At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of innovative data products that transform complex analytics into user-friendly tools.
- Company: Join NHS Dorset, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to improving community health through technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and embracing new technologies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by turning data into impactful digital solutions.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience in software development and project coordination.
The predicted salary is between 49387 - 56515 £ per year.
Turning data, analytics & data science into high-quality digital products that make a difference. Design & build intuitive, secure & scalable data products transforming complex data & analytical capabilities into tools that people can easily access & use in their day to day work. Bring together software engineering, data & user-centred design, working closely with data scientists, analysts, BI specialists & operational teams to create the applications & digital experiences to bring data & insight to life. Includes interactive data products, decision-support tools, workflow applications & other digital services. Will lead engineering of products from discovery & prototyping to production, creating modern applications, APIs, services & integrations that connect users with data & analytical capabilities. Will champion modern software engineering & product development practices, helping establish reusable approaches, development standards & platforms that enable new data products to move from concept to production efficiently & safely. Explore & evaluate the responsible use of AI-assisted coding & development tools to improve code quality & pace of delivery, as well as opportunities to integrate appropriate AI capabilities into digital & data products where they provide clear value to users. Ensure solutions are robust, maintainable & secure by design, meeting governance, cyber security & accessibility standards.
Main duties of the job:
- Lead design & development of user-centred products, turning data, analytics & data science into intuitive digital tools.
- Develop applications, building robust backend services, APIs & accessible front end experiences making complex data & analytical easier.
- Work with data scientists, analysts, engineers & operational teams to take ideas & analytical capabilities from concept to production, creating user-facing products that bring data & insight into everyday.
- Champion prototyping & iterative development, getting ideas in front of users early, testing assumptions & learning quickly before committing significant time & resources to full scale development.
- Establish & maintain effective CI/CD, automated testing & deployment practices, enabling products to be developed, released & improved frequently, safely & consistently.
- Design & maintain APIs, application services & integrations that connect data platforms, analytical capabilities & user-facing products.
- Lead products through the full software development lifecycle, including discovery, technical design, development, testing, deployment, monitoring, maintenance & continuous improvement.
- Explore & appropriately adopt AI-assisted development tools & other emerging technologies where they can improve developer productivity, quality or speed of delivery, while maintaining appropriate technical oversight & governance.
About us:
Under the Model ICB Blueprint and the 10 Year Health Plan, ICBs will adopt a more strategic commissioning role, focusing on population needs, reducing inequalities, and delivering the three shifts as defined in the 10 year health plan, all while operating within strict financial limits. The new organisation will operate on a larger scale with a revised vision and purpose, managing a commissioning budget of around 8 billion. Our role as a strategic commissioner is to transform our local NHS through exceptional commissioning and build an innovative health system fit for the 21st century that truly meets our communities' needs. Informed by high quality data and insights, we will radically re-imagine how we operate, making sure that every pound in our system delivers the best possible value for everyone we serve. We will encourage and support our people to grow and develop new skills and embrace new agile ways of working. Everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas, seek feedback, and take part in creating a listening and learning culture where insight leads to improvement. We will work as a team of teams, collaborating across services and professions to deliver the best outcomes for our communities. You will be encouraged, and expected to model inclusive behaviours, valuing diverse perspectives and helping to create a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported, and able to thrive.
Details:
- Date posted: 19 August 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 7
- Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
- Reference number: D
- Job locations: NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board, NHS Dorset - County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ, United Kingdom; NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, Jenner House, Avon Way, Langley Park, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1GG, United Kingdom; NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board, Wynford House, Lufton Way, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8HR, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities:
The Software Engineer will design, develop, and maintain software applications, automation solutions, and analytics tools that support the Clusters data, intelligence, and operational priorities. The post holder will work closely with analysts, data scientists, business intelligence teams, and operational stakeholders to translate business and analytical requirements into robust, reliable, and secure software solutions. This includes contributing to the design and delivery of systems that enable efficient data processing, reporting, and operational insight across the organisation. The role will support the development of automated workflows, application services, and system integrations, ensuring that all software solutions comply with NHS information governance, cyber security, and quality standards. The post holder will contribute to the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, solution design, development, testing, deployment, documentation, and ongoing maintenance of applications and automation processes. The Software Engineer will develop and maintain application programming interfaces (APIs), microservices, and system integrations to support interoperability between internal data platforms and external systems. The role will utilise a range of programming languages and development technologies, which may include Python, R, .NET, JavaScript, SQL, and cloud-based development frameworks. The post holder will apply user-centred design principles to ensure that solutions are intuitive, accessible, and aligned with user needs across analytical and operational teams. The role will also support application lifecycle management, including version control, monitoring, troubleshooting, and the ongoing enhancement of existing systems and automation tools. In addition, the post holder will ensure that secure coding practices are followed and that all developments adhere to NHS cyber security principles and recognised industry standards. The Software Engineer will contribute to continuous improvement activities within the software development function, supporting the adoption of modern engineering practices, including testing, documentation, and collaborative development approaches.
Person Specification:
Qualifications Essential:
- Educated to degree level in relevant subject or equivalent level qualification or significant experience of working at a similar level in specialist area.
- Post-graduate degree in Management Studies or equivalent.
- Evidence of continued professional development.
- Demonstrated experience of co-ordinating projects in complex and challenging environments.
- Understanding of the public sector.
- Demonstrated experience in a Healthcare environment.
- Comprehensive knowledge of project principles, techniques and tools, such as Prince 2 Foundation and Microsoft Project.
Experience Essential:
- Significant experience of successfully operating in a politically sensitive environment.
- Experience of creating and giving presentations to a varied group of internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience of setting up and implementing internal processes and procedures.
- Experience of managing a team without direct line management.
- Experience of managing risks and reporting.
- Experience of drafting briefing papers and correspondence at SMT level.
- Experience of monitoring budgets and business planning processes.
Skills, abilities and Knowledge Essential:
- Ability to prepare and produce concise yet insightful communications for dissemination to senior stakeholders and a broad range of stakeholders as required.
- Ability to analyse very complex issues where material is conflicting and drawn from multiple sources.
- Demonstrated capability to act upon incomplete information, using experience to make inferences and decision making.
- Numerate and able to understand complex financial issues combined with deep analytical skills.
- Knowledge of Financial Systems e.g. monitoring budget management, processing invoices and procurement.
- Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly.
- Demonstrated capabilities to manage own workload and make informed decisions in the absence of required information, working to tight and often changing timescales.
Certificate of Sponsorship:
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.
Employer details:
Employer name: NHS Dorset
Address: NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board, NHS Dorset - County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ, United Kingdom
Lead Software Developer in Dorchester employer: National health service
The London Ambulance Service NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises patient safety and service improvement. With a strong commitment to employee development, including leadership training and apprenticeship programmes, staff are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to the health of London. The Trust's inclusive culture and focus on quality management ensure that employees feel valued and supported in their vital roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Developer in Dorchester
✨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 National health service 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 National health service.
✨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 National health service.
✨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 National health service 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 Lead Software Developer in Dorchester
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 National health service.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at National health service 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 National health service
✨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 National health service 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.
