At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead software development and ensure efficiency across teams in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Historic Environment Scotland, a leader in preserving Scotland's heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible hours, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland’s historic environment using cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development, AI solutions, and team leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 52150 - 52150 £ per year.
Starting salary: £52,150 pro rata per year
Contract type: Fixed term for 2 years
Grade: 5
Location: Longmore House, Edinburgh with hybrid working
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Interviews: To be held on week commencing Wednesday 29th July 2026
The role is a new element of our existing Web Development and QA team. The role has two main functions:
- Leading development within one of our main development teams
- Working across those teams to ensure reliability, consistency and efficiency.
Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland:
- Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme – 28% employer contribution
- 25 days annual leave, pro-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years) + 11.5 public holidays
- Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions
- Support for further education and personal development
- Study leave for work related courses
- Flexible working hours (where appropriate)
- Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)
- Free entry to English Heritage, Manx and Cadw properties
Key Responsibilities of this role:
HES’ Web Development team are responsible for a number of internal and external sites, applications and services that support HES’ wider goals and obligations of the protection of; and providing information about Scotland’s historic environment. We use various technologies to deliver these services, including PHP, Javascript, MS Dynamics and Oracle Fusion ATE. As mentioned, the role will have a narrow focus within one of the above technology streams; but also a broader influencing role across those streams to ensure our applications and services are consistent, compatible, performant and robust. We anticipate that AI will play an ever growing part in this process. Proven experience in leveraging AI in a software development context would therefore be an advantage.
Key requirements of the role:
In order for you to be successful in this post, we will be looking for you to submit a cover letter which addresses how you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 1,200 words), using examples of where you have demonstrated these criteria previously. Please ensure that you provide real life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. You can use examples of how you have met this criteria from your work life, home life, education or volunteer experience.
Essential:
- Significant experience in the full software development lifecycle, with demonstrable evidence of delivery.
- Demonstrable understanding of Enterprise Architecture
- Demonstrable experience of implementing AI based solutions
- Professional experience in at least one of the technology stacks mentioned above
- Experience in Agile Delivery processes, ideally Scrum using technology such as Atlassian’s JIRA™.
- Specific knowledge of RDBMS technologies; ideally Oracle™
- Evidence of team leadership including prioritisation, escalation and problem solving
- Experience of developing/delivering solutions working with a UI/UX designer
- Experience in making user interfaces accessible
We are dedicated to building a workforce which is reflective of diversity within Scotland. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, gender or gender identity, religious beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or neurodiversity. In support of our Gaelic Language Plan, we welcome applications from Gaelic speakers.
We want every candidate to have the best chance to succeed during the recruitment process. If you require your application in an alternative format, please reach out to us via email at recruit@hes.scot or call our Head Office at 0131 668 8600 and speak to a member of our People Team.
Please note that, at this time, we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process, therefore you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.
To submit your application online, please read our ‘How to Apply’ followed by ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application.
Solution Design and Delivery Lead in Edinburgh employer: Historic Environment Scotland
At Historic Environment Scotland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values professional development and personal growth. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, our team enjoys flexible working arrangements, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the heritage sector.
Contact Details:
Historic Environment Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solution Design and Delivery Lead in Edinburgh
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Historic Environment Scotland or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Historic Environment Scotland.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Historic Environment Scotland.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Historic Environment Scotland that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Solution Design and Delivery Lead in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Historic Environment Scotland.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Historic Environment Scotland and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Historic Environment Scotland
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Historic Environment Scotland uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
