Lead Software Developer

Amber Labs; Remote; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A cutting-edge digital consultancy in the UK is seeking a Lead Software Developer for a 12-month fixed-term contract. This fully remote position involves leading a development team and delivering complex central government digital services. The ideal candidate will have hands-on Node.js experience and a strong understanding of modern engineering practices. The role offers opportunities to work on impactful public-sector projects, along with a supportive environment focused on innovation and growth.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance (Aviva)

Company Pension Plan (Nest)

25 days annual leave + UK bank holidays

Perkbox – global employee rewards and wellbeing platform

Generous employee referral scheme

Qualifications

• Strong, hands-on Node.js coding experience.
• Proven experience working on central government digital projects.
• Demonstrable experience leading or mentoring development teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of software developers.
• Maintain a hands-on approach to software development, primarily using Node.js.
• Contribute to architecture, design decisions, and technical planning.

Skills

Node.js coding

Experience in central government digital projects

Leading or mentoring development teams

Understanding of CI/CD, automated testing, APIs, cloud-native development

Agile methodologies

Tools

AWS

Job description

Lead Software Developer – 12-Month FTC

Location: Remote (UK-based)

Type: 12-Month Fixed Term Contract (FTC)

Clearance Requirement: BPSS eligibility essential (we cannot sponsor)

About Amber Labs

Amber Labs is a cutting-edge digital consultancy specialising in data, cloud, and software engineering solutions for high-impact projects. We partner with organisations to deliver secure, modern, and user-centred digital services. Our culture is collaborative, innovative, and focused on technical excellence.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Lead Software Developer for a 12-month fixed-term contract, working fully remote. This is a hands‑on role that also requires strong leadership capabilities to guide a development team delivering complex central‑government digital services.

The ideal candidate will have solid central government project experience, extensive Node.js coding expertise, and a proven ability to lead, mentor, and influence technical teams while remaining actively involved in day‑to‑day development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of software developers, ensuring high‑quality delivery and adherence to engineering best practices.
• Maintain a hands‑on approach to software development, primarily using Node.js.
• Contribute to architecture, design decisions, and technical planning, ensuring alignment with client needs and modern engineering standards.
• Work closely with product owners, architects, and central government stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with GDS (Government Digital Service) standards, including security, performance, and accessibility.
• Participate in sprint ceremonies, estimations, and Agile delivery processes.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, technical excellence, and knowledge sharing.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong, hands‑on Node.js coding experience.
• Proven experience working on central government digital projects.
• Demonstrable experience leading or mentoring development teams.
• Eligible for BPSS clearance.
• Strong understanding of modern software engineering practices: CI/CD, automated testing, APIs, cloud‑native development.
• Comfortable working within Agile, multi-disciplinary teams.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS preferred).
• Knowledge of microservice architectures.
• Understanding of GDS service standards and GOV.UK design patterns.
• Experience working within consultancy or client‑facing environments.

What We Offer

• Fully remote working.
• Opportunities to work on meaningful public‑sector and government services.
• A supportive environment that values innovation, professional growth, and modern engineering practices.

Why Amber Labs?

At Amber Labs, we pride ourselves on a culture of learning, innovation, and collaboration. You’ll join a diverse, supportive team delivering meaningful outcomes across UK Government digital transformation programmes.

Apply now and become part of Amber Labs’ growing engineering community.

Why Join Us?

• Join a fast‑growing consultancy delivering high-impact public‑sector technology.
• Develop skills across cloud engineering, secure development, automation, and large-scale transformations.
• Private Medical Insurance (Aviva).
• Company Pension Plan (Nest).
• 25 days annual leave + UK bank holidays.
• Perkbox – global employee rewards and wellbeing platform.
• Generous employee referral scheme.
• Supportive, inclusive environment encouraging innovation and growth.
• Choose your preferred working device – Mac or PC.

Diversity & Inclusion at Amber Labs

At Amber Labs, diversity fuels innovation. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and respected.

We

• Welcome a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Promote equality and inclusion across all teams.
• Maintain a workplace free from discrimination, bullying, and harassment.

Important Information

• We cannot accept applications from candidates requiring visa sponsorship.
• BPSS eligibility is required before starting.
• Applicants must be based in the UK and able to travel occasionally to Manchester.

What Happens Next?

After reviewing your application, our Talent Acquisition team will be in touch to outline next steps. The process typically includes two interview stages, with a possible third involving our company Partners if required.