Senior Software Engineer in Haywards Heath

We’re 1st Central, a market-leading insurance company utilising smart data and technology at pace. Rapid growth has been based on giving our 1.4 million customers exactly what they want: great value insurance with an excellent service. We’re looking for a skilled Senior Software Engineer to help develop and support our core insurance platform. Working as part of a Scrum team, you’ll design, build, and enhance both existing and new features. This is an excellent opportunity to work on meaningful projects using modern technologies in a collaborative, agile environment. This is a flexible hybrid role, with occasional visits to our offices in Salford Quays (Manchester) or Haywards Heath (West Sussex) when required. For those based further afield, we also welcome applications from remote UK‑based workers. We offer excellent flexibility in working patterns and a company‑wide culture you can be proud to be part of.

Core skills we’re looking for to succeed in the role:

• C# .NET Development: Proven experience developing within a C# .NET environment.
• Web Development: Proficiency in building web applications, specifically using Angular.
• Database Skills: Significant knowledge and capability working with SQL.
• Cloud Skills: Strong knowledge of Microsoft Azure Platform Services.
• DevOps & Agile Delivery: Ability and experience working in a DevOps environment while incorporating Agile practices.
• Analytical & Problem‑Solving: Demonstrate strong analytical thinking, with a proactive approach to solving complex problems.
• Technical & Architectural Understanding: Complete understanding of a service‑based approach to technology, including component, service‑oriented, and event‑driven architectures.
• Leadership & People Management: Comfortable supporting and guiding others when needed, with a collaborative and approachable style.

What’s involved:

• You’ll provide technical expertise within a Scrum team across the full development stack (e.g. Angular, .NET, SQL).
• You’ll contribute toward the Software Delivery Life Cycle (SDLC) process with an aim to design, develop, test & maintain high quality software.
• You’ll collaborate within the scrum team to design and deliver solutions to existing issues and new features.
• You’ll provide senior developer experience, guidance & mentoring within the wider development community.
• You’ll lead by example in volunteering and taking on more complex features.
• You’ll participate in architectural discussions and help shape the technical direction of projects.
• You’ll create and maintain unit tests to support the development of your code.
• You’ll write clean, scalable, and efficient code.
• You’ll work to the agreed prioritisation of requirements for development and to the agreed delivery dates against these requirements by understanding the business priorities, the technical capability, and the strategies of both the business and technology.
• You’ll undertake Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) responsibilities supporting the SRE function in an acting‑up capacity, whilst working as a Senior Software Engineer.
• You’ll design and produce any necessary supporting documentation to enable management and maintenance of new components/ processes.
• You’ll lead code reviews and ensure adherence to best practices and coding standards.
• You’ll troubleshoot, debug, and upgrade existing systems.
• You’ll actively participate in all agile ceremonies.
• You’ll actively engage in pair programming sessions to share knowledge, improve code quality, and foster team cohesion.
• You’ll support a culture of continuous improvement by actively mentoring peers, sharing knowledge, and encouraging open feedback.
• You’ll participate in sprint review sessions to demonstrate recent work, share technical insights, and celebrate team achievements.
• You’ll deputise for the Leads and act in their absence.
• You’ll comply with the requirements, and act in accordance with, the Group Code of Conduct and Fitness and Propriety policies at all times.
• You’ll ensure compliance with Company Policies, Values and guidelines and other relevant standards/ regulations at all times.

Qualifications / Experience:

• Good experience of enterprise service‑oriented development.
• Understanding of Development & Development Management techniques.
• Experience in working in a DevOps environment supported by Agile Practices.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience of Microsoft .NET development.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server.
• Strong knowledge & experience of Microsoft Azure Platform and Services.

Skills:

• Proven experience developing within C# .NET Environment.
• Proficiency in Web Development, specifically using Angular.
• Significant knowledge and ability within SQL.
• Ability & Experience in working in a DevOps environment whilst incorporating Agile practices.
• Reasonable leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good time management and organisation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Complete understanding of a service-based approach to technology, including component, service oriented and event driven architectures.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of a structured yet agile approach to development.
• Expertise in .NET development including popular frameworks.

Behaviours:

• Commercially focused and results driven.
• Self‑motivated and enthusiastic.
• An organised and pro‑active approach.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• A flexible approach and positive attitude.
• Emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strives to drive business improvements to contribute to the success of the business.

Bring your expertise in .NET, Angular, Azure, and DevOps — and help us shape the future of our core platform.

What can we do for you?

People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. We owe it to them so that’s what we offer. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive.