Lead Software Engineer

Principal IT; Remote; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing tech company in the UK is seeking a Lead Java Developer to guide teams while staying hands-on with coding. This fully remote role calls for strong leadership and Java expertise, including mentoring senior developers and setting technical standards. You'll have the opportunity to shape the engineering culture and influence technical directions without losing touch with the code. The salary is competitive, ranging from £65,000 to £70,000, based on experience.

Benefits

Fully remote working within the UK

Opportunity to shape engineering culture

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on background in Java development.
• Proven experience leading senior developers.
• Experience working in distributed or remote teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor 5 Lead Developers managing teams of 4 engineers.
• Set technical standards and architectural direction.
• Remain hands-on with Java development and problem-solving.

Skills

Java development

Leadership

Communication skills

Job description

Lead Java Developer

Fully Remote (UK-based) | £65,000 to £70,000

We’re working with a Hull-based technology company that’s scaling its engineering capability and is now looking for an experienced Lead Java Developer to guide both people and platforms.

This is a fully remote role, however candidates must be based in the UK.

The Role

As Lead Java Developer, you’ll sit at the top of a well-structured engineering team. You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading and mentoring 5 Lead Developers, each managing teams of 4 engineers
• Setting technical standards, best practices, and architectural direction across multiple teams
• Remaining hands-on with Java development, contributing to complex codebases and technical problem-solving
• Collaborating with senior stakeholders to align engineering delivery with business goals
• Supporting delivery, performance, and professional development across the engineering function

This is a leadership role with real influence, not a step away from code.

What We’re Looking For

• A strong hands-on background in Java development
• Proven experience leading senior developers or leading leaders
• Comfortable balancing strategic oversight with practical, day-to-day coding
• Experience working in distributed or remote teams
• Strong communication skills and a calm, pragmatic leadership style
• UK-based and eligible to work in the UK

What’s on Offer

• Salary: £65,000 to £70,000, depending on experience
• Fully remote working within the UK
• A senior role with clear ownership and influence
• The opportunity to shape engineering culture and technical direction at scale

If you’re a Java leader who still enjoys getting your hands dirty in the code and wants to lead at scale without losing technical credibility, this is a role worth exploring.