Senior Software Engineer

We’re First Central Insurance & Technology Group (First Central for short), an innovative, market-leading insurance company. We protect the things customers love so they can get on with what matters to them in life. 

Data drives us. It fuels our outstanding distribution, finance, technology and legal services. Our underwriting skills are built on data expertise; it creates the insights we need to give the right cover to the right customers at the right price. But, it’s the people inside and outside our business that power us. They make us stand out, help us succeed. We’re ambitious. We’re growing. We’ve won awards.   

Ready to catapult your career to new heights? We’re on the lookout for a Senior Software Engineer to join our cutting-edge technology and data team based in either Salford Quays, Manchester, Haywards Heath, West Sussex or Guernsey. Immerse yourself in a thrilling, fast-paced environment, be a key player in our innovation journey, and make a real impact.

You’ll play a crucial role in developing and supporting our Group’s Core Application portfolio. Your technical expertise will drive the development of our core software applications and provide essential operational support as part of our dynamic DevOps function.

Could you fit the bill? We're big on working flexibly - you'll spend most of your time working from home, with occasional visits to the office.  But of course, it’s your choice - if you prefer to be in the office more - that's good with us too.  

Core skills we’re looking for to succeed in the role:

• C# & .Net framework: Proven experience in developing within a C# .NET environment
• Azure Cloud Services: Proven experience in working within Azure cloud services
• DevOps and Agile Methodologies: Experience in operating in a DevOps function supported by Agile methodologies
• SQL Knowledge and Application: Excellent knowledge in SQL with the ability to use to investigate and interrogate products across the wider platform supporting improvements and solutions
• Leadership and Mentoring: Strong senior qualities leading to supporting a team by guiding and mentoring on workloads.

Making it happen. Together

What’s Involved:

• You’ll provide technical expertise in developing the group’s core software applications as part of a DevOps function
• You’ll contribute toward the Software Delivery Life Cycle (SDLC) process with an aim to design, develop, test & maintain high quality software
• You’ll provide senior developer experience, guidance & mentoring within the Focus Operations team as well as auxiliary support to Product Teams as part of a DevOps function
• You’ll support relationships with the other areas of IT to ensure that the Focus Operations team works in harmony with all IT functions

• You’ll work closely with the Focus Operations Manager to create and evolve software development & engineering functions that support and aligns to the Pillar Operating Model
• You’ll work to the agreed prioritisation of requirements for development & maintenance along with the agreed delivery dates against these requirements by understanding business & other senior stakeholder priorities, the technical capability and the strategies of both the business and technology 
• You’ll undertake Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) responsibilities supporting the SRE function in an acting-up capacity, whilst working as a Senior Software Engineer. This includes demonstrating accountability, fostering positive behaviours, and effectively working within the on-call process to ensure reliable and efficient operations
• You’ll design and produce any necessary supporting documentation to enable management and maintenance of new components and processes 
• You’ll identify and feedback any potential improvements to the organisation's technology architecture 
• You’ll ensure compliance with company and other relevant standards and/or regulations 
• You’ll comply with the requirements, and act in accordance with, the Group Code of Conduct and Fitness and Propriety policies at all times
• To comply with Company Policies, Values and guidelines as well as any other relevant standards or regulations at all times

Experience 

• Good experience of enterprise service-oriented development
• Understanding of Development & Development Management techniques
• Experience in working in a DevOps environment supported by Agile Practices
• Extensive knowledge and ability to software engineer using C#
• Extensive knowledge of and experience of Microsoft .NET development 
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server 
• Strong knowledge & experience of Microsoft Azure Platform and Services 

Skills 

• Proven experience developing within C# .NET Environment
• Proficiency in Web Development, specifically using Angular
• Significant knowledge and ability within SQL
• Ability & Experience in working in a DevOps environment whilst incorporating Agile practices
• Reasonable leadership and people management skills 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 
• Good time management and organisation skills 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Complete understanding of a service-based approach to technology, including component, service oriented and event driven architectures 

Knowledge 

• Knowledge of a structured yet agile approach to development 
• Expertise in .NET development including popular frameworks 

Behaviours 

• Commercially focused and results driven 
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic 
• An organised and pro-active approach 
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team 
• A flexible approach and positive attitude 
• Emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy 
• Strives to drive business improvements to contribute to the success of the business 

Ready to make a positive impact? Apply now and be part of something big!

What can we do for you?

People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. We owe it to them so that’s what we offer. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive. To get a taste of the advantages you’ll enjoy, take a look at all our perks in full here. 

Intrigued? Our Talent team can tell you everything you need to know about what we want and what we’re offering, so feel free to get in touch.