Circle Recruitment
Role: Lead Software Engineer
Salary/Rate: £650-750 per day inside IR35
Location: Hybrid, 2 days per week – multiple locations available
Contract Duration: 12 months
We are currently looking for a Lead Software Engineer for our government client.
This Lead Software Engineer role is hybrid, based between 2 days per week on site and the remainder of the week working from home. Office locations include London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff or Darlington, as preferred. There is no further flexibility with expected time on site, or the office locations.
The contract for this Senior Planner position is for 12 months, with potential to extend, operating inside IR35.
Security Clearance: Security Check (SC Clearance)
This role is inside IR35 – Due to the service of the role, it will now be based on an Umbrella solution.
Essential Skills / Experience required:
- Strong Python and Django experience
- Proven system design and architecture capability (end-to-end)
- Strong collaboration and communication skills
- Experience working in agile, multidisciplinary teams
- Ability to contribute to secure, structured environments
- Minimum 5+ years' experience (ideally 8-10 years)
- T-shaped skillset (deep technical + broad system awareness)
- Strong delivery focus and efficiency
- Comfortable taking ownership and leading within squads
- Experience working in structured, governance-heavy environments
Desirable Skills
- Experience with GDS standards
- Public sector or defence-related experience
- Exposure to secure or regulated environments
Role / Responsibilities:
This role is responsible for the design, development, delivery, and ongoing improvement of software solutions within a secure, government-focused environment. The successful candidate will contribute to building resilient, scalable, and user-centred services, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards relating to controlled goods and exports.
The position requires strong technical leadership, collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, and ownership of both development and live service performance.
- Lead the design and delivery of scalable software solutions
- Translate user needs into technical outcomes
- Build secure, test-driven, high-quality code
- Support and maintain live services (performance & stability)
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (BA, UCD, Developers)
- Oversee development across multiple workstreams
- Drive continuous improvement of systems and processes
- Ensure integration across complex systems
If you are interested in the above role, please click Apply Nowand send a CV for quick review.
Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a better way for us to communicate, please do let us know.
Security Check, Sc Level, Sc Cleared, Sc Clearance, Security Cleared, Security Clearance, Security Vetting Clearance, Active SC, SC Vetted, Cleared To A High Government Standard, DV Cleared, DV Clearance, DV Check, Developed Vetted, Developed Vetting, DV Strap, Active DV, Developer, Software Engineer, Programmer, Python, Django, Architect
Circle Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. Earn yourself a referral bonus if you refer somebody else who fills the role! We also offer an iPad if you refer a new client to us and we recruit for them. Follow us on Facebook – Circle Recruitment , Twitter – @Circle_Rec and LinkedIn – Circle Recruitment.
To apply for this job please visit www.reed.co.uk.
Make this application stronger
Use these quick checks before applying so your CV, interview preparation and job search are better matched to this vacancy.
Before you apply
Check the key details and make sure the role matches what you are looking for.
- Review the job title, company, location, salary and working pattern if provided.
- Check the skills, experience or qualifications requested by the employer.
- Make sure the commute, hours and contract type are realistic for you.
Tailor your CV
For Teaching Jobs, highlight the most relevant skills, experience and achievements linked to this type of work. Keep it honest, clear and focused on what the employer is asking for.
Use the CV Builder or browse Career Advice.
Prepare for interview
If your application is successful, prepare simple examples that show your motivation, strengths and suitability.
Keep searching smarter
Do not rely on one application. Keep searching similar roles and set up alerts so new vacancies reach you faster.
