Lead Full Stack Developer

Lead Full Stack Developer

• Rate: Up to £570/day (Inside IR35)
• Duration: 6 months
• Location: Hybrid - 1 day per week in Manchester
• Clearance: SC Eligible

Overview

We're looking for up to 3 Lead Full Stack Developers (SFIA 5) to join a major DWP programme, delivering scalable, cloud-based services within a complex, multi-supplier environment.

The role is primarily Back End-focused, but includes lightweight Front End development using GOV.UK tooling.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development of Java-based microservices using Spring Boot
• Build and deploy services in Dockerised environments
• Contribute across the full stack, including simple Front End components
• Collaborate with development, test, and delivery teams
• Apply best practices aligned to GDS standards

Required Skills

• Strong experience with Java and Spring Boot
• Proven experience building microservices architectures
• Experience with Docker/containerisation
• Solid full stack capability with JavaScript and Node.js
• Experience working in complex enterprise or public sector environments

Frontend Requirements (Lightweight)

• Experience with JavaScript and Node.js
• Exposure to templating tools such as NunJucks
• Ability to build simple, accessible UIs following GDS guidelines

Nice to Have

• Experience with government/public sector clients (eg DWP, HMRC, Home Office)
• Familiarity with GDS design system
• Agile delivery experience

Additional Info

• This is a true full stack role, but with a Back End bias
• Frontend work is straightforward and not design-heavy
• Not suitable for purely Front End-focused engineers