Head of Software Engineering

Head of Software Engineering

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency

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 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

• 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.

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your base salary.
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days).
• 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.

• Strong strategic leadership experience within software development, with the ability to define and implement organisational software development strategies that support the delivery of reliable, secure and user‑focused digital services.
• Demonstrable experience of having developed and built software at enterprise scale and been in a senior technical position with exposure to the full software development lifecycle.
• A strong technical understanding of software delivery practices, tooling and engineering approaches, combined with the ability to guide teams in adopting scalable and sustainable software development.
• Proven ability to lead, influence and develop professional capability across teams, fostering a collaborative and quality‑focused culture.
• Experience of working with senior stakeholders, delivery teams and cross‑functional leaders, providing strategic advice and driving continuous improvement in quality practices.
• Strong communication, leadership and decision‑making skills, with the ability to represent the organisation, provide expert advice and respond effectively to emerging risks, operational challenges and evolving technology landscapes.

Government Digital and Data Allowance

The role is part of the Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession and utilises an enhanced Capability‑Based Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance. The base pay is £69,501. In addition to this the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £28,560.