Lead Software Engineer

Lead Software Engineer London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff or Northeast (Darlington)

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Lead Software Engineer for a leading public sector organisation to support the design, development, and continuous improvement of secure, user-centred digital services.

Working within a large-scale Agile environment, you will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining scalable software solutions using Python and Django, while providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior engineer to take ownership of complex systems, contribute to end-to-end architecture and delivery, and play a key role in ensuring the performance, resilience, and ongoing evolution of critical services within a highly regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design and delivery of scalable, secure software solutions

Translate user requirements into high-quality technical implementations

Develop and maintain test-driven, production-ready code

Support live services, ensuring performance, resilience, and stability

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including BAs, UCD specialists, and engineers

Oversee development across multiple Agile workstreams

Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes, and engineering practices

Ensure effective integration across complex, interconnected systems

Skills and Experience Essential

Strong hands-on experience with Python and Django

Proven capability in end-to-end system design and architecture

Strong experience working in Agile, multidisciplinary teams

Ability to lead technical delivery within complex environments

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

5+ years’ experience in software engineering

Top 3 Evaluation Criteria

Python & Django expertise

System design and architecture capability

Collaboration and leadership within Agile teams

Desirable

Background in public sector or regulated environments

Package details: Contract 12-month contract Hybrid (2 days per week onsite) Up to £750 PD (Inside IR35)

SC clearance is essential