Head of Software Development – HM Land Registry (Grade 6) | £80,300–£100,600 | Permanent
HM Land Registry is recruiting an experienced Head of Software Development to lead its software engineering function and drive the delivery of secure, high-quality digital services that support England and Wales’ property market.
Job Overview
- Employer: HM Land Registry
- Job Title: Head of Software Development
- Reference Number: 466962
- Location: Plymouth, South West England (PL6 5WS)
- Salary: £80,300–£100,600 per year
- Job Grade: Grade 6
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Working Pattern: Full-time, Part-time, or Job Share
- Business Area: Transformation and Technology
- Closing Date: 24 August 2026 (11:55 PM)
About the Role
As the Head of Software Development, you will lead a large engineering community responsible for designing, developing, and delivering secure, reliable software that supports one of the UK’s most important public services. You’ll shape engineering strategy, promote innovation, improve delivery standards, and develop high-performing technical teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Software Development practice across HM Land Registry.
- Set engineering standards, development principles, and best practices.
- Build and lead high-performing software engineering teams.
- Drive software quality, security, and continuous improvement.
- Manage engineering capability, risks, dependencies, and delivery capacity.
- Support recruitment, workforce planning, and professional development.
- Promote collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
- Represent HM Land Registry within the Government Digital and Data profession.
- Identify and implement emerging technologies that improve service delivery.
Essential Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Significant experience leading large-scale software development teams.
- Strong expertise in software engineering and system design.
- Senior engineering leadership experience.
- Experience managing complex digital delivery programmes.
- Knowledge of modern development standards and continuous integration.
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience managing technical risks and organisational capability.
- Understanding of information security and systems integration.
Salary & Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- £80,300–£100,600 annual salary
- Civil Service Pension with a 28.97% employer contribution
- Generous annual leave
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Learning and leadership development opportunities
- Professional accreditation support
- Opportunity to work on nationally significant digital infrastructure
- Inclusive and supportive working environment
Working Arrangements
- Hybrid working available.
- Minimum of 60% office attendance.
- Occasional UK travel and overnight stays.
- Planned out-of-hours work may be required during IT maintenance activities.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
HM Land Registry has confirmed that this role does not qualify for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK.
Security Clearance
Successful candidates must complete:
- Criminal Record Check
- Security Check (SC)
- Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)
How to Apply
Applicants should submit:
- An anonymised CV
- A personal statement (maximum 1,000 words) demonstrating how they meet the essential criteria
Application Deadline: 24 August 2026 (11:55 PM)