Head of Software Engineering

Head of Software Engineering

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency

Apply before 11:55 pm on Tuesday 7th July 2026

📍

Location:

Swansea, Nottingham, Bristol, Newcastle
-upon-Tyne, Yeading (Hayes), Oldham (Chadderton), Leeds, Birmingham (Garretts Green) (This role is suitable for hybrid working)

💷 Salary: 69,501
Candidates based in Yeading will receive the London Weighting allowance of £4,000
Plus an additional Government Digital and Data Profession allowance (non-pensionable) up to £28,560
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

🕘️ Contract Type:
Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

🏆️ Available Positions: 1

The Head of Software Engineering (Principal Developer) will lead the team of Software Engineers, hold the key responsibility for defining and overseeing the software development ethos within the DVSA, as well as for external partners developing software on our behalf.

Their leadership will establish the benchmarks for excellence, ensuring that all software development activities meet best practice modern software development and adhere to the highest standards of security, usability, statutory compliance, performance, and environmental sustainability. The adoption of the highest standards of security, usability, statutory compliance, performance, and environmental sustainability, that meets best practice modern software development standards and drives the overall effectiveness of our digital solutions.

This is a high-impact role as the software development team play a pivotal role on behalf of the organisation in crafting and enhancing the mission-critical applications necessary for our operations, focusing on creating solutions that are secure by design, reliable, and intuitive for our users. As demands evolve, the role holder will be expected to dynamically scale, incorporating contractors or outsourcing, to boost capacity and address specific project requirements efficiently.

This leadership role requires the post holder to foster the growth of the profession, maintaining a strong focus on user-centred design and alongside this, ensure quality assurance remains a central focus, underpinning the reliability and excellence of all software outputs. They will manage a significant portfolio, refining a comprehensive suite of tools and practices that standardise our software development processes, encouraging innovation and elevating productivity.

Through strategic oversight, the role holder will ensure that our software development practices are not only consistent but also adaptable, paving the way for enhanced outcomes and the efficient achievement of the DVSA’s digital transformation goals.

Top Responsibilities

* Demonstrate leadership by providing influence, direction, and guidance to staff to support the delivery of objectives.

* Provide direction for software development across DVSA developing a diverse, inclusive team bringing together in-house and external experts.

* Ensure the team is motivated, skilled, and equipped to tackle complex software development challenges. By setting clear goals, ongoing mentorship, and professional development, to enhance capabilities and drive superior performance.

* Ensure continuous development of the team, keeping up to date with new technologies and methodologies in software development

* Set the strategic direction of software development, including the adoption of new technologies, methodologies, and best practices in software release processes and use of cloud services.

Benefits

* Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your base salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here

* 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).

* 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.

* Access to the staff discount portal.

* Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.

* 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.

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