Lead Software Engineer (Python / Django)

12-Month Contract | Inside IR35

We are looking for experienced Lead Software Engineers to play a key role in designing, developing, and improving secure, scalable digital services that support critical government functions.

Location
Hybrid working - 40% office-based (approximately 2 days per week) in one of the following locations:

• London
• Manchester
• Birmingham
• Cardiff
• Darlington

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of scalable software solutions
• Translate user and business requirements into technical solutions
• Develop secure, high-quality, test-driven code
• Support and maintain live services, ensuring performance and reliability
• Collaborate closely with Business Analysts, Designers, User Researchers, and Developers
• Provide technical leadership across multiple workstreams
• Drive continuous improvement of engineering practices and processes
• Ensure successful integration across complex systems

Technical Environment

• Python
• Django
• Agile delivery environment
• Government Digital Service (GDS) aligned development

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong commercial experience with Python and Django
• Proven system design and architecture experience
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience working within Agile, multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to operate effectively in secure, structured environments
• Typically 5+ years' experience, ideally 8-10 years

Team Structure
You'll join a multidisciplinary team of approximately 27 people, working across four Agile squads consisting of Senior Developers, Business Analysts, and User-Centred Design specialists.