Lead Software Developer

Brook Street; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 71,635,000 - 79,901,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Ireland Assembly in Belfast is seeking a Lead Software Developer to own a portfolio of critical applications and lead a team of developers in a fast-paced environment. You'll work with Microsoft technologies including C# .NET, ASP.NET, Visual Studio, SQL Server, and Azure DevOps, combining hands-on coding with people leadership to deliver high-quality software from concept through deployment.

This role offers scope to influence technical strategy, security, and performance for

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree (or higher) in Computing, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related IT discipline.
• At least 1 years’ experience leading and managing an application development team.
• At least 2 years' experience in: Application development using C# .NET, ASP.NET, and Visual Studio; Agile development using Azure DevOps; Database design and development using Microsoft SQL Server.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of software professionals.
• Drive Agile software delivery using Azure DevOps.
• Work closely with stakeholders to shape business-critical solutions.
• Lead the design, development, testing, and deployment of bespoke applications.
• Ensure solutions are secure, scalable, and aligned with best practice.
• Provide technical leadership across software development, databases, cloud technologies, and application support.
• Influence technical strategy and project delivery across the organisation.
• Lead development using Microsoft technologies including C# .NET, ASP.NET, and Visual Studio.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Agile

Communication

Team coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computing/CS

HND/Foundation Degree in Computing

Tools

Azure DevOps

Visual Studio

Microsoft SQL Server

Microsoft Azure

SharePoint Online

Job description

Lead Software Developer (BBBH445391) Belfast, Northern Ireland

Lead Software Developer– Northern Ireland Assembly
Location:Stormont Buildings, East Belfast
Pay Rate:£28.32 per hour (weekly pay)

Are you an experienced software developer with a passion for leadership, modern technologies, and delivering impactful solutions?

We're seeking a talented Lead Software Developer to take ownership of a portfolio of bespoke, business-critical applications while leading and inspiring a team of developers in a fast-paced environment.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping digital services that support essential organisational operations and strategic objectives.

Working with the latest Microsoft technologies, Azure DevOps, and cloud-based services, you'll combine hands‑on technical expertise with people leadership to deliver high-quality software solutions from concept through to deployment.

The Opportunity

As Lead Software Developer, you'll:

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of software professionals
• Drive Agile software delivery using Azure DevOps
• Work closely with stakeholders to shape business‑critical solutions
• Lead the design, development, testing, and deployment of bespoke applications
• Ensure solutions are secure, scalable, and aligned with best practice
• Provide technical expertise across software development, databases, cloud technologies, and application support
• Influence technical strategy and project delivery across the organisation

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and motivate a team of software developers, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance to support professional development.
• Promote Agile methodologies and development best practices across the team.
• Support resource planning, prioritisation, and delivery of development projects.

Software Development & Delivery

• Work with stakeholders to gather requirements and translate business needs into technical solutions.
• Lead the analysis, design, development, testing, and implementation of software applications.
• Manage feature delivery through Agile sprints using Azure DevOps.
• Oversee code quality, testing, documentation, and version control standards.
• Manage build and release processes through Azure DevOps Pipelines.
• Ensure applications meet security, performance, and reliability requirements.

Technical Expertise

• Lead development using Microsoft technologies including C# .NET, ASP.NET, and Visual Studio.
• Oversee database design and implementation using Microsoft SQL Server.
• Support cloud‑based technologies including Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint Online.
• Provide technical leadership on systems integration, software architecture, and emerging technologies.

What You'll Bring

Option 1

• A Bachelor's Degree (or higher) in Computing, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related IT discipline.

AND

• At least 1 years’ experience leading and managing an application development team.

AND

• At least 2 years' experience in:
  • Application development using C# .NET, ASP.NET, and Visual Studio (or equivalent technologies)
  • Agile development using Azure DevOps
  • Database design and development using Microsoft SQL Server

OR

Option 2

• An HND or Foundation Degree in Computing or a related IT discipline.

AND

• At least 1 years’ experience leading and managing an application development team.

AND

• At least 3 years' experience in:
  • Application development using C# .NET, ASP.NET, and Visual Studio (or equivalent technologies)
  • Agile development using Azure DevOps
  • Database design and development using Microsoft SQL Server

Why Join?

This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a senior technical leadership role where you'll have the autonomy to influence development practices, mentor talented professionals, and deliver innovative solutions that genuinely matter.

If you're passionate about technology, enjoy leading teams, and want to help shape the future of mission‑critical digital services, we'd love to hear from you.