Lead Software Developer

About the Company

Government Digital & Data is a leading organization dedicated to transforming public sector services through innovative digital solutions. Committed to enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accessibility, the company leverages cutting-edge technologies and agile methodologies to deliver high-quality digital services to citizens and government stakeholders. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and professional development, Government Digital & Data fosters a collaborative environment where creativity and technical excellence are valued. The organization operates at the forefront of digital transformation within the public sector, ensuring that government services are modern, secure, and user-centric.

About the Role

We are seeking a talented and experienced Lead Software Developer to join our dynamic team at Government Digital & Data. In this pivotal role, you will manage and lead a Scrum team of approximately eight developers with diverse experience levels. Your primary responsibility will be to provide technical leadership, mentorship, and coaching, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, maintainable, and efficient digital services that are central to our organizational goals. This role offers an exciting opportunity to influence the technical direction of our projects, promote best practices, and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Java development using Spring Boot, with a keen interest in expanding their expertise across multiple technologies including TypeScript, Node.js, Express, and cloud environments such as AWS. You will work closely with product owners, architects, and platform teams to ensure seamless integration and delivery of services, adhering to security standards and industry best practices. As a Lead Developer, you will be instrumental in shaping our technical standards, supporting team growth, and advocating for the adoption of emerging tools and methodologies.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Java development, particularly with Spring Boot within enterprise or microservice architectures.
• Experience leading a Scrum team, with a strong understanding of agile methodologies and practices.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of translating complex technical concepts into clear, understandable language for diverse audiences.
• Practical knowledge of full-stack web technologies, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with SQL and NoSQL databases, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB.
• Familiarity with industry-standard software development practices like TDD, BDD, pair programming, version control, and branching strategies.
• Experience with Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
• Understanding of software design patterns and secure application development in cloud environments.
• Knowledge of AWS, Docker, Terraform, and related DevOps tools.
• Bonus: Experience with TypeScript, Express, and Node.js.
• Security clearance or eligibility to obtain SC clearance is essential, along with UK residency for at least three of the last five years.

Responsibilities

• Providing technical guidance and leadership to your Scrum team, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Mentoring team members to enhance their technical capabilities and ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions.
• Promoting and leading the adoption of developer AI tooling and modern development practices within the team.
• Taking ownership of release increments for services, ensuring timely and secure deployment.
• Facilitating effective communication between product owners and developers to align project goals and deliverables.
• Defining, implementing, and maintaining technical standards and best practices across projects.
• Ensuring services are secure, up-to-date, and compliant with security policies by addressing vulnerabilities promptly.
• Encouraging and supporting the team to maximize automated testing coverage to improve software quality.
• Collaborating with architects and platform teams to design solutions, manage pipelines, and optimize deployment processes using tools like Concourse CI, SonarQube, AWS, Terraform, and Docker containers.
• Sharing knowledge and expertise within the software development community to foster continuous learning and innovation.
• Actively participating in professional development initiatives, including training, conferences, and community practices to stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements with no core hours.
• 30 days of annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and an additional privilege day.
• Enrollment in the Civil Service Pension scheme, with an average contribution rate of 28%.
• Promotion of a healthy work-life balance and a proactive approach to wellbeing.
• Access to online learning platforms, instructor-led training, industry conferences, and a vibrant community of practice.