Senior Developer

Job summary

Join DVSA’s mission to make roads safer and more efficient by shaping the future of digital public services. As a Senior Developer, you’ll play a pivotal role in designing, building, and evolving high-impact digital platforms and services that serve millions across the UK.

This will be a key role in the design, build, support, implementation and improvement of digital services, products, and platforms across DVSA. You will work within a multi-disciplinary team using Agile delivery methodologies, delivering solutions that meet user needs.

You will be committed to quality and will promote quality software engineering techniques within the team, such as code review, design review, reusability of code, refactoring, automated testing, and use of standards.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 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.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it's like working at Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency - Department for Transport Careers

Job description

You will be expected to work from requirements or high-level design without the need for direct supervision and will be responsible for the development and delivery of well-designed and executed software and data management solutions, using Agile methodologies. You will coach, support and mentor individual and Junior/Apprentice developers.

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

• Building digital services and software solutions to serve a variety of user’s needs and complying with the Digital by Default service standard.
• Implementing APIs for internal and external use
• Developing solutions that put the user and user experience first.
• Fostering continuous improvement of services through identification and implementation of strategic end to end system improvements.
• Demonstrate leadership by providing influence, direction, and guidance to Developers, Junior/Apprentice Developers to support the delivery of objectives.

For further information on the role, please read the attached role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Person specification

We are looking for someone who has:

• A proven track record in successful agile development of digital services.
• Proficiency in front-end and/or back-end development, with expertise in PHP, TypeScript or JavaScript.
• Experience coaching developers within Agile frameworks, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
• Quick adoption of new programming tools, sharing knowledge with peers and juniors.
• Strong grasp of software design principles and systematic problem-solving skills.
• Effective negotiation and communication with senior stakeholders on technical matters.
• Experience in diagnosing production issues, utilising testing for solution validation, and basic understanding of web security.

Additional Information

Government Digital and Data Allowance

The role is part of the Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession and utilises an enhanced Capability–Based Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance.

The base pay is £44,241. In addition to this the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £14,756.

The value of allowance awarded will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated through the selection process. Here are more details on the pay framework.

Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements

Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week.

Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 30 hours per week.

Occasional travel to other offices will be required, which may involve overnight stays.

This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.

The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.

If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details).

Please note that we do not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Licence sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate rights to work in the UK before application.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Developing Self and Others

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession - Information security - Level: practitioner.
• Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession - Development process optimisation - Level: working.
• Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession - Programming and build (software engineering) - Level: practitioner.
• Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession - Modern development standards - Level: practitioner.
• Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession - Systems design - Level: practitioner.
• Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession - Systems integration - Level: practitioner.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £44,241, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency contributes £12,816 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new wind