Senior Principal Software Engineer

Aviva; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 76,500 - 93,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunity of 12%

Generous pension scheme with up to 14% contribution

29 days holiday plus bank holidays

40% discount on Aviva products

Shares through Matching Share Plan

Flexible benefits options

Paid volunteering days

Supportive wellbeing programs

Job summary

A global insurance company in Leatherhead seeks a Senior Principal Software Engineer to lead a technology team. The ideal candidate will provide technical leadership, ensuring high standards in software development and mentoring engineers. With a competitive salary of up to £85,000 plus benefits, this role offers the chance to shape the future of software development in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Skilled in backend development and familiar with modern UI technologies.
• Proven leadership skills with experience in agile methodologies.
• Solid understanding of software governance and risk mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership across all stages of software development.
• Lead a team of engineers and work closely with senior stakeholders.
• Shape the strategic direction of the technology landscape.

Skills

Backend development with Entity Framework

Oracle

SQL Server

AWS

Web Forms

HTML, CSS, Bootstrap

Leadership in agile environments

Software governance and assurance

Job description

Senior Principal Software Engineer

Location: Leatherhead, UK

Do you love solving complex technical challenges and inspiring others to deliver impactful solutions?

This is a great job for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys leading technical delivery, and is passionate about shaping the future of software development.

Whether you're an experienced software architect ready for a new challenge or someone with deep technical expertise looking to influence strategy and mentor others—this role could be your next step.

About the job

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking technology team that designs and delivers innovative software solutions across Aviva Protection.

This role exists to provide technical leadership across all stages of software development, ensuring high standards in design, security, and automation.

You’ll lead a team of engineers, work closely with senior stakeholders, and help shape the strategic direction of our technology landscape.

From designing complex applications to setting software standards and inspiring others—you’ll play a key role in how we build and deliver technology at Aviva.

Skills and experience we’re looking for

• Skilled in backend development with tools like Entity Framework, Oracle, SQL Server, and AWS.
• Comfortable working across legacy (Web Forms) and modern UI technologies (HTML, CSS, Bootstrap).
• Proven leadership in agile environments—removing blockers, aligning stakeholders, and mentoring teams.
• A solid understanding of software governance, assurance, and risk mitigation.

What you’ll get for this role

• Starting Salary Circa £85,000 (depending on location, skills, experience, and qualifications).
• Bonus opportunity of 12% (Actual amount depends on your performance and Aviva’s.)
• Generous pension scheme - Aviva will contribute up to 14%, depending on what you put in.
• 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, and you can choose to buy or sell up to 5 days.
• Make your money go further - Up to 40% discount on Aviva products, and other retailer discounts.
• Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through our Matching Share Plan and share in the success of Aviva with our Save As You Earn scheme.
• Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave.
• Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work.
• Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your 3 paid volunteering days to help others.
• We take your wellbeing seriously with lots of support and tools.
• Take a look to learn more. Put a salary into this calculator to see what your total Aviva Reward could be.

Aviva is for everyone

• We’re inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from all backgrounds and experiences.
• Excited but not sure you tick every box? Even if you don’t, we would still encourage you to apply. We also consider all forms of flexible working, including part time and job shares.
• We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you.
• Most of our people are smart working – spending around 50% of their time in our offices every week - combining the benefits of flexibility, with time together with colleagues.

We interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job. Once you’ve applied, please send us an email stating that you have a disclosed disability, and we’ll interview you.

We’d love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, please give a call on 02045922145 or send an email to [e-mail].

Seniority level: Director

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Information Technology

Industries: Insurance, Financial Services, and Banking