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 regu-latory 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