At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative digital services for flood risk and sustainable farming.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking government organisation focused on public good.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team using cutting-edge technology and AI tools.
- Why this job: Shape modern development practices and make a real impact on society.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development and strong collaboration skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Using your experience and skills, you may be asked to work on our Flood services – developing government digital services to share information about current and future flood risk with the public. Alternatively, you could be involved with our Farming and Countryside Programme, which focuses on delivering services to make farming sustainable, increase biodiversity, promote high animal health and welfare standards, and contribute to the Government’s Net Zero commitment, ensuring public money is spent for public good.
A wide range of other projects requires us to maintain and develop externally facing digital services and internal applications. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will have responsibility for owning the functionality that you develop. If you would like to join us in building great solutions for Defra and our Arm’s Length Bodies, this could be the job for you.
As a Lead Developer, you will also play a key role in shaping modern development practices across teams, including the adoption of AI‑assisted coding tools such as GitHub Copilot. You’ll use these tools to support faster delivery, improved code quality and better outcomes for users, whilst ensuring that strong engineering judgement, code review, testing and security remain central.
You will review colleagues’ design and development thinking, helping teams to make good technical decisions to select the most appropriate technologies. You will lead the integration of multiple systems and services, collaborate with senior stakeholders and suppliers, and provide direction and constructive challenge to ensure that solutions are secure, maintainable and sustainable.
This is an opportunity to be part of an organisation actively modernising how software is built in government, combining strong engineering fundamentals with the responsible use of new tooling, including AI, to improve delivery at scale.
We use a modern, cloud‑based technology stack, and follow continuous delivery and DevSecOps best practice. Current technologies include:
- Runtime & web development: Node.js, HAPI
- API development: REST, OpenAPI
- Databases & caching: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis
- Unit testing: Jest, Lab
- Source control: Git, GitHub
- Cloud hosting: Azure and AWS
- Containerisation & orchestration: Docker, Kubernetes, ECS
- CI/CD & release management: Azure DevOps, Jenkins, GitHub Actions
- Work management: Jira, Azure DevOps
- Developer productivity tools: AI‑assisted coding tools such as GitHub Copilot (where appropriate), alongside established code review and quality controls
Please note for this role you will require SC Clearance. To gain SC clearance all applicants are required to have been a UK resident for a minimum of 5 years. If this requirement is not met, the individual will not be able to progress their application further.
Lead Software Developer employer: Government Recruitment
Join a forward-thinking organisation that is committed to modernising government digital services while making a positive impact on society. As a Lead Software Developer, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that values innovation and continuous improvement, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Located in the heart of the UK, you will be part of a team dedicated to delivering sustainable solutions that align with the Government’s Net Zero commitment, all while utilising cutting-edge technologies and practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Developer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the organisation through LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on the technologies mentioned in the job description. Make sure you can discuss how you've used Node.js, PostgreSQL, or any relevant tools in your past projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to talk about times when you've led a project or team, especially in adopting new practices or technologies. This will resonate well with the role's focus on shaping development practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining us.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Lead Software Developer role. Highlight your experience with modern tech stacks, cloud services, and any relevant projects you've worked on that align with our mission at StudySmarter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about developing digital services for public good. Mention specific projects or technologies from the job description that excite you and how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t just list your technical skills; demonstrate how you've used them to solve real-world problems. We love seeing examples of how you've improved code quality or delivered projects efficiently, especially in a team setting.
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, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Familiarise yourself with the technologies mentioned in the job description, like Node.js, PostgreSQL, and Azure. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools and how you've used them in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Software Developer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to guide teams and make technical decisions. Prepare examples of how you've led projects or mentored colleagues, focusing on the impact of your leadership.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Research the Flood services and Farming and Countryside Programme. Be prepared to discuss how your work can contribute to these initiatives and align with the government's goals, especially around sustainability and public good.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Talk about your commitment to modern development practices, including the use of AI-assisted coding tools. Share experiences where you've implemented best practices in DevSecOps or continuous delivery to enhance project outcomes.
