At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in delivering innovative digital services and driving software quality.
- Company: Join the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, a key player in government digital transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public service while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Proficient in open-source tech and experienced in Agile methodologies.
The predicted salary is between 57515 - 82430 £ per year.
The successful candidate will lead the Digital Delivery Software Development and Quality Assurance technical capability for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). They will provide technical leadership, direction, and inspiration to their team of software developers and software quality assurance engineers and will be focused on delivering value to the respective digital services. They will assist the principal developer with team organisation, motivation, and assessment. This will include recruitment, development, and performance management of team members.
Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King's birthday.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Act as Technical Lead for high-value initiatives driving development and test standards and continuous improvement through Scrum.
- Use industry best practice and knowledge to make agency policy decisions relating to technical tool selection based on analysis of requirements.
- Create a culture that proactively manages the risks of technical debt by ensuring continual software improvement.
- Lead technical teams in relation to problem solving and technical optioneering, driving and supporting teams to make technical recommendations based on sound analysis and knowledge.
- Work closely with Delivery Leads and Lead Developer management to ensure appropriately skilled technical expertise is in place across Digital Services.
Essential qualifications/licenses:
- Agile certification in either a general or development specific genre, or a willingness to work towards it.
The post holder will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and experience:
- Proficient in Open-source technologies such as TypeScript, JavaScript, Java, PHP, HTML, and CSS within Open-source environments.
- A sound understanding of value-based delivery and planning and ability to drive solutions through the development lifecycle.
- A working understanding of Test-Driven Development (TDD) and quality software development in an enterprise-level environment.
- Experience in Agile methodology as part of technical job families.
- An awareness of Data and Security best practice and how this relates to software development and quality assurance.
- An appreciation of the requirements of software delivery within a government context.
This role is part of the Government Digital and Data profession and utilises an enhanced Capability Based Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance. The base pay is £57,515. In addition to this, the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £24,915.
Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements:
- Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week. There is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 30 hours per week.
- This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.
- Occasional travel to other offices will be required, which may involve overnight stays.
Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department.
- Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
Our selection process ensures a comprehensive assessment of each applicant's qualifications, skills, and potential fit within our organisation.
The selection process for this role will be:
- Stage 1: Sift of CV and personal statement
- Stage 2: Interview & Assessment
At sift, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements:
- Experience - you will be asked to provide a CV and personal statement.
At interview stage, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements:
- Behaviours - Leadership, Developing Self and Others, Technical.
Further information on the selection process will be provided if you are invited to interview.
Senior Tech Lead – Open-Source Delivery & Agile in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Sellick Partnership
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working options, generous annual leave, and a substantial pension contribution, DVSA fosters an environment where team members can thrive while contributing to meaningful public service. Located in various cities across the UK, employees benefit from diverse career development opportunities and a commitment to inclusivity, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in the digital and data sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Tech Lead – Open-Source Delivery & Agile in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who work in open-source or agile environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your technical skills and be ready to discuss your experience with Agile methodologies and open-source technologies. Practice common interview questions and maybe even do a mock interview with a mate.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for continuous improvement! Be ready to share examples of how you've driven software quality and tackled technical debt in past roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to delivering value, which is key for this position.
✨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, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the fantastic benefits we offer.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Tech Lead – Open-Source Delivery & Agile in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Tech Lead. Highlight your experience with open-source technologies and Agile methodologies, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your leadership skills and technical expertise.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Keep it within the 1000-word limit and ensure you address all the essential criteria mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with our needs, so be clear and concise.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical skills! Include relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your proficiency in open-source environments and TDD. This will help us see your fit for the role right away.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sellick Partnership
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of open-source technologies like TypeScript, JavaScript, PHP, and TDD. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past projects and how they relate to the role. This will show that you're not just familiar with the tech but can also lead a team effectively.
✨Showcase Your Agile Experience
Since this role heavily involves Agile methodologies, prepare examples of how you've successfully implemented Agile practices in previous roles. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as well as how you motivated your team during those times.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect a technical assessment during the interview, which may include a coding exercise or presentation. Practice coding problems relevant to the job and be ready to explain your thought process. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the DVSA's mission and how your role as a Senior Tech Lead fits into it. Being able to articulate how your work will contribute to delivering value to digital services will impress the interviewers and show that you're aligned with their goals.
