Lead Software Engineer

2 day PW in either, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff or Northeast (Darlington)

We are seeking an experienced Lead Software Engineer with strong capabilities in Python / Django for a leading public sector organization to support the design, development, and continuous improvement of secure, user‑centred digital services offering a 12 month contract paying up to £750 PD Inside IR 35 on a hybrid basis located in either, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff or Northeast (Darlington).

Working within a large‑scale Agile environment, you will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining scalable software solutions using Python and Django, while providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior engineer to take ownership of complex systems, contribute to end‑to‑end architecture and delivery, and play a key role in ensuring the performance, resilience, and ongoing evolution of critical services within a highly regulated environment.

• Lead the design and delivery of scalable, secure software solutions
• Translate user requirements into high-quality technical implementations
• Develop and maintain test‑driven, production‑ready code
• Support live services, ensuring performance, resilience, and stability
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including BAs, UCD specialists, and engineers
• Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes, and engineering practices
• Ensure effective integration across complex, interconnected systems
• Strong hands‑on experience with Python and Django
• Proven capability in end‑to‑end system design and architecture
• Strong experience working in Agile, multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to lead technical delivery within complex environments
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• 5+ years’ experience in software engineering

• System design and architecture capability
• Collaboration and leadership within Agile teams
• Background in public sector or regulated environments