Lead Software Developer - DESNZ - G7

Manchester Digital; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A government digital services provider is seeking a Lead Software Developer in Manchester. This role focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining digital workplace technologies within Microsoft environments. Candidates should have extensive experience in data governance and proficiency in C#, PowerShell, and automation tools. The position offers a hybrid working model with a commitment to user-focused design and collaboration.

Benefits

Flexible working options

World-class pension

Commitment to learning and development

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Microsoft 365 environments.
• Experience with SharePoint Framework and PowerShell.
• Proficient in programming languages such as C#, PowerShell or Python.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of automation solutions.
• Oversee development of workflows using Power Platform.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements.

Skills

Data governance

Automation

C#

PowerShell

Python

Power BI

Power Platform

Collaboration

Mentorship

Tools

Azure DevOps

GitHub Actions

Microsoft Graph

Microsoft Purview

Job description

Join ICｓ Digital, where innovation meets expertise to create digital solutions. We are a cohesive digital community who work in the open, solving problems together and fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration. Our commitment to user‑focused design and data‑driven decision‑making ensures that we deliver accessible services tailored to the needs of our customers. As Lead Software Developer, you will be responsible for the design, configuration, development and maintenance of digital workplace technologies within ICｓ. You will lead technical projects and collaborate closely with stakeholders to deliver high‑quality, scalable, and efficient solutions that meet the needs of our customers in the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT). With a hybrid working environment and offices across the UK, our multi‑disciplinary team focuses on solutions to improve productivity, collaboration and compliance for the organisations we support. You will be working with a primarily Microsoft‑based technology stack, including cloud technologies such as PowerBI, PowerPlatform, Microsoft Purview, SharePoint Advanced Management, M365 Co‑Pilot, and Microsoft Graph. You will work alongside Civil Servants and Contractors in a multidisciplinary team which embraces agile ways of working. This environment offers the opportunity to apply and expand your technical expertise while contributing to the delivery of robust, secure, and innovative digital services.

Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design and implementation of automation and AI‑driven solutions to enhance content classification, discovery, and management within Microsoft 365, enabling smarter and more efficient handling of digital assets.
• Oversee the development of workflows, forms, and automation using Power Platform (Power Automate, Power Apps).
• Monitor the Microsoft roadmap for the latest features and relevant releases.
• Own technical planning and delivery, ensuring alignment with architectural standards and coding best practices.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and technical teams to gather requirements, translate them into specifications, high‑level and low‑level designs, and provide strategic guidance throughout the development lifecycle.
• Oversee data modelling, migration, and integration, ensuring seamless interoperability between systems and services.
• Mentor developers and conduct code reviews, promoting technical excellence, continuous learning and collaborative problem solving.
• Resolve complex technical issues and support robust deployment.
• Monitor live service and ensure system reliability, performance and maintainability.

The above responsibilities are not exhaustive, and the post holders may be required to undertake some additional tasks not listed above, within the remit of their grade, to support the team. As a line manager, you will be responsible for working with your members of staff to define their objectives, as well as managing their development and performance.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in data governance, migration and integration within Microsoft 365 environments.
• Experience with SharePoint Framework (SPFx), PowerShell, Power Platform and PnP provisioning.
• Advanced software development capabilities, with proficiency in programming languages such as C#, PowerShell or Python.
• Proven track record in developing reusable components and APIs to enable scalable service integration across Microsoft cloud and enterprise platforms.
• Expertise in utilising Microsoft Power BI and PowerApps for business intelligence and process automation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical planning and delivery while maintaining adherence to architectural standards and coding best practices.
• Strong collaboration skills with stakeholders and technical teams to define requirements and deliver solutions aligned with business objectives.
• Experience mentoring developers, performing code reviews and fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence.
• Practical expertise in deployment pipelines, including Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions or similar tools, to automate build, test and release processes.

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of Microsoft Purview for data governance and compliance.
• Familiarity with SharePoint administration, SharePoint Advanced Management and 365 Archive.
• Hands‑on experience with Microsoft Co‑pilot configuration and integration.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Graph for advanced integrations and automation.
• Understanding of accessibility standards (such as WCAG 2.2 AA) and government digital service delivery best practices.

The Integrated Corporate Services (ICS) is a new shared corporate service, launched in July 2023. It provides corporate services (HR, Finance, Digital, Commercial, Security and Estates) across the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT).

Our team of just over 300 professionals will be leading the way in how these functions will be delivered in the future. Our ambition is to be the leading provider of integrated corporate services for government and set the standard for quality, efficiency and innovation in our field. We offer great working benefits including a world‑class pension, flexible working options and a career where your learning and development is taken seriously. We are enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below. The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.