Lead Developer

NHS ENGLAND; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization is seeking an experienced Lead Developer to oversee the development team in creating high-quality software solutions. The ideal candidate will possess strong Java skills and have a background in agile methodologies and open source technologies. This role is crucial for delivering effective digital/web services that support NHS operations. Candidates will have the flexibility to work from any NHS office across the UK. Excellent communication and leadership skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experienced software developer with proficiency in Java.
• Strong understanding of agile development practices.
• Ability to manage and support staff in an agile environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and technical oversight for the development team.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality software products and services.
• Communicate effectively with users and stakeholders.

Skills

Java

Agile methodologies

Digital/web services

Open source technologies

Cloud technologies

Excellent communication

Tools

Development tools

Job description

The Trainee Information Systems (TIS) Programme supports and develops a range of products and services that help users manage the administration of NHS trainees and learners who are supported by NHS England, such as postgraduate doctors in training, often called junior doctors. In addition to being an experienced and proficient Java software developer, the Lead Developer will provide a leadership role for a group of developers in the team and act as the technical lead, ensuring that there is a continuous focus on the delivery of high quality and innovative products and services, alongside a high level of productivity and alignment with the end user's expectations.

We are looking for an experienced software developer familiar with a range of digital/web services and solutions, ideally where open source and cloud technologies have applied agile development methods. They will work independently and in the team, with a high degree of proactivity and adaptability to changing circumstances and demands. The post holder will be an excellent communicator and an experienced developer who has managed and supported staff within an agile environment focused on delivery. They will be confident in working with users and using a variety of development tools and techniques and be committed to quality and continuous improvement.

TIS is a national team and although we have two "hubs" in London and Manchester, you can base yourself from any NHS England office across the country subject to approval. Our work supports the NHS to deliver high quality services for patients and best value for taxpayers. Our staff bring expertise across hundreds of specialisms – including clinical, operational, commissioning, technology, data science, cyber security, software engineering, education, and commercial – enabling us to design and deliver high‑quality NHS services.

We lead the NHS in England by:

• Enabling local systems and providers to improve the health of their people and patients and reduce health inequalities
• Making the NHS a great place to work, where our people can make a difference and achieve their potential
• Working collaboratively to ensure our healthcare workforce has the right knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to deliver accessible, compassionate care
• Optimising the use of digital technology, research, and innovation
• Delivering value for money

Earlier this year, the Government announced that NHS England will gradually merge with the Department of Health and Social Care, leading to full integration. The aim is to create a smaller, more strategic centre that reduces duplication and eliminates waste. If successful at interview, we will initiate an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) via the Electronic Staff Record (ESR). This retrieves key data from your current or previous NHS employer to support onboarding, including competency status, Continuous Service Dates (CSD), and annual leave entitlement. You may opt out at any stage of the recruitment process.