Lead Software Engineer

Lead Full Stack Developer (Python)

Leeds | Hybrid Working | Up to £650 per day

We are seeking an experienced Lead Full Stack Developer to join a major digital transformation programme. This is a hybrid role based in Leeds, requiring a technically strong software engineer who can combine hands-on development with team leadership.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering secure, scalable, and high-performing applications while leading and mentoring developers within an Agile delivery environment. Working closely with product, delivery, architecture, and data teams, you will contribute to the successful delivery of critical digital services.

The Role

As a Lead Full Stack Developer, you will be responsible for the design, development, enhancement, and support of modern applications and digital services. This position requires a balance of technical leadership and hands-on engineering, with responsibility for guiding a development team while actively contributing to coding, technical decision-making, and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of developers.
• Design, develop, and maintain applications using Python and Flask.
• Build and enhance front-end applications using Vue.js, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
• Develop and optimise SQL databases to support application and reporting requirements.
• Deliver cloud-based solutions using AWS services and Infrastructure as Code practices with Terraform.
• Develop and support containerised and serverless application components.
• Build and maintain RESTful APIs and integrations with internal and external systems.
• Drive engineering best practices through code reviews, testing, and quality assurance.
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and deployment automation.
• Ensure solutions meet security, compliance, accessibility, and operational standards.

Required Experience

• 8+ years of commercial software development experience.
• Proven experience leading, mentoring, or managing software engineering teams.
• Strong expertise in:
• Python
• Flask
• Vue.js
• JavaScript
• HTML & CSS
• SQL databases
• Experience with AWS cloud technologies.
• Practical experience with Terraform and Infrastructure as Code.
• Experience with Docker and containerised applications.
• Strong understanding of API development and systems integration.
• Experience implementing automated testing practices.
• Knowledge of OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect (OIDC).
• Experience working within Agile delivery teams.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and modern deployment practices.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within UK Public Sector environments.
• Experience delivering software within highly regulated organisations.
• Knowledge of governance and assurance frameworks.
• Experience with ORM technologies and server-side templating frameworks.
• Understanding of AWS security, monitoring, and operational best practices.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative technical leader with a proven track record of delivering complex software solutions. You will be comfortable balancing hands-on development responsibilities with mentoring team members, providing technical direction, and ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality software.

What's on Offer

• Up to £650 per day
• Hybrid working arrangement, with a combination of on-site collaboration in Leeds and remote working
• Opportunity to lead a talented engineering team
• Exposure to large-scale digital transformation programmes
• Collaborative and supportive working environment
• Opportunity to work on impactful, user-focused technology solutions

If you are an experienced Lead Full Stack Developer looking to combine technical leadership with hands-on software engineering expertise, we would welcome your application.