Principal Engineer - .Net/Azure

We have a unique opportunity for an experienced Principal Engineer to lead and guide a team of software and quality engineers and oversee large-scale technology initiatives. The role is primarily leadership-focused, involving planning, execution, and ensuring activities align with the product vision and organizational goals within budget.

In this role, you will oversee delivery activities, guide staff, ensure engineering standards are met, and manage resources effectively. You will work closely with the Head of Engineering to ensure capabilities support your area and handle governance and stakeholder management to ensure successful delivery. The Principal Engineer will drive successful technology delivery, act as an escalation point for complex issues, and focus on resolving delivery challenges within their domain. You will also ensure transparency and effective management of costs, including cloud FinOps, and software assets to maximize efficiency.

About the role

• Lead engineering projects within value streams and shared platforms, ensuring projects stay within budget and time constraints.
• Coordinate daily delivery to ensure effective service through validation plans and process improvements.
• Develop and implement engineering strategies to improve performance, drive innovation, and establish best practices, collaborating with the Engineering Enablement team for rollout.
• Oversee creation of team goals, implementation plans, and research tasks.
• Combine engineering expertise with leadership skills to maximize team potential through coaching, mentoring, and fostering a positive work environment.
• Manage performance evaluations, pay, and bonuses, ensuring fair and equitable practices.
• Partner with stakeholders to manage resources flexibly, handling personnel movement to optimize delivery.
• Oversee application lifecycles, ensure operational issues are resolved promptly, and manage change effectively.
• Negotiate vendor contracts, manage budgets, and oversee financial targets in collaboration with procurement.
• Engage with stakeholders across the RL Group, providing expert advice, staying updated on standards and legislation, and demonstrating leadership.
• Manage role-specific risks, oversee the control framework, and incorporate elements of the Risk Management System.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to engineers and technicians, supporting their development.

About you

A highly skilled practitioner with expert engineering knowledge, capable of influencing senior stakeholders across the RL Group effectively. Proven technical skills in:

• Cloud platforms (e.g., Azure)
• Software development and testing tools (e.g., Gherkin)
• CI/CD Tools (e.g., GitHub)
• Product/Platform operating models
• FinOps
• Software Delivery Lifecycle
• UI/UX Concepts
• Change management methods (e.g., agile, iterative, waterfall)

Qualifications/Knowledge

• Leadership and team-building skills
• High-level influencing skills

About Royal London

We’re the UK’s largest mutual life, pensions, and investment company, offering protection, savings, and asset management products and services. Our People Promise is to work somewhere inclusive, responsible, enjoyable, and fulfilling, underpinned by our Spirit of Royal London values: Empowered, Trustworthy, Collaborate, Achieve. We offer great benefits such as 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, up to 14% employer pension matching, and private medical insurance.

Inclusion, diversity, and belonging

We’re an inclusive employer, valuing diverse backgrounds and cultures. Our diverse perspectives give us a range of skills, recognized and respected regardless of background.