Lead Software Engineer (Python & Django) - 12 Months - Inside IR35

Lead Software Engineer (Python/Django) - Contract Location: Hybrid (2 days per week onsite) - London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff or Darlington Contract Length: 12 months Rate: Up to £750 per dayIR35 Status: Inside IR35OverviewThis is a hands-on leadership role focused on designing, building and improving secure, scalable digital services in a government environment. You will work within multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, user-focused solutions aligned with government standards. Responsibilities
Lead the design and delivery of scalable software solutionsTranslate user and business requirements into technical solutionsDevelop secure, well-tested, high-quality codeSupport and optimise live services for performance and reliabilityCollaborate with multidisciplinary teams including business analysts, designers and engineersProvide technical leadership across multiple workstreamsContribute to continuous improvement of engineering practicesEnsure integration across complex systems
Technical Environment
Primary technologies: Python and DjangoBackend-focused role with full-stack awarenessDelivery aligned to Government Digital Service (GDS) standardsAgile, squad-based structure
Required Experience 
Strong Python and Django expertiseProven experience in system design and architectureExperience working in agile, multidisciplinary teamsStrong communication and stakeholder engagement skillsExperience working in secure or regulated environmentsTypically 5 to 10+ years' software engineering experience
Desirable Experience
Experience working to GDS standardsPublic sector or defence backgroundExperience in highly regulated or secure environments