Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
Head of Software Engineering
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Head of Software Engineering (Principal Developer)
📍 Location: Swansea, Nottingham, Bristol, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Yeading (Hayes), Oldham (Chadderton), Leeds, Birmingham (Garretts Green) (Hybrid working suitable for this role)
💷 Salary:
- Base: £69,501
- Candidates based in Yeading receive £4,000 London Weighting allowance
- Government Digital and Data Profession allowance (non-pensionable): up to £28,560
- Civil Service Pension with employer contribution of 28.97%
🕘️ Contract Type: Permanent – Full-time, Flexible working, Job share, or Part-time Available Positions: 1
Job Reference: 465587
Application Deadline: 11:55 pm on Tuesday 7th July 2026
About the Role
The Head of Software Engineering (Principal Developer) will lead a team of Software Engineers, defining and overseeing the software development ethos across the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Your leadership will:
- Set benchmarks for excellence in software development, ensuring adherence to best-practice standards in security, usability, statutory compliance, performance, and environmental sustainability
- Align software development with mission-critical applications, prioritising secure-by-design, reliable, and intuitive solutions
- Scalably engage contractors or external partners to meet evolving project demands
- Instil a user-centred design approach and quality-focused culture, while fostering professional growth
- Define strategic direction for software development, including technology adoption, methodologies, cloud services, and sustainable practices
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This role is crucial in shaping DVSA’s digital transformation, driving a scalable, high-quality software portfolio and optimising productivity and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Provide vision, direction, and influence to deliver digital objectives through a diverse, inclusive team (balancing in-house and external expertise)
- Set clear goals, mentorship, and professional development plans to enhance team skills, motivation, and performance
- Continuously upskill the team with the latest technologies and methodologies in software development
- Define strategic software development roadmaps, including adoption of new tech (e.g., cloud) and scalable processes
- Guarantee quality-assured software outputs through rigorous development standards and validation
Stakeholder & Risk Management
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders, cross-functional teams, and delivery leaders
- Provide expert strategic advice, managing emerging risks, operational challenges, and technological advancements
- Ensure alignment with evolving DVSA priorities and regulatory requirements
About You – Key Requirements
Experience & Expertise
- Strong strategic leadership in software development, with experience defining and executing enterprise-wide visions (e.g., setting technical governance, process maturity)
- Demonstrated ability to manage scalable software projects and lead enterprise-scale development lifecycle initiatives
- Technical depth in software delivery practices, tooling, and engineering (e.g., DevOps, CI/CD, security architecture)
- Proven success in guiding teams to adopt scalable, sustainable practices (e.g., Agile, cloud, microservices)
- Track record of leading professional development across diverse teams to build collaborative, high-performing cultures
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Soft Skills
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and decision-making to represent the DVSA and engage with executive peers
- Strong analytical, risk-assessment, and problem-solving skills in technology-heavy environments
Benefits
- Exclusive Civil Service Pension (28.97% employer contribution): Read more
- Annual Leave:
- 30 days (capped at 30 days + 1.5 extra days across your career)
- 8 Bank Holidays + a privilege day to mark the King’s birthday
- Free support from 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Staff discount portal for travel, tech, and retail
- Career development opportunities, including:
- Funding for professional qualifications (e.g., CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships)
- Tailored upskilling programs aligned to evolving roles
Government Digital & Data Allowance
This role aligns with Digital and Data Profession standards, offering a Government Security Profession Career Framework and an excess allowance (non-pensionable) of up to £28,560, based on your assessed skills and experience.
How to Apply
📌 Read the full job description and apply here before 23:55 on Tuesday 7th July 2026.
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