Senior Software Developer

Job Introduction

About Us

Oxfordshire County Council is committed to delivering high quality services to our community. We are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where every employee can thrive.

The IT Platform Team is responsible for developing streamlined solutions to allow easy access to information and services for residents, drive business efficiencies and help the organisation leverage technology.

Bringing together product, delivery, design, testing and technical expertise, the team will develop robust, secure and maintainable solutions that make services easier to access, reduce manual effort and help the organisation make better use of technology.

We’re looking for experienced developers who can provide technical leadership, mentor others and help strengthen high-quality development standards, while still staying close to hands-on delivery.

We believe great outcomes come from practical problem-solving, strong collaboration and a commitment to continuous improvement. This is a chance to play a key role in building solutions that have a lasting impact for services, colleagues and residents.

About the Role

As a Senior Software Developer, you will design, develop and maintain software applications and digital platform features that meet user, service and organisational needs.

You will work across the full development lifecycle, from understanding requirements and shaping technical approaches through to coding, testing, deployment, support and continuous improvement. This will include developing within digital platforms, forms, workflows, case management, system integrations, APIs and custom extensions where needed.

You will provide technical leadership and help shape the technical direction for the products and platforms you work on, setting development standards, reviewing code, resolving complex issues and ensuring solutions are secure, scalable, reliable and maintainable.

Working closely with Technical Architects, Product Managers, Delivery Managers, Software Developers, Business Analysts, UX and UI Designers, Test Engineers, DevOps colleagues and service stakeholders, you will translate business challenges into practical technical solutions that improve services and support better outcomes.

You will also mentor junior developers, share knowledge across the team and help build a culture where quality, learning and continuous improvement are part of everyday delivery.

About you

We're looking for an experienced developer who can combine strong hands-on technical skills with sound judgement, clear communication, and a supportive leadership style. You will be confident leading developers, setting a clear technical direction and creating an environment where people can do their best work.

You will have proven experience using languages and technologies such as JavaScript, Python, PHP, SQL, HTML and CSS, alongside experience of version control and modern development practices. You will also be able to guide technical decision making, provide constructive challenge and help developers apply consistent standards across delivery.

You will be confident designing and developing software that is robust, secure and maintainable, with the ability to troubleshoot complex issues, optimise performance and support effective integration between systems. You will take a practical, inclusive approach to leadership, balancing delivery priorities with the development of people and technical capability.

You will be comfortable working in an agile environment, contributing to planning, refinement and delivery, and collaborating closely with technical and non-technical colleagues to turn requirements into effective, user-centred solutions. You will actively support and train junior developers through mentoring, pairing, code reviews, knowledge sharing and constructive feedback, helping them build confidence and progress their skills.

Most importantly, you will be motivated by using technology well: improving services, supporting colleagues, setting direction, sharing knowledge and helping the council deliver reliable digital solutions for the people of Oxfordshire.

Essential skills and experience

We are looking for someone who can bring strong hands-on development experience, sound technical judgement and the confidence to support others across the development lifecycle. You should be able to demonstrate:

• Proven experience developing software using JavaScript, Python, PHP and SQL.
• Familiarity with front-end technologies such as HTML and CSS.
• Experience with version control systems, such as Git.
• Strong understanding of software design, testing, debugging and secure development practices.
• Experience developing integrations and working with APIs or secure data exchange between systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex issues, identify root causes and implement reliable fixes.
• Ability to optimise performance and contribute to scalable, maintainable solutions.
• Experience contributing to technical direction, code reviews, development standards and continuous improvement.
• Experience leading developers, setting clear technical direction and aligning day-to-day development activity with product and service priorities.
• A strong desire and ability to mentor, support and train junior developers, using pairing, code reviews, knowledge sharing and constructive feedback to build capability and confidence.
• Ability to provide clear leadership during delivery, make and communicate sound technical decisions, delegate effectively and create an inclusive, collaborative development culture.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to technical and non-technical colleagues.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary agile team.
• Willingness to work in sprints, contributing to planning, refinement, delivery and improvement activities.

Experience with the GOSS digital platform, Access PaySuite or Zoom integrations would be desirable, but is not essential.

Technology and scope

Depending on service need, you may work with technologies and practices including:

• JavaScript, Python, PHP, SQL, HTML and CSS.
• Digital platforms, forms, workflows and case management.
• GOSS platform development and custom extensions.
• Access Paysuite platform development and integrations
• Zoom platform development and integrations
• APIs, integrations and secure data exchange between systems.
• Version control, code reviews and development standards.
• Testing, debugging, performance optimisation and quality assurance.
• Cloud, automation and low-code technologies where they support the right outcome.

Informal discussion: Catherine Wood, Delivery Manager – Catherine.Wood@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Your office base may be subject to change as we are currently transitioning between temporary and permanent office locations due to the closure of County Hall. If this is applicable to you, you will be notified, but no reimbursement will apply in respect of travel.

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact us at: Catherine Wood Delivery Manager - catherine.wood@oxfordshire.gov.uk