17500 - Principal Software Developer

Please note this role requires you to pass Security Check clearance. Please click on the link for details., The Principal Developer will work under the Chief Engineer and alongside the Head of Profession for Engineering and will drive the product teams within OCTO, LAA and HMPPS, as well as acting as a leader within the software development profession across the MOJ. This is a hands-on technical role where you'll work directly with product teams across the department, bringing your expertise to help deliver solutions that reduce friction and improve engineering practices across Justice Digital, Data and Science. You'll guide the Chief Engineer's product teams while providing leadership to the wider software development profession at MOJ. Beyond delivery, you'll also be expected to horizon scan and experiment with new products and tools in an R&D capacity, identifying emerging technologies that could benefit the organisation. This role aligns against the Principal Developer role from the Government Digital and Data Framework. Key Responsibilities

• Work with the Chief Engineer to define, maintain and own CTO's engineering strategy, aligning with its wider business objectives.
• Oversee and guide technical teams, influence technical choices and seek out opportunities for digital transformation including:
o Lead the Developer Assurance team, comprised of Staff Engineers, to ensure that development standards are maintained across o Justice Digital, Data and Science o Lead the Engineering Standards team to develop and deliver a world class development portal, that documents Justice Digital, Data and Science engineering standards o Work alongside the Principal DevOps Engineer to work with the DevX team, working on R&D projects to scope out new and emerging technologies to adopt across the department.
• Mentor, coach, and line manage lead and senior developers
• Look for opportunities to collaborate and reuse common components, communicating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Build and maintain an inclusive culture across the software development community.
• Manage recruitment and allocation of developers to teams, identifying gaps in capability, ensuring a good balance of skills and seniority.
• Work with the engineering principals across other agencies to help break down silos and work on cross cutting initiatives.