Head of Software Engineering

Head of Software Engineering

Location: Swansea, Nottingham, Bristol, Newcastle -upon-Tyne, Yeading (Hayes), Oldham (Chadderton), Leeds, Birmingham (Garretts Green)

Salary: £69,501 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Timeor Part Time

Closing Date: Tuesday 7th July 2026

The Head of Software Engineering (Principal Developer) will lead the team of Software Engineers, hold the key responsibility for defining and overseeing the software development ethos within the DVSA, as well as for external partners developing software on our behalf.

Their leadership will establish the benchmarks for excellence, ensuring that all software development activities meet best practice modern software development and adhere to the highest standards of security, usability, statutory compliance, performance, and environmental sustainability. The adoption of the highest standards of security, usability, statutory compliance, performance, and environmental sustainability, that meets best practice modern software development standards and drives the overall effectiveness of our digital solutions.

This is a high-impact role as the software development team play a pivotal role on behalf of the organisation in crafting and enhancing the mission-critical applications necessary for our operations, focusing on creating solutions that are secure by design, reliable, and intuitive for our users. As demands evolve, the role holder will be expected to dynamically scale, incorporating contractors or outsourcing, to boost capacity and address specific project requirements efficiently.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your base salary
• 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.

Job description

This leadership role requires the post holder to foster the growth of the profession, maintaining a strong focus on user-centred design and alongside this, ensure quality assurance remains a central focus, underpinning the reliability and excellence of all software outputs. They will manage a significant portfolio, refining a comprehensive suite of tools and practices that standardise our software development processes, encouraging innovation and elevating productivity. Through strategic oversight, the role holder will ensure that our software development practices are not only consistent but also adaptable, paving the way for enhanced outcomes and the efficient achievement of the DVSA’s digital transformation goals.

Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:

• Demonstrate leadership by providing influence, direction, and guidance to staff to support the delivery of objectives.
• Provide direction for software development across DVSA developing a diverse, inclusive team bringing together in-house and external experts.
• Ensure the team is motivated, skilled, and equipped to tackle complex software development challenges. By setting clear goals, ongoing mentorship, and professional development, to enhance capabilities and drive superior performance.
• Ensure continuous development of the team, keeping up to date with new technologies and methodologies in software development
• Set the strategic direction of software development, including the adoption of new technologies, methodologies, and best practices in software release processes and use of cloud services.

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.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for DVSA, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.