Lead Software Engineer

We are seeking an experienced and delivery-focused Senior / Lead Software Engineer to drive the design, development, and ongoing improvement of vital software solutions within a secure, highly regulated enterprise environment. In this role, you will lead technical delivery across a backend-focused Python and Django stack, ensuring the creation of resilient, scalable, and user-centred digital services that manage the compliance, tracking, and regulation of complex, sensitive commercial goods. Operating within a mature, 27-person Agile team split across four multi-disciplinary squads, you will bridge the gap between user needs and robust architectural design, balancing hands-on clean code delivery with strong technical leadership and live service support., * Technical Leadership & Delivery: Lead the end-to-end design, development, and scalable architecture of high-quality software solutions across multiple concurrent workstreams.

• User-Centred Engineering: Collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary squads-including Business Analysts and User-Centred Design (UCD) specialists-to translate complex user journeys and needs into high-performing technical outcomes.
• Secure & Clean Coding: Write and oversee secure, test-driven, and highly structured code (primarily Python/Django), championing engineering standards and comprehensive documentation across the team.
• System Integration: Manage and ensure seamless integration across a complex ecosystem of backend-focused systems and approximately 27 frontend user journeys.
• Live Service Ownership: Support and maintain live production services, taking active ownership of operational performance, stability, and continuous system improvement.
• Agile Ways of Working: Drive efficiency within an established Agile delivery model, actively participating in daily stand-ups, managing ticket-based workflows, and fostering a culture of collaborative problem-solving., Please ensure your submitted CV has all gaps in employment explained. So, if you were looking for employment during any gaps please state this on your CV.

Ensure your CV accurately and fully covers the criteria requested in our job listing to maximise your chances on being successfully placed for this role.

Kindly inform us of your availability and whether there are any specific dates you are unavailable to attend an interview. Notifying us of any holiday dates is advantages and allows us to notify parties in advance so they can plan accordingly.

All CVs received are acknowledged and held for the job applied for. AJACO have a standard set of questions for all candidates who are internally shortlisted and AJACO cannot accept responsibility for any progression of candidates applications where candidates have failed to respond to questions in a timely manner. If you would like AJACO to remove your details at anytime, formally request AJACO to do so in writing and all records will be removed. No further contact will be made until you contact AJACO for another suitable role.

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We wish you the best in your search for an ideal role and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Please note, we try to remove roles advertised as they become unavailable in a timely manner. If you have applied for a role and it is no longer available we will inform you as soon as possible.

Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a more accessible way for us to communicate, please do let us know.

Do you have experience in Software development?, Do you have a Bachelor’s degree?, * Deep Python & Django Expertise: You possess a minimum of 5+ years (ideally 8-10 years) of professional software engineering experience, with a heavy emphasis on core Python and Django development.

• Proven System Architect: You have a demonstrated track record of designing and delivering complex, end-to-end enterprise system architectures from the ground up.
• T-Shaped Skillset: You bring deep technical specialism in backend engineering combined with a broad awareness of full-stack delivery and front-end user journeys.
• Exceptional Collaborator: You possess excellent communication and teamwork skills, with proven experience thriving within multi-disciplinary Agile squads alongside UCD and BA professionals.
• Regulated Environment Exposure: Ideally, you have prior experience working within large-scale organizational compliance, auditing, or export logistics platforms, with exposure to robust design principles and strict operational standards.
• Security & Accountability Mindset: You are comfortable taking full ownership of live service stability and are adept at delivering robust, secure solutions within structured, governance-heavy environments., * Have you previously worked in a highly regulated environment or on software that handles strict data compliance, auditing, or security standards?
• How many years of professional experience do you have working with Python and Django?

Experience:

• Public Sector: 2 years (required)