Lead Software Developer

Job summary

It is an exciting time for HM Land Registry (HMLR) as we continue on a major transformation programme. HMLR's ambition is to become the world’s leading land registry for speed, simplicity and an open approach to data.

We are seeking experienced software development leaders who can inspire teams, promote best practice, and deliver high-quality digital solutions. Provide technical leadership, support continuous improvement, and work collaboratively across the organisation to help shape technology decisions and drive successful outcomes for our users and services

Job description

As a Lead Software Developer, you will provide technical leadership across software development teams, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, secure and maintainable digital services. You will champion best practice, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, coach and develop colleagues, and drive continuous improvement in development processes, tools and standards.The role also offers the opportunity to influence strategic decisions, shape the software development community, and support the organisation's wider digital transformation ambitions.

HMLR expect everyone to spend at least 60% of their working time in the office.

Occasional travel to other HMLR and government offices, including overnight stays where necessary.

For more information about this role and our rewards package, please see attached job description and candidate pack.

Person specification

You will have significant experience in software development, including delivering and supporting complex digital solutions throughout the development lifecycle. With strong technical knowledge and a collaborative approach, you will be able to lead others, champion best practice, and drive the delivery of secure, high-quality software that meets user and business needs.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £58,500, HM Land Registry contributes £16,947 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 window).

#WeAreHMLR

At HM Land Registry our vision is a world leading property market as part of a thriving economy and a sustainable future. We are unique in terms of the economic and social impacts of our work, our ability to make a positive difference to the lives of our customers, our sense of mission, and our great people. They are the foundation of all we have achieved and all we aspire to in the future. We want our people to feel proud to work for HM Land Registry and able to fulfil their full potential.

We have a strong and positive culture, a commitment to inclusivity, an emphasis on continuous learning and development, and flexible ways of working. We offer competitive pay and annual leave, attractive pension options and a wide range of other benefits.

• We have integrity – we value honesty, trust and doing the right thing in the right way.
• We drive innovation – we are forward-thinking, embrace change and are continually improving our processes.
• We are professional – we value and grow our knowledge and professional expertise.
• We give assurance – we guarantee our services and provide confidence to the property market.

The HMLR Way – Our Shared Commitment

What you can expect from HMLR:

• Inclusive & Empowering: A positive, healthy environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute
• High Performance: Access to tools, resources, and development opportunities within a supportive culture
• Value & Recognition: We value team and individual improvement, learning from setbacks as much as celebrating success
• Clarity & Transparency: Clear communication of our vision and priorities, so our direction and decisions are evident

You can find more information on our rewards package on our website.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

We are working with our recruitment partner (Inspire People) for this campaign.

1. Submit your CV on Inspire People's website

2. Inspire People will assess your CV and compile a longlist of applications.

3. If you progress through this stage, you will need to complete a short, pre-recorded video with Inspire People. Alternatively, you can provide written answers to the questions​.

4. HM Land Registry will then sift these applications.

Application

Please make sure your CV outlines how you meet the Essential Experience from the job description:

• Undergraduate level degree in computer science or related subject OR professional industry experience working in a software development role
• Experience of senior development / engineering management roles
• Experience of brownfield projects, including maintenance and support
• Experience of multidisciplinary work i.e. full stack developer
• Experience of the full software development lifecycle

The Capability/Technical skills are defined using the DDaT Capability Framework: https://ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk/software-developer.html#lead-developer

Please note that you will be tested on the capability/technical skills at interview stage.

Candidate Engagement Session

We will hold a Q&A candidate engagement session on Tuesday 1st September at 12:30PM. Please join and learn more about this role and meet the team. (The joining link will be added here shortly)

Interview & pre-prepared presentation

If successful at sift you will be invited to attend a blended video interview and pre-prepared presentation, held over MS Teams, week commencing 21 September 2026. The blended interview and pre-prepared presentation will test the Technical Skills and Essential Experience, as listed in the Job Description. If you are invited to interview, further information will be provided then. (Please note you will not be tested on the Desirable experience).

Candidates may refer to notes within their video interview but they should be used as a prompt only.

HM Land Registry is accredited to the Disability Confident Scheme, which denotes organisations which have a positive attitude towards disabled people. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria at the shortlisting stage are guaranteed an invitation to interview. If any candidate requires the panel to consider a reasonable adjustment or there is anything else they would like the panel to take into considera