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 in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Government Recruitment
Join a forward-thinking organisation that is dedicated to modernising government digital services, where your contributions will directly impact public welfare through innovative projects in flood risk management and sustainable farming. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, collaboration, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like AI-assisted coding tools, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that values engineering excellence and continuous improvement. Located in a dynamic environment, this role offers unique opportunities to shape the future of software development in the public sector while ensuring a meaningful impact on society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Developer in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage with online communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to flood services or sustainable farming. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss how you've used modern tools like GitHub Copilot in your work.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to meaningful projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Developer in Newcastle upon Tyne
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; share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love to see how you approach problem-solving, especially in a multidisciplinary 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 Net Zero commitment. This shows you’re not just a coder but someone who cares about the mission.
✨Embrace AI Tools
Since the role involves using AI-assisted coding tools like GitHub Copilot, be ready to talk about your experience with such tools. Discuss how they can improve code quality and delivery speed, and share any personal insights on their effective use.
