Lead Software Engineer- Back End

Royal London Group; Alderley Edge; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services company in Alderley Edge seeks a Lead Software Engineer – Back End. You will play a pivotal role in designing and implementing solutions with your Java expertise, providing technical leadership. The position supports internal growth and focuses on modernizing financial applications. Attractive benefits include 28 annual leave days and a generous pension scheme.

Benefits

28 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

Up to 14% pension scheme matching

Private medical insurance

Qualifications

• Proficient in Enterprise Java development with Java and Spring (Core & SpringBoot).
• Experience with microservices, REST APIs, and Kafka event streaming.
• Knowledge of relational and NoSQL databases, persistence, and caching layers.
• Experience with low latency, high-performance services is a plus.
• Familiar with cloud deployment, containerization, and Kubernetes is advantageous.
• Practices agile development and understands the full software lifecycle.
• Skilled in automated testing frameworks.
• Capable of managing your workload and supporting team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of complex technical solutions, managing your workload and that of team members.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to developers.
• Ensure code quality aligns with standards and guidelines.
• Foster collaboration across disciplines and teams.

Skills

Enterprise Java development

Java and Spring (Core & SpringBoot)

Microservices

REST APIs

Kafka event streaming

Relational and NoSQL databases

Cloud deployment

Containerization

Kubernetes

Agile development

Tools

Automated testing frameworks

Job description

Job Title: Lead Software Engineer – Back End

Contract Type: Permanent

Working style: Hybrid 50% home/office based

Closing date: 17th August 2025

We have a unique opportunity to join the Chief Operating Office at Royal London, helping shape the future of the organization across various disciplines.

The Chief Operating Office (COO) collaborates across Royal London to achieve strategic goals, focusing on operational excellence, innovation, customer experience, and risk management.

Our business unit manages millions of customers and aligns colleagues, applications, and projects within three value streams: Long Term Savings, Protection & Equity Release, and Long Standing Customers & Annuities. This role is part of the Long Term Savings stream.

We seek a skilled Lead Software Engineer with Java expertise to join our team. You will provide technical leadership in designing, developing, testing, and implementing solutions that meet business needs.

This role offers the chance to influence how Royal London develops applications, combining leadership with technical proficiency. It supports internal career growth and focuses on our new Pensions Application stack, contributing to our mission of strengthening mutual options for customers through innovative technology.

About the Opportunity

• Modernizing technology is key to maintaining competitive advantage and delivering innovative products efficiently.
• We are building new engineering capabilities at our Alderley Park office for a financial product support platform.
• There are over 80 vacancies for this exciting initiative.

About the Role

• Lead development of complex technical solutions, managing your workload and that of team members.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to developers.
• Ensure code quality aligns with Royal London standards and guidelines.
• Foster collaboration across disciplines and teams.
• Share knowledge and technical expertise at the practice level.

About You

• Proficient in Enterprise Java development with Java and Spring (Core & SpringBoot).
• Experienced in microservices, REST APIs, and Kafka event streaming.
• Knowledge of relational and NoSQL databases, persistence, and caching layers.
• Experience with low latency, high-performance services is a plus.
• Familiar with cloud deployment, containerization, and Kubernetes is advantageous.
• Practices agile development and understands the full software lifecycle.
• Skilled in automated testing frameworks.
• Passionate about fostering an inclusive and modern culture.
• Capable of managing your workload and supporting team members.
• Possesses a growth mindset, with leadership, coaching, and mentoring abilities.
• Excellent communicator at all levels, collaborative, and engaging.

About Royal London

We are the UK’s largest mutual life, pensions, and investment company, offering protection, savings, and asset management products.

Our People Promise emphasizes an inclusive, responsible, enjoyable, and fulfilling workplace, underpinned by our Spirit of Royal London values: Empowered, Trustworthy, Collaborate, Achieve.

We offer attractive benefits, including 28 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, up to 14% pension scheme matching, and private medical insurance.

Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging

Royal London is committed to being an inclusive employer, valuing diverse backgrounds and perspectives, which enhance our skills and workplace environment.