Lead Software Engineer; Python, Django

Job Title: Senior/Lead Software Engineer (Python, Django)

Location: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, North East, UK

Job Type: Full-time contract, 12 months

Work Model: Hybrid

This role is responsible for the design, development, delivery, and ongoing improvement of software solutions within a secure, government-focused environment. The successful candidate will contribute to building resilient, scalable, and user-centred services, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards relating to controlled goods and exports. The position requires strong technical leadership, collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, and ownership of both development and live service performance.

• Lead the design and delivery of scalable software solutions
• Translate user needs into technical outcomes
• Build secure, test-driven, high-quality code
• Support and maintain live services (performance & stability)
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (BA, UCD, Developers)
• Oversee development across multiple work streams
• Drive continuous improvement of systems and processes
• Ensure integration across complex systems

Primary Stack:
Python, Django
Backend-focused with full-stack awareness
Multiple user journeys (~27 Front End journeys)
Government Digital Service (GDS) aligned delivery

Agile delivery model
Daily stand-ups (~10am)
Ticket-based workflow
Collaborative problem-solving

Focus on:

• Clean code
• Engineering standards
• Testing & documentation

Essential:

• Strong Python and Django experience
• System design and architecture capability
• Proven system design capability (end-to-end)
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Experience working in agile, multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to contribute to secure, structured environments
• Minimum 5+ years' experience (ideally 8-10 years)

Desirable:

• Experience with GDS standards
• Public sector or defence-related experience
• Exposure to secure or regulated environments