Lead Engineering Manager - Python

Lead Engineering Manager - Python  Department for Business and Trade Location:  Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, London, Manchester About the job Job summary The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) helps businesses invest, innovate, export and grow across the UK. The Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) directorate helps to deliver this by designing, building and running the services, platforms and technology that businesses and colleagues rely on every day.Our teams work on a wide range of services and technologies, including:  digital services that help businesses access government support, guidance and opportunities  data and AI products that support decision making and enable innovation  internal tools and services that help colleagues work more effectively  secure technology and platforms that support critical government services  cyber security services that protect systems, data and users  By joining DDaT, you'll work on services used by businesses, colleagues and citizens across the UK.

You'll be part of multidisciplinary teams focused on improving services, solving complex problems and delivering better outcomes for users. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace. In recognition of this, we were named Best Public Sector Employer at the  Women in Tech Employer Awards 2025 ! Job description This role aligns to the Lead Developer (Management) profile in the GDaD Capability Framework combining software development credibility with responsibility for people leadership, capability development, resourcing, standards adoption and community leadership.

Are you passionate about growing individuals, community and leadership? If so, BIST is looking for an individual who can support and manage a group of developers in one of our portfolios. You will work with our Tech Leads, Head of Profession and Delivery Managers to help drive standards, policies and strengthen the profession. You will initially lead the software development profession, a team of 25 developers, within the Trade and Regulatory Services portfolio helping multidisciplinary teams build and operate reliable digital services that support the UK’s trading system.

Working with portfolio senior management, and alongside Tech Leads you will develop a clear view of software development capability, workforce risks and future needs. You will use this insight to shape recruitment, succession planning and investment in people, while making sure development priorities and concerns are represented in portfolio decisions. Your credibility will be grounded in software development experience.

You will understand modern web development, testing, continuous delivery and operating services in the cloud, enabling you to offer informed constructive advice and make sound judgements about developer capability and team effectiveness. Main responsibilities    Drive change in Software Engineering to facilitate and improve delivery, technical capability, staff satisfaction and customer engagement.

Manage the recruitment of software engineers (Both permanent and contractors)   Work with the Head of Profession to carry out long term workforce development and planning. Creating, setting and supporting engineers on developing objectives covering the software development profession. Deputise for the Head of Profession on an as and when basis. Act as a joint practice head of software engineering community, facilitating team meetings and other activities.

Maintain a good understanding of current and future technology and practice (focusing on development and testing) to guide your teams and keep engineering practices current. Leading on improvement activities to our Engineering Practices. Develop relationships within BIST and Partner organisations to increase collaboration. Work with your peers to improve our tools, technologies, guidance and standards.

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