Head of Software Engineering

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP); Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative public service organization is seeking a Head of Role for Software Engineering to lead teams in shaping the future of digital solutions. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence software standards and best practices that impact millions. With a focus on collaboration and community building, you will drive consistency and quality across projects while fostering an environment of professional growth. Enjoy a hybrid working model, generous leave, and a robust benefits package that supports your work-life balance. If you are passionate about technology and leadership, this is your chance to make a real difference.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Civil service pension contributions

Generous leave package

Time off for volunteering

Discounts on shopping

Interest-free loans for commuting

Professional development opportunities

Sports and social activities

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading software product design and development.
• Expert in software craft and engineering leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and set direction for engineering teams and projects.
• Define strategy and standards for the engineering community.

Skills

Software Engineering

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Coaching and Mentoring

Community Building

Job description

Head of Role for Software Engineering

Pay up to £89,995 plus 28.97% employer pension contributions, hybrid working, flexible hours, and great work life balance.

DWP. Digital with Purpose.

We are looking for a Head of Role for Software Engineering to join DWP's Digital Group.

We want an engineering leader who can shape the teams and the technology solutions that will define the future of public services used by millions.

Our DWP Digital teams use fresh ideas and leading-edge tech to build and maintain digital solutions that will be used by nearly every person in the UK, every day and at key moments in their lives.

The scale of what we do is extraordinary, the problems we have to solve are rich and complex, and our purpose is unique. We'd love you to join us.

What skills, knowledge and experience will you need?

• Lead criterion: You are experienced Lead Software Engineer with a significant knowledge of Software Engineering, and you understand the value the role holds within a Digital function.
• You are an advocate of communities of practice – can confidently articulate the value of them, as well as being experienced in building and leading self-sustaining professional communities.
• You have excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills – you can identify and build relationships at all levels and can negotiate and influence at a senior level on issues and the development and enhancement of services, products and systems.
• You demonstrate leadership by creating a culture that stays up to date with emerging trends within the profession and puts them into practice. You can work collaboratively to define and promote a shared understanding of ‘what good looks like’ to drive best practice and consistency across the community.
• You have experience in coaching, mentoring, peer reviews, providing a friendly ear and creating development opportunities.
• You have experience in designing and leading recruitment strategies made up of multiple campaigns, utilising members of the wider community to deliver elements of successful campaigns.

You and your role

As a Head of Role for Software Engineering, you will be an expert in your field and a role model in software craft.

We're looking for people with proven experience leading the design, development, and support of software products.

You'll be an enabler for multiple teams, driving consistency, standards, pace and quality, resolving technical blockers, and promoting re-use and collaboration through the wider community

You'll define the strategy and standards for our Engineering community and lead adoption of the best practice we need to deliver quality software products. You'll also represent DWP and Engineering across the civil service and in the wider tech community.

You'll be capable of stepping in and getting your hands dirty when you need to, but the primary focus of this role will be to lead and set direction for other engineers and teams.

Details. Wages. Perks.

Location: You'll join us in one of our brilliant digital hubs in Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Sheffield, whichever is most convenient for you.

Hybrid working: We have all the tools and tech we need to enable our people to work flexibly. We work a hybrid model – some time in the office and some at home.

Pay: In return for your skills, we offer pay of up to £89,995.

Pension: You'll get a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%, worth up to £22,521 per year.

Holidays: A generous leave package starting at 26 days and rising to 31 days over time.

You can also take up to 3 extra days off a month on flexi-time. You'll also get all the usual public holidays.

We have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:

• An award-winning environment and culture:Employer of the Year 2023(Women In IT Awards),Founders Award for Outstanding Digital Leadership 2023(Digital 100)
• Flexible working including flexible hours and flex-friendly policies
• Time off volunteering and charitable giving
• Bring your authentic self to work with 'I Can Be Me in DWP'
• Discounts and savings on shopping, fun days out and more
• Interest-free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket, so it's even easier for you to get to work and start making a difference
• Sports and social activities
• Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.

Process:

We know your time is valuable, so our application and selection process is just two stages:

1. Apply:complete your application on Civil Service Jobs. There'll be full instructions when you click through.
2. Interview:a single stage interview online.

CLICK APPLYfor more information and to start your application.