Our client is a regional public-sector body running a substantial digital transformation programme. They need a Tech Lead on contract for an initial six months, with strong likelihood of extension, to lead an engineering team of eight on the next phase of a citizen-facing service rebuild.
The role is genuine technical leadership — architectural decision-making, code review, the line management of two senior engineers and five mid-level engineers, and the relationship with the programme’s senior responsible officer. It is not a hands-off architect role; the expected balance is roughly 50% technical / 50% leadership.
Stack: React / TypeScript front-end, Java / Spring Boot back-end, PostgreSQL, AWS GovCloud, Terraform. The team works to GDS (Government Digital Service) standards which is a useful constraint when it lands and an annoying one when it doesn’t.
Who fits: ten-plus years’ engineering experience with at least three at Tech Lead or Engineering Manager level. Prior public-sector or GDS experience is a strong plus but not essential. Comfortable with the slightly different cadence of public-sector work.
£650-750 day rate. Six-month initial, inside IR35 (confirmed). Hybrid — two days per week in either the London or Reading office. SC clearance required (will be sponsored if not held).
Briefed by Daniel Wright (Senior Consultant, Technology practice).