Principal Software Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 61,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment partner is seeking a Principal Software Developer to join the Welsh Government’s Digital, Data and Technology team. The role involves leading software projects, mentoring teams, and ensuring effective delivery of modern digital services. Candidates must demonstrate strong software development experience and leadership skills, with a salary ranging from £61,235 to £72,328 including a civil service pension and generous leave allowance.

Benefits

Civil Service pension of 30.3%

31 days annual leave + 2 privilege days + 8 bank holidays

Hybrid working model

Staff wellbeing and active networks

Qualifications

• Experience in software development using various programming languages and frameworks.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams for software delivery.
• Experience with modern development and deployment practices.

Responsibilities

• Own and oversee the software delivery lifecycle with best tools and frameworks.
• Lead delivery teams and manage stakeholder relationships.
• Train and mentor team members in professional growth.

Skills

Digital service development

Agile methodologies

System Design

Development process optimisation

Education

Eligibility for SC clearance

Job description

Job Description

Principal Software Developer – Welsh Government (Grade 6)

Location: Pan - Wales

Working Pattern: Full-Time / Flexible

Salary: £61,235-£72,328 (+ DDaT Allowance)

Yolk Recruitment is proud to be the exclusive recruitment partner to the Welsh Government.

We’re working together to deliver modern, impactful digital services for the people of Wales – and we’re looking for talented individuals who want to be part of this mission.

About the Role

Join the Welsh Government’s Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) team as a Principal Software Developer. The Principal Developer and their team will lead on establishing the development strategy and approach, choosing the right frameworks, toolsets, and technologies for the organisation and helping to build out their use via guidance, encouragement, carrots and sticks! They will own the development and support of new solutions, exploring appropriate models including support from the wider marketplace.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the software delivery lifecycle and select the best tools, frameworks, and platforms, helping your team understand when and how to use them effectively.
• Oversee and own the design and delivery of integrated solutions that meet customer needs, balancing risk, complexity, security, and resource efficiency.
• Lead delivery teams and software projects, applying appropriate methodologies to ensure quality and timely delivery.
• Manage strong relationships with stakeholders across the organisation to align work with strategic priorities and deliver the most benefit.
• Apply the principles of Secure by Design, embedding security controls into services and guiding the team on secure architecture and threat mitigation.
• Train and mentor team members, providing strategic coaching and guiding professional growth.

You will have the opportunity to work with multiple projects and programmes across many areas of Welsh Government, with staff at all levels in many different roles and aspects of government business. We provide training specific to your role as well as to develop you for the next one, and we operate shadowing schemes for key areas where staff can experience the work of others first hand.

Requirements

• Eligibility for SC clearance
• Demonstrable experience of digital service development using one or more programming languages, frameworks, or application platforms
• Experience of working with modern development and deployment practices and agile methodologies to build, test, deploy, and manage services and applications
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams to successful software delivery project outcomes
• System Design - You can develop effective implementation and procurement strategies, consistent with business needs
• Development process optimisation – You can lead and develop a team of experts to deliver service improvements

The successful Principal Software Developer will be rewarded with the following:

• Basic salary of £61,235-£72,328 (+ DDaT Allowance) + incremental pay progression
• Civil Service pension of 30.3%
• 31 days annual leave + 2 privilege days + 8 bank holidays
• Hybrid working model and offices across Wales
• Staff wellbeing and active networks

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At Yolk Recruitment and Welsh Government, we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, supported, and able to thrive. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds – including underrepresented groups such as women, Black, Asian and minority candidates, individuals, and disabled people.

We believe drives innovation and better outcomes for everyone.

How to Apply

Apply now via Yolk Recruitment and be part of something meaningful. Our team will support you throughout the process, ensuring a smooth and fair application journey.

Closing Date: 16th June

Interview Date: 7th July (interviews will be held remotely)

For more information or to apply, contact Luke Cox at Yolk Recruitment – [e-mail]