Digital Java Developer Lead

Lead Java Developer

12 Month Duration

60% on site - Manchester, Leeds or Birmingham

Inside IR35

As a Lead Software Engineer you will be an expert in your field, skilled in multiple disciplines, a role model in software craftsmanship and have proven experience in the design, development and support of software products. Responsible for defining medium to long term strategies for product lines, defining guidelines for the Engineering community and leading their adoption across teams in order to deliver quality software products.You will lead the design of complex software products that make up citizen services in collaboration with Architecture.

Roles and responsibilities

• Champion technical evolution within the organisation, find, test, agree and adopt emerging technologies
• Champion the latest Software Engineer best practices, principles and processes
• Manage and mitigate risks through effective planning
• Design and lead the strategies for building reusable libraries and services
• Prevent and diagnose infrastructure issues. Ensure all requests for support are dealt with according to set standards and procedures
• Provide 3rd line support on products developed, including out of hours support as and when required
• Collaborate with large teams of Software Engineers and key technical decision makers to define the strategic vision for our products
• Lead the Software Engineering community to deliver the strategic vision
• Develop our Software Engineering capability by rewarding high performers, shaping career paths and recruiting talent to the organisation
• Collaborate with the Principal Software Engineering community to ensure usability, accessibility, security, stability and capacity are embedded in the development of our citizen services
• Identify skills gaps and key dependencies within our product teams.

Core Fundamental Criteria

Advises and sets local or team-based standards, tool and techniques and how to apply standards and methods, ensuring compliance, and maintains technical responsibility for all the stages and iterations of a project. Selects appropriate development methods. Provides technical advice and guidance to stakeholders.

Gives direction on which tools or methods are to be used. Able to bring insight and expertise to how user needs have changed over time and ensure these are met across a variety of channels. Applies strategic thinking in how to provide the best service for the end user. Considers the political strategy and implications of any analyses and insights. Able to bring insight and expertise in how user needs have changed over time to ensure these are met by the business.

Strong understanding and application of the most appropriate modern standards and practices. Takes responsibility for coaching and guiding others.

Develop and maintain an understanding of economic, social, political, environmental and technological developments to ensure activity is relevant. Ensure plans and activities in your area of work reflect wider strategic priorities and communicate effectively with senior leaders to influence future strategies. Adopt a government-wide perspective to ensure alignment of activity and policy. Bring together views, perspectives and diverse needs of stakeholders to gain a broader understanding of the issues surrounding policies and activities.

Demonstrate positive customer service by understanding the complexity and diversity of customer needs and expectations. Deliver a high quality, efficient and cost effective service by considering a broad range of methods for delivery. Ensure full consideration of new technologies, accessibility and costings. Make clear, practical and manageable plans for service delivery. Ensure adherence to legal, regulatory and security requirements in service delivery. Proactively manage risks and identify solutions. Establish how the business area compares to industry best practice. Create regular opportunities for colleagues, stakeholders, delivery partners and customers to help improve the quality of service.

Encourage, recognise and share innovative ideas from a diverse range of colleagues and stakeholders. Give people space to take initiative and praise them for their creativity. Create an environment where people feel safe to challenge and know their voice will be heard. Make changes which add value and clearly articulate how changes will benefit the business. Understand and identify the role of technology in public service delivery and policy implementation. Consider the full impact of implementing changes on culture, structure, morale and the impacts on the diverse range of end users, including accessibility needs. Identify early signs that things are going wrong and respond promptly. Provide constructive challenge to senior management on change proposals.

Designs systems characterised by high levels of risk, impact and business or technical complexity. Controls system design practice within an enterprise or industry architecture. Influences industry based models for the development of new technology applications. Develops effective implementation and procurement strategies, consistent with business needs. Ensures adherence to relevant technical strategies, policies, standards and practices.

Establishes standards and procedures across a service lifecycle including the development lifecycle and ensures that practitioners adhere to this. Manages resources to ensure that the systems integration function works effectively.