Lead Developer (59,816 - 82,430)

The successful candidate will lead the Digital Delivery Software Development and Quality Assurance technical capability for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

They will provide technical leadership, direction, and inspiration to their team of software developers and software quality assurance engineers and will be focused on delivering value to the respective digital services.

They will assist the principal developer with team organisation, motivation, and assessment. This will include recruitment, development, and performance management of team members.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here

• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the Kings birthday

• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it's like working at Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency - Department for Transport Careers

As part of the technical steering team the role holder will also manage the definition and implementation of departmental technical development and test strategy to drive Digital plans across all DVSA customer facing services.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Act as Technical Lead for high-value initiatives driving development and test standards and continuous improvement through Scrum.

• Use industry best practice and knowledge to make agency policy decisions relating to technical tool selection based on analysis of requirements.

• Create a culture that proactively manages the risks of technical debt by ensuring continual software improvement.

• Lead technical teams in relation to problem solving and technical optioneering, driving and supporting teams to make technical recommendations based on sound analysis and knowledge.

• Work closely with Delivery Leads and Lead Developer management to ensure appropriately skilled technical expertise is in place across Digital Services, owning a resource requirement pipeline against skillset is managed.

Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.

For further information on the role, please read the attached role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Qualifications

Agile certification in either a general or development specific genre, or a willingness to work towards it.

The post holder will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and experience:

• Proficient in Open-source technologies such as TypeScript, JavaScript, Java, PHP, HTML, and CSS within Open-source environments.

• A sound understanding of value-based delivery and planning and ability to drive solutions through the development lifecycle.

• A working understanding of Test-Driven Development (TDD) and quality software development in an enterprise-level environment.

• Experience in Agile methodology as part of technical job families.

• An awareness of Data and Security best practice and how this relates to software development and quality assurance.
• An appreciation of the requirements of software delivery within a government context.

The role is part of the Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession and utilises an enhanced CapabilityBased Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance. 

The base pay is 59,816. In addition to this the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to 22,614 . 

The value of allowance awarded will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated through the selection process. Here are more details on the pay framework. 

Additional Information

Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements

Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week.

Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 30 hours per week. 

Occasional travel to other offices will be required, which may involve overnight stays. 

This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.

The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation. 

If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details).

Please note that we do not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Licence sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate rights to work in the UK before application.