Principal Developer

North West Ambulance Service Nhs Trust; Penyffordd; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider is seeking a Principal Developer to lead innovative digital solutions that enhance service delivery. The role involves leading design and development efforts, setting coding standards, mentoring teams, and ensuring system security and compliance. This position is crucial for driving the organization's digital transformation and supporting exceptional care delivery across the community.

Qualifications

• Experience leading digital solution development in a health or similar environment.
• Strong understanding of coding standards and digital methodologies.
• Proven track record in stakeholder engagement and team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and support of digital solutions.
• Define and promote coding standards across the community.
• Mentor the developer team and support their professional development.
• Manage resources and ensure compliance with data protection.

Skills

Lead design and development of digital solutions

Mentorship and team support

Collaboration with stakeholders

Implementation of security standards

Strategic planning

Tools

Modern technologies and frameworks

Job description

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is seeking a Principal Developer to lead the development of innovative digital solutions that directly support our mission: delivering the right care, at the right time, in the right place--every time. As the technical lead for application development, you'll set standards, mentor the developer community, and drive continuous improvement, ensuring our digital services are robust, secure, and future‑ready. This role is central to NWAS's digital transformation, supporting our Digital Strategic Plan. You'll help deliver outstanding, inclusive care, enable staff through digital innovation, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and partnership working.

• Lead the design, development, and support of digital solutions using modern technologies and frameworks.
• Define and promote coding standards and best practices across the developer community.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into effective technical solutions.
• Mentor and support the professional development of the developer team.
• Ensure systems are secure, scalable, and aligned with NHS and NWAS standards.
• Oversee the implementation of new technologies, tools, and methodologies, supporting the Trust's digital roadmap.
• Manage resources, budgets, and third‑party relationships to maximise value and ensure service continuity.
• Support business continuity, risk management, and compliance with data protection and information governance.

Shaping the Digital Future As Principal Developer, you'll play a key role in delivering the Trust's digital ambitions, including:

• Building digital foundations and infrastructure for a future‑ready, data‑driven organisation.
• Supporting intelligent triage, personalised care, and clinician empowerment through digital tools.
• Enabling staff with digital automation, AI, and continuous learning.
• Driving integration with health and social care partners for seamless, responsive care.
• Embedding innovation and data‑driven improvement to ensure sustainability and resilience.

North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust provides 24 hour, 365 days a year accident and emergency services to those in need of emergency medical treatment and transport. Our highly skilled staff provide life‑saving care to patients in the community and take people to hospital or a place of care if needed. We also provide non‑emergency patient transport services for those patients who require non‑emergency transport to and from hospital and who are unable to travel unaided because of their medical condition or clinical need. Alongside the other emergency services, we also work to ensure the safety of the public and treatment of patients in the event of a major incident. We also deliver the NHS 111 service in the North West. NHS 111 replaced NHS Direct in 2013. This service was introduced to make it easier for people to access local NHS healthcare services in England. It provides non‑emergency medical help fast, and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.