Director of Software Engineering

The Opportunity

The Parliamentary Digital Service is modernising the technology that underpins UK democracy, and we’re looking for a Director of Software Engineering to help lead that transformation. This is a senior strategic role within the OCTO leadership team, responsible for setting the engineering vision and ensuring Parliament’s digital services are secure, scalable, resilient, and built to meet the needs of Members, staff, and the public.

You’ll oversee software engineering, DevOps, cloud engineering, platform engineering, and quality assurance, driving high standards, modern delivery practices, and a strong engineering culture. You’ll guide large multi-disciplinary teams, manage significant budgets, and work closely with stakeholders across both Houses to turn complex needs into reliable digital services.

What you’ll bring:

• A proven track record leading engineering functions in complex organisations
• Deep expertise in software development, DevOps, cloud platforms, and QA/testing
• Strong understanding of Agile, DevSecOps, and contemporary delivery methods
• Experience managing large engineering teams and budgets. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• A leadership approach that reflects PDS values: Care, Confidence, Community, Curiosity

What You Need

This is a hybrid role, and the default working pattern is on-site minimum of twice a week. As a new joiner, you may be expected to attend orientation and training onsite initially.

• proven experience of leading the strategic and operational delivery of large-scale engineering teams to achieve organisational objectives within complex organisations, ideally including public sector or regulated environments.
• strong expertise and knowledge of software development, DevOps, cloud platforms, and QA/testing.
• strong understanding of agile methodologies, DevSecOps, and modern delivery practices, and proven experience of leading high-performing teams who deliver using those methodologies.
• excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and persuade people at all levels within the organisation, mediate between different perspectives, manage stakeholder expectations, navigate ambiguity and represent engineering at senior leadership forums.
• ability to assemble and lead a team, whilst upholding the values of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• desirable: Experience with government digital service standards or similar frameworks, and familiarity with open source, inner source, and platform engineering models. Knowledge of cyber security, data protection, and compliance in public sector contexts.
• the ability to pass security clearance, backed by the right to work in the UK

About The Team

UK Parliament aims to be a digital-first organisation. Digital is crucial to Parliament functioning effectively and ultimately supports the wider democratic process. The Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) has been established to develop and implement Parliament’s Technology strategy, optimise business and IT operations, and enable parliamentarians and staff to deliver digital business through the right platforms, products and services.

The OCTO unites the core teams within the Parliamentary Digital Service responsible for horizon scanning, strategic partnering enabling technology, software development, enterprise architecture, data, sourcing, vendor and contract management. Each team is accountable for delivering the essential capabilities required to realise Parliament’s digital and technological ambitions, ensuring that users, parliamentarians and staff, are at the heart of decision-making and service delivery.

About Us

UK Parliament is steeped in history and tradition. It is an important part of UK life and we need to ensure as many people as possible can engage with its work. This is why we are at the start of a huge transformation programme powered by technology. The Parliamentary Digital Service (PDS) works with the House of Commons and the House of Lords with all their IT and digital needs. We are here to realise the digital ambitions of a modern Parliament and welcome you to join us in building a digital democracy.

Our Package

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including but not limited to: 

• Generous annual leave starting at 30 days and increasing to 35 days in addition to bank holidays
• generous maternity pay policy up to 6 months full pay
• Enrolment in the excellent Civil Service pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 27%
• on-site gym, nursery, catering, post office, travel office and GP
• flexible options including hybrid working and family friendly policies

How To Apply

Please make sure you're clear on the requirements of the role. These can be found in the requirements sections of the Job Description. To apply, you will need attach an anonymous CV and answer 3 questions to demonstrate your experience. Our application process is anonymous to prevent bias.

Apply By:

Interviews:

Format: Panel Interview (Remote)

Our Culture

For our people, we provide an amazing opportunity to bring their talents to an institution that sits right at the heart of society in the UK. We are helping to change UK Parliament and strengthen democracy. What matters here is your potential for growth and your commitment to playing your part in our ongoing success.

We are passionate about providing an environment which promotes inclusion, diversity and equality. Regardless of your age, gender, ethnicity, beliefs or any of the other things that make you, you. We welcome applications from people who feel under-represented in the workforce. This includes those who may feel disadvantaged because of their socioeconomic circumstances.