Canary Wharf, London or South Mimms, Hertfordshire Job Summary We are currently looking for a Lead Developer to join our Technology & Service Operations function within the Digital & Technology group. This is a full-time opportunity, on a fixed term contract/internal move/loan or temporary promotion basis until 31 March 2026, with the possibility of extension. The role will be based in 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf London, E14 4PU or South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. We are open to flexible working requests for this role. Please discuss with the hiring manager before accepting an appointment. Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites. We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly. Who are we? The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research. The Digital and Technology Group (D&T) lies at the heart of the Agency and is responsible for delivering an optimised IT infrastructure and maximising the secure use of data to enable our scientists, inspectors, and the rest of the organisation to deliver world class services which can improve outcomes for patients and the general public. The Group was essential in the race to approve COVID-19 vaccines in 2020 and in supporting the UK to set up its own medicines and devices approvals systems following our exit from the EU. The work we do matters! The Technology & Service Operations function is responsible for managing the existing IT infrastructure including both software and hardware, databases, and other technology platforms; leading the support and maintenance of applications; development and testing of new applications and platforms; and cyber and information security for the Agency. Job Description The Engineering team, made up of software developers, DevOps engineers, Quality Assurance testers, and data professionals including engineers, scientists, and visualization experts, is tasked with the creation of applications and services, ensuring quality for both new and existing agency offerings, and developing data visualizations through their expertise in data engineering and science. What’s the role? The Lead Developer is responsible for supporting the Principal Developer in the design, implementation and support of custom software solutions. The post holder will have significant experience in all stages of the software development lifecycle and a solid track record in prioritizing work, guiding team members and managing stakeholders. The post holder will be hands-on and support in leading the team on the design and development of creating cloud native (Azure), JavaScript based services (Node.js) and front end (React, Next.js) utilising agile methodologies, paired programming, Test Driven Development (TDD) and DevOps. Key Responsibilities: • Collaborate with internal engineers, architects, and service providers to guarantee the successful delivery of projects. • Foster a collaborative team environment, providing technical guidance and mentorship to more junior members and align development efforts with project goals. • Design and develop cloud-native applications and front-end applications using Agile practices. We currently use mainly Node.js, Typescript, Next.js and Azure. • Support the planning, execution, and implementation of site/software projects, including project management, scope, and risk management. • Take the lead in refining, troubleshooting, and improving current software while ensuring no regression occurs in operational systems. • Promote excellent engineering standards and comply with GDS guidelines whenever feasible. The Engineering team, made up of software developers, DevOps engineers, Quality Assurance testers, and data professionals including engineers, scientists, and visualization experts, is tasked with the creation of applications and services, ensuring quality for both new and existing agency offerings, and developing data visualizations through their expertise in data engineering and science. What’s the role? The Lead Developer is responsible for supporting the Principal Developer in the design, implementation and support of custom software solutions. The post holder will have significant experience in all stages of the software development lifecycle and a solid track record in prioritizing work, guiding team members and managing stakeholders. The post holder will be hands-on and support in leading the team on the design and development of creating cloud native (Azure), JavaScript based services (Node.js) and front end (React, Next.js) utilising agile methodologies, paired programming, Test Driven Development (TDD) and DevOps. Key Responsibilities: • Collaborate with internal engineers, architects, and service providers to guarantee the successful delivery of projects. • Foster a collaborative team environment, providing technical guidance and mentorship to more junior members and align development efforts with project goals. • Design and develop cloud-native applications and front-end applications using Agile practices. We currently use mainly Node.js, Typescript, Next.js and Azure. • Support the planning, execution, and implementation of site/software projects, including project management, scope, and risk management. • Take the lead in refining, troubleshooting, and improving current software while ensuring no regression occurs in operational systems. • Promote excellent engineering standards and comply with GDS guidelines whenever feasible. Person specification Our Successful Candidate Will: • Substantial experience with / working knowledge of one or more of the tools and associated engineering processes listed in the Technical criteria in the person specification • Experience of creating cloud native web applications that can scale, are performant and secure using modern engineering best practices in an agile, pair programming team using DevOps automation • Ability to Deliver at Pace, demonstrating strong understanding and application of the most appropriate modern standards and practices If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification! Please note: The job description may not open in some internet browsers. Please use Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If you have any issue viewing the job description, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk Alongside your salary of £58,983, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £17,087 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. • Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave on entry, rising by one day for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days and pro-rata for part-time staff. PLUS 8 bank holidays • Privilege Leave: 1 day • Hours of Work: 37 hours (net) per week for full time staff in all geographical locations, including London and pro rata for part-time staff • Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): One month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year of service to a maximum of five months full pay/five months half pay • Mobility: Mobility clause in contracts allowing staff to be mobile across the Civil Service • Civil Service Pension Scheme. Please see the link for further information http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/ For enquiries relating to the Civil Service Pension Schemes please contact MyCSP's Pension Service Centre directly on 0300 123 6666 • Flexible working to ensure staff maintain a healthy work-life balance • Interest free season ticket loan or bike loan • Employee Assistance Services and access to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund • Eligibility to join the Civil Service Motoring Association (CSMA) • Variety of staff and Civil Service clubs • On-going learning and development Selection process details We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here. • Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application. • Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles. Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description. Use of AI in Job Applications Applicants must ensure that anything submitted is factually accurate and truthful. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible. Closing date: 20 August 2025 Shortlisting date: 27 August 2025 Interview date: from 03 September 2025 Candidates will be contacted within a week of the sift and the interviews completed to inform them of the outcome. If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here. Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks. Certain Roles Within The MHRA Will Require Post Holders To Have Vaccinations, And In Some Circumstances, Routine Health Surveillance. These Roles Include: • Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens • Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings • Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required • Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required. Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here. Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk. In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should firstly contact Florentina Oyelami, Head of Talent Acquisition – Florentina.Oyelami@mhra.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk info@csc.gov.uk Civil Service Commission Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Nationality requirements This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups: • UK nationals • nationals of the Republic of Ireland • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) • individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window). Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job Contact : • Name : The Recruitment Team • Email : careers@mhra.gov.uk Recruitment team • Email : careers@mhra.gov.uk Further information In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact the Resourcing Team at Careers@mhra.gov.uk, in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk - info@csc.gov.uk - Civil Service Commission Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ