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- Tasks: Lead the design and development of impactful digital services for residents and businesses.
- Company: Join Croydon Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to improving lives through technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a generous pension, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while shaping digital standards and mentoring others.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in software development, cloud platforms, and mentoring teams.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to diversity and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 55323 - 57402 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Croydon / Hybrid
Salary: ÂŁ55,323 - ÂŁ57,402
Contract: Permanent
Help us build digital services that make a real difference. We’re looking for an experienced Principal Developer to help lead the design, development and delivery of high‑quality digital services that support our residents, businesses and staff. You’ll play a key role in shaping how we build and run software across the organisation, setting development standards, mentoring colleagues and working across multidisciplinary teams to deliver reliable, user‑centred services. This is a senior technical leadership role for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, improving how teams work, and building modern, maintainable digital platforms using open technologies.
About The Role
- Lead the development of complex digital services from discovery through to live operation and continuous improvement.
- Set and champion modern software development standards across the organisation.
- Work across multiple multidisciplinary product teams to deliver high‑quality, user‑centred services.
- Build scalable, secure services using open‑source, cloud and API‑driven technologies.
- Encourage modern engineering practices such as test‑driven development, continuous delivery, DevOps and pair programming.
- Support teams to prototype, build and iterate services quickly based on real user needs.
- Review architecture, code and technical approaches to maintain high standards across the organisation.
- Help ensure services meet the GDS Service Standard or equivalent best practice.
- Mentor and coach developers and support their professional development.
- Promote a collaborative, inclusive and learning‑focused culture within the technology team.
You’ll also help us work more effectively with other teams across the council, demonstrating how technology can support better outcomes while improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Technology Stack
- Netcall Liberty - Create low‑code platform for building and delivering digital services.
- Modern programming languages and frameworks such as Java, JavaScript and HTML.
- API‑driven and microservices architectures.
- Cloud‑based infrastructure and containerised deployment approaches.
- Open‑source technologies wherever possible.
- Content and service platforms such as Drupal.
- DevOps practices including continuous integration, automated testing and continuous deployment.
Experience with Microsoft Power Apps would be desirable, particularly where these integrate with enterprise systems and wider service platforms.
What We’re Looking For
- Extensive experience designing and building complex digital services.
- Strong knowledge of modern software development practices and agile delivery.
- Experience working with cloud platforms, APIs and microservices architectures.
- Experience implementing DevOps practices such as automated testing and continuous deployment.
- Strong programming experience in modern languages and frameworks (for example Java, JavaScript, or similar).
- Experience working with open‑source technologies and platforms.
- Experience mentoring and supporting other developers.
- A commitment to building services that meet the needs of diverse users.
Experience working in government or public sector environments is helpful but not essential.
Why Join Us
- Work on services that directly improve the lives of residents.
- Help shape the organisation’s digital and technology standards.
- Collaborate with experienced multidisciplinary teams.
- Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Generous local government pension and benefits.
Commitment to Inclusion
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and encourage candidates who may not meet every requirement to apply. If you’re passionate about building high‑quality digital services and want to help transform how local government uses technology, we’d love to hear from you. This role will close on 31st March 2026.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role. Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if required.
Digital Platform Principal Developer employer: Croydon Council
Contact Detail:
Croydon Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Digital Platform Principal Developer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech world, especially those who work in public sector roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects, especially those that highlight your experience with modern programming languages and cloud technologies. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex challenges in past projects, particularly in agile environments. We love hearing about real-world examples!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference in digital services.
We think you need these skills to ace Digital Platform Principal Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with digital services and modern software development practices. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Developer, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: When detailing your experience, focus on your knowledge of programming languages like Java and JavaScript, as well as your familiarity with cloud platforms and APIs. We’re keen to see how you’ve applied these in real-world scenarios.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since this is a senior role, it’s important to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you’ve mentored other developers or led teams in delivering high-quality digital services. We love a collaborative spirit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Council
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Familiarise yourself with the technologies mentioned in the job description, like Java, JavaScript, and cloud platforms. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools and how you've used them in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Developer, you'll be expected to mentor others and lead teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided colleagues or improved team dynamics in previous roles.
✨Emphasise User-Centred Design
Highlight your understanding of user needs and how you've implemented user-centred design in your projects. Be prepared to discuss how you gather feedback and iterate on services based on real user input.
✨Discuss Modern Development Practices
Be ready to talk about your experience with DevOps practices, such as continuous integration and automated testing. Share specific instances where you've applied these methods to enhance service delivery.