Lead Software Developer

Lead Software Developer • Hybrid Working – Manchester based (1 day/week in office) • 12 Months FTC The Company At Amber Labs, we are a cutting‑edge UK technology consultancy that empowers autonomy, promotes experimentation, and enables rapid learning to deliver exceptional value to our clients. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, with our cross‑functional consultants, engineers, and analysts working together to shorten delivery times, minimise risk, and drive impactful results for high‑profile government and commercial programmes. About the Role We are seeking an experienced Lead Software Developer to support a major UK public sector body, leading the design and development of scalable, secure, and efficient backend services. You will champion engineering excellence, guide technical decision‑making, and mentor a multidisciplinary team while ensuring solutions align with government standards and programme objectives. This role will see you architect and deliver high‑performing backend and integration capabilities using modern engineering practices, cloud-native designs, and microservices-based architectures. Key Responsibilities • Lead backend development approaches and promote engineering best practices across teams. • Design, build, and maintain scalable Java-based microservices and integration layers. • Develop secure, robust APIs to support complex data flows within the programme • Architect and deliver cloud‑native solutions using Microsoft Azure services. • Ensure reliable backend interoperability with internal/external systems through strong integration patterns. • Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines supporting backend deployments and automated quality checks. • Conduct technical discovery, spikes, and evaluation of tools relevant to system integration and backend scaling. • Mentor developers and oversee technical onboarding for new team members. • Drive cross-team collaboration through pair programming and engineering workshops. • Ensure backend components adhere to organisational, government, and cloud security standards. • Support delivery teams in adhering to agile methodologies and evolving programme requirements. Essential Skills & Experience • Strong expertise in Java and backend engineering. • Proven experience building microservices using modern frameworks (e.g., Spring Boot). • Hands-on experience designing and integrating REST APIs, event-driven interactions, or messaging patterns. • Strong proficiency deploying and operating solutions in Azure. • Experience supporting end-to-end system integration in large-scale programmes. • Deep understanding of backend security, performance, and reliability considerations. • Experience setting up and maintaining CI/CD tooling and automated pipelines. • Demonstrated ability to lead engineering practices, mentor others, and influence technical direction. • Excellent collaboration skills, including pair programming and cross-team engagement. Desirable Skills • Background supporting government or regulated sector integration programmes. • Knowledge of designing reusable backend frameworks or shared service libraries. • Familiarity with data processing workflows for debt recovery or financial domains. • Experience running technical workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions. • Understanding of cloud security requirements, including identity, access, and sandbox controls. • Ability to support security reviews, technical assurance, and compliance processes. Diversity & Inclusion At Amber Labs, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We celebrate individuality and believe that different perspectives drive innovation. Every colleague is valued, respected, and supported to thrive.