS/Android for Public Sector Impact in Manchester employer: Government Digital Service
The Government Digital Service in Manchester is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth through mentorship and hands-on experience in cutting-edge cloud-native technologies, all while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance public services across the UK.
Contact Details:
Government Digital Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mobile Developer - iOS/Android for Public Sector Impact in Manchester
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Government Digital Service, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Government Digital Service and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mobile Developer - iOS/Android for Public Sector Impact in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Government Digital Service and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Digital Service
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Government Digital Service, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Government Digital Service.
