Lead Developer

Ad Warrior; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization is seeking a Lead Developer to drive software development while leading a technical team. The ideal candidate will have proficiency in open-source technologies and experience with Agile methodologies. This role includes great benefits such as a substantial pension contribution, generous annual leave, and flexible working options for a healthy work-life balance.

Benefits

Employer pension contribution of 28.97%

25 days annual leave plus extra days for service

Flexible working options

24-hour Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Proficient in multiple open-source technologies.
• Solid understanding of the software development lifecycle.
• Experience leading technical teams and managing resources.

Responsibilities

• Act as Technical Lead driving development and test standards.
• Manage technical debt and ensure continual improvement.
• Collaborate with Delivery Leads to ensure skilled expertise.

Skills

Open-source technologies (TypeScript, JavaScript, Java, PHP, HTML, CSS)

Agile methodology

Test-Driven Development (TDD)

Data and Security best practices

Value-based delivery

Education

Agile certification or willingness to obtain

Job description

Lead Developer

Location: Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Nottingham, Oldham, Swansea

Salary: Up to £80,400 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 5 th October 2025

This will be a key role in the design, build, support, implementation, bug fixing and improvement of existing and new digital services across the organisation.

You will work within a multi-disciplinary team using Agile delivery methodologies where you will be responsible for the development and delivery of well-designed and executed software, as a programmer who is able to adapt to multiple technologies, manage more junior colleagues and produce clean well tested code, contributing to delivering solutions that meet user needs.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

You will:

• 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, owning a resource requirement pipeline against skillset is managed.

Great line management is important to them as an organisation, and they will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. They aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.

Person specification

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.

Benefits

Being part of the brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:

• 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).
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King's birthday.
• 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, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
• Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all colleagues.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
• Flexible working options where they encourage a great work-life balance.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable organisation, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.