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
Summary:
This role is responsible for the design, development, delivery, and ongoing improvement of soft-ware 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.
Key Responsibilities:
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 workstreams
Drive continuous improvement of systems and processes
Ensure integration across complex systems
Technical Environment:
Primary Stack: Python, Django
Backend-focused with full-stack awareness
Multiple user journeys (~27 Front End journeys)
Government Digital Service (GDS) aligned delivery
Ways of Working:
Agile delivery model
Daily stand-ups (~10am)
Ticket-based workflow
Collaborative problem-solving
Focus on:
o Clean code
o Engineering standards
o Testing & documentation
Key Requirements:
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