Lead Software Engineer

Lead Software Engineer

Salary: £55000 – £80000

Location: Multiple UK locations (hybrid working)

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: 23:59pm, Wednesday 20 May 2026

Overview of the Lead Software Engineer role

Sellick Partnership is currently supporting a large public sector organisation with the recruitment of a Lead Developer to join their Digital Delivery function. This is a key leadership role, responsible for driving software development and quality assurance capability across a portfolio of digital services. You will lead technical teams, shape development strategy, and play a central role in delivering high-quality, user-focused digital outcomes.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced technical leader looking to influence large-scale digital transformation within a complex, multi-site environment.

Key responsibilities of the Lead Software Engineer will include

· Act as Technical Lead on high-value digital initiatives, driving development standards and continuous improvement

· Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams of developers and QA engineers

· Support team structure, recruitment, development, and performance management

· Define and implement technical development and testing strategies across digital services

· Guide teams through problem solving and technical decision-making based on sound analysis

· Promote best practice across Agile delivery environments, including Scrum methodologies

· Manage and reduce technical debt through continuous improvement approaches

· Collaborate with Delivery Leads to ensure appropriate technical resource planning and capability

· Contribute to wider technical strategy and tooling decisions aligned to organisational needs

Required experience/qualifications of the Lead Software Engineer position will include

· Strong experience with open-source technologies such as TypeScript, JavaScript, Java, PHP, HTML, and CSS

· Proven experience leading technical teams within complex or enterprise-level environments

· Strong understanding of Agile methodologies and value-driven delivery

· Experience with Test-Driven Development (TDD) and quality-focused engineering practices

· Knowledge of data security and best practice in software development

· Experience operating within a public sector or regulated environment is desirable

· Agile certification (or willingness to work towards this)

Benefits available alongside the Lead Software Engineer position include (but aren’t limited to):

· Employer pension contribution of 28.97%

· 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service

· Bank holidays plus additional privilege day

· Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

· Access to employee discount schemes

· Funded professional development and qualifications

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Inclusive working environment with staff networks and communities

Additional information

· Full-time role (37 hours per week), with flexibility for part-time (minimum 30 hours)

· Hybrid working model, with expectation of 60% office-based working

· Multiple UK office locations available

· Occasional travel to other sites may be required

Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role.

How to apply for the Lead Software Engineer position

If you believe you have the required experience and qualifications outlined above, please apply within.

Alternatively, for a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Jake Winship at Sellick Partnership.

Closing date: 23:59pm, Wednesday 20 May 2026.

Synonyms: Senior Developer, Principal Developer, Software Engineering Manager, Technical Lead, Lead Software Engineer, Head of Development, Engineering Lead, Digital Lead, Lead Engineer, Platform Lead, Applications Development Lead