Lead Software Engineer

Gravitas Recruitment Group (Global) Ltd; Leeds; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-growth technology-driven organization in Leeds seeks a Lead Software Engineer to shape an in-house engineering function. You'll design and build scalable applications while leading the transition from outsourced to in-house delivery. This role offers a strategic opportunity to work on modern platforms, focusing on product innovation rather than maintenance. Ideal candidates have strong experience with Microsoft Azure and Agile practices, coupled with a passion for driving meaningful transformation in technology.

Qualifications

• Solid depth in core areas like SQL Server and Azure.
• Experience with Agile methodologies and CI/CD practices.
• Ability to design and build scalable applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and build of modern, scalable applications.
• Establish engineering best practices across the development lifecycle.
• Engage with stakeholders to translate business needs into technical solutions.

Skills

Microsoft Azure

SQL Server

Agile Scrum

CI/CD

Automated testing

Tools

Azure DevOps

Modern front-end frameworks

Job description

Lead Software Engineer – Build a New In‑House Engineering Function

I’m partnering with a high‑growth, technology‑driven organisation that’s embarking on a major shift in how it builds and delivers its digital products.

Historically reliant on third‑party solutions, the business is now investing in its own in‑house engineering capability, and they’re looking for a Lead Software Engineer to help define and build this function from scratch.

You’ll work closely with the Technology Director and CIO, acting as the technical lead for a wide range of applications while remaining hands‑on with design and development.

Why this role stands out

• A genuine greenfield opportunity: Rather than inheriting legacy systems and rigid processes, you'll help design the architecture, tech stack, development approach and engineering standards from day one.
• A business in transformation: The company is evolving, with technology becoming a core differentiator in its market.
• Own the move from outsourced to in‑house delivery: Lead the transition away from third‑party providers to internally‑built products where the business owns its IP and roadmap.
• Strategic, high‑impact work: The majority of your time will be spent driving new product development and modernising platforms - not firefighting BAU tickets.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the design and build of modern, scalable applications on a Microsoft Azure stack.
• Establishing engineering best practices across architecture, coding standards, CI/CD and testing.
• Delivering key initiatives such as:
• Customer‑facing and internal applications
• Self‑service onboarding and account‑management tools
• Replacement of the existing core platform using an API/Fabric integration layer
• Engaging with stakeholders to translate business requirements into well‑architected technical solutions.

Tech environment

You don’t need experience with everything below, but solid depth in the core areas is essential:

• Data: SQL Server (other RDBMS experience welcome)
• Delivery: Agile Scrum, CI/CD (Azure DevOps), automated testing

Nice to have:

• Experience with modern front‑end frameworks
• Exposure to Microsoft Fabric or similar data platforms

Who this suits

• A hands‑on senior/lead engineer who enjoys designing, building and owning technical solutions.
• Someone who thrives with autonomy
• A pragmatic, collaborative technical leader who can mentor others, manage suppliers, but enjoys hands‑on development
• Someone excited by meaningful transformation

This could be ideal for:

• An existing Lead seeking more strategic and architectural responsibility, or
• A strong Senior Engineer ready to step up with the support of an experienced Head of Technology & Data.
• Base: Hybrid in Leeds, typically 2 days per week on‑site, with flexibility

If you’re interested in shaping an engineering function from the ground up and influencing how this business delivers its next generation of products, please apply today and I’d be happy to share more details and discuss the role in confidence.