Lead Software Developer - VCA - SEO

Location

Bristol

About the job

Job summary

Are you a skilled and motivated software developer looking to make a real impact in a supportive and forward-thinking environment? 

Are you a problem-solver who loves coding? 

If you are looking for a role that packs impact, join our Digital Services and Technology (DS&T) Team as our Lead Software Developer. You will be joining the VCA at an exciting time in our digital transformation programme. You will be at the forefront of developing new digital services to support daily operations, staff, customers and stakeholders, in the UK and overseas. 

If so, we would love to hear from you!  

Our work is focused on improving vehicle safety and environmental protection by providing robust testing and certification to national and internationally recognised standards. We are a part of the Department of Transport as the designated UK Vehicle Type Approval Authority. With more than 40 years’ experience, we have become one of the largest and well-respected approval bodies around. This position has been built on a reputation for technical expertise and quality, which is at the heart of everything we do, and what you could be a part of.  

Do not just take our word for it, here is Paul Taylor, Chief Digital & Information Officer to tell you more. Please also refer to our Candidate Pack and VCA website for more information.  

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 King’s 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 VCA: Vehicle Certification Agency - Department for Transport Careers

Job description

This job role is within Digital Services and Technology in the Vehicle Certification Agency. The postholder leads on the development and delivery forming part of our core product set of Dynamics 365 and Power Platform. This role reports into the Chief Digital & Information Officer and is part of a multi-disciplinary team who develop and manage a broad suite of digital products and applications.   

Your main duties will include but will not be limited to:  

Design and Development: Lead the design, development, and implementation of custom solutions using Dynamics 365 and Power Platform.  

Full-Stack Development: Develop and maintain both front-end and back-end components of applications, ensuring seamless integration and performance.  

Collaboration: Lead and work closely with external development teams to form a cohesive hybrid development team, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.  

Solution Delivery: Oversee the delivery of digital solutions, ensuring they meet business requirements and are delivered on time and within budget.  

Technical Leadership: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior developers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.  

Quality Assurance: Ensure the quality and performance of developed solutions through rigorous testing and code reviews.  

Documentation: Maintain comprehensive documentation of development processes, code, and solutions for future reference and knowledge sharing.  

Information security: You can maintain the security, confidentiality and integrity of information systems through compliance with relevant legislation and regulations. You can design, implement and operate controls and management strategies to allow this  

Modern standards approach: You can apply a modern standards approach throughout automation and testing.   

Innovation: Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies, and proactively suggest improvements and innovations to enhance our digital solutions.  

User focus: You can understand users and identify who they are and what their needs are, based on evidence. You can translate user stories and propose design approaches or services to meet these needs. You can engage in meaningful interactions and relationships with users. You can show that you put users first and can manage competing priorities. 

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 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.  

Person specification

Essential qualifications/licenses: 

Level 2 qualifications in Math and English or Equivalent

Full UK Category B Driving Licence

You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications/licenses at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn. 

Required experience: 

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience: 

Extensive experience in software development, with a focus on Dynamics 365 and Power Platform.  

Proficiency in full-stack development (front-end and back-end).  

Strong knowledge of Dynamics 365, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI.  

Experience with Azure services and DevOps practices.  

Proficiency in programming languages such as C#, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and SQL.  

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  

Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.  

Ability to work effectively in a hybrid team environment.  

Leadership and mentorship capabilities.  

Additional Information  

The role is part of the Government Digital and Data profession and utilises an enhanced Capability–Based Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance.   

The base pay is £44,198. In addition to this the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £13,202.  

The value of allowance awarded will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated through the selection process.  

Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements 

Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week.  

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/visiting stakeholders. Your designated workplace will be your contractual place of work. 

If you have questions regarding how hybrid working is practiced within the business area, or any reasonable adjustments or flexible working arrangements you may currently have or need in place if successful in your application, please contact the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details).  

Visa Sponsorship  

Please note that we are currently unable to offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate right to work in the UK before applying. 

Licences

Full UK Category B Driving Licence is essential

Qualifications

Level 2 qualifications in Math and English, i.e. GCSE - grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C, or equivalent

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

Delivering at Pace
Seeing the Big Picture
Managing a Quality Service
Leadership

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

Modern standards approach (Level: practitioner)
Programming and build (software engineering) (Level: practitioner)
Systems design (Level: practitioner)
Systems integration (Level: practitioner)