Principal Engineer

Job Title: Principal Engineer

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Edinburgh

Working style: Hybrid 50% home/office based

Closing date: 2nd of March 2026

We have a unique opportunity for an experienced Principal Engineer to lead and guide a group of software and quality engineers and lead complex large scale technology initiatives. The role is fundamentally a leadership position within our Engagement Services Platform team focused on planning and executing activity that align with both the product vision and organisational goals while adhering to budget constraints.

Within this position you will oversee delivery activity and guidestaff to ensure the engineering teams execute engineering activity on time and within budget whilst adhering to agreed engineering standards and principles. You will also have accountability for the engineering resource assigned to your team and will work closely with the Head of Engineering to ensure the appropriate capabilities are in place to support your area of addition you will have accountability for governance and stakeholder management to support successful delivery outcomes.

Collaborating across relevant teams with a growing scope of ownership the Principal Engineer will drive successful technology delivery within their domain. Additionally they will act as an escalation point for complex issues maintaining a focus on resolving delivery challenges and ensuring technology success within their value stream or platform.

Within this position you will ensure that all costs associated with the Technology and Change teams are transparent and managed effectively (including cloud FinOps) and that all software assets are managed effectively to maximise cost efficiency

The Engagement Services Platform team are responsible for delivering change and managing service across a variety of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Brand and Marketing and Group Web systems and services and are at the core of our digital transformation journey/

About the role

• Lead engineering projects and teams within value streams and shared platforms executing multiple projects to stay within budget and time constraints.
• Coordinate day-to-day delivery to ensure effective service execution to ensure effective service delivery through robust validation plans and process improvements
• Develop and implement engineering strategies to enhance company performance drive innovation and establish best practices. Thereafter work with the Engineering Enablement team to industrialise and roll out any new practices/frameworks introduced.
• Oversee the creation of team goals implementation plans and research and design tasks.
• Possess a rare blend of engineering expertise and exceptional leadership skills. Focus on maximizing team potential through coaching mentoring and creating a supportive work environment. Advocate for team needs provide necessary resources and ensure a positive work culture
• Responsible for managing performance evaluations pay increases and bonuses. Assess individual and team performance align rewards with contributions and ensure equitable compensation practices
• Partner with stakeholders to manage and adjust resources flexibly handling personnel movement both internally and externally to optimise delivery outcomes
• Serve as the owner of specific applications lifecycles overseeing their health and performance. Implement and maintain Business As Usual (BAU) practices ensuring prompt resolution of operational issues and efficient change management
• Working with the procurement team negotiate contracts with vendors manage engineering budgets and oversee financial targets.
• Liaise with key stakeholders across the RL Group providing expert advice and support. Stay updated on technical standards and legislation demonstrating strong leadership and problem-solving skills
• Manage role-specific risks oversee the control framework and integrate elements of the Risk Management System (RMS) as needed.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to engineers and technicians offering guidance and training to enhance their capabilities

About you

A highly skilled practitioner with expert knowledge of engineering practices and processes who can work with and influence senior stakeholders across the RL Group in an efficient and effective manner.

Proven technical skills across the following areas:

• Microsoft Dynamics 365 (Sales Marketing Customer Insights Customer Service)
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM (v9.1 )
• Content Management (Laserfiche SmartComms Optimizely)
• Cloud based platform integration (e.g. Azure Synapse Fabric Logic Apps Functions)
• Development languages (e.g. C# .Net SQL)
• Software development and testing tool (e.g. Gherkin)
• Container orchestration tools (e.g. Docker Kubernetes)
• CI/CD Tools (e.g. GitHub)
• Product / Platform operating model
• FinOps
• Software Delivery Lifecycle
• Secure/resilient development techniques
• UI/UX Concepts
• Data & AI architecture
• Change methods (e.g. agile iterative waterfall)

Qualifications/Knowledge

• Proven implementation of complex Microsoft Dynamics solutions in Financial Services
• Proven leadership and teambuilding skills
• Proven people management skills
• Proven engineering skills
• High level influencing skills
• Excellent communication both written and verbal

About Royal London

Were the UKs largest mutual life pensions and investment company offering protection long-term savings and asset management products and services.

Our People Promise to our colleagues is that we will all work somewhere inclusive responsible enjoyable and fulfilling. This is underpinned by our Spirit of Royal London values; Empowered Trustworthy Collaborate Achieve.

Weve always been proud to reward employees by offering great workplace benefits such as 28 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays an up to 14% employer matching pension scheme and private medical insurance. You can see all our benefits here - Our Benefits

Inclusion diversity and belonging

Were an Inclusive employer. We celebrate and value different backgrounds and cultures across Royal London. Our diverse people and perspectives give us a range of skills which are recognised and respected whatever their background.