Principal Developer

Salary: £70,000–£80,000 per annum

Working arrangement: Remote with one day per month onsite in Manchester

We are recruiting a Principal Java Developer for a hands-on leadership role combining software development with line management. You will work across a modern technology stack including Java, Spring, AWS and CI/CD, while working closely with UX, Product and Test colleagues, leading teams that solve complex problems and supporting the development of other engineers.

Key responsibilities

• Develop high-quality Java/Spring software and provide hands-on technical leadership.
• Work with AWS cloud technologies and modern CI/CD development and deployment practices.
• Champion Agile development and Extreme Programming practices, including test-driven development.
• Line manage developers through regular one-to-ones, coaching and objective setting.
• Mentor engineers and support their technical and professional development.
• Collaborate with UX, Product and Test teams to solve problems and guide delivery.
• Contribute ideas and help improve engineering practices and ways of working.

Essential experience

• Around six years or more of professional development experience, with strong hands-on Java and Spring expertise.
• Experience working with AWS and CI/CD pipelines/practices.
• Proven technical leadership and experience leading teams to solve problems.
• Confident people management experience, including direct line management, coaching and performance objectives.
• A commitment to code quality, Agile delivery and test-driven development.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative approach.
• A proactive, inquisitive mindset and a willingness to challenge existing approaches and keep learning.

Desirable experience

• Customer-facing work and experience in pensions or financial technology.
• Examples of driving improvements within a previous role or team.
• Involvement in recruiting developers from graduate through to principal level.
• Participation in developer communities, technical forums or knowledge-sharing sessions.