Principal Software Architect / Engineering Manager Location: Belfast Hybrid Type: Permanent Package: Competitive with leadership bonus Reporting to: CTO / Head of Engineering Overview This is a senior leadership opportunity for a Principal Software Architect / Engineering Manager to own large scale platform modernisation, define architectural vision, and lead engineering teams through significant technical transformation. The role suits someone equally comfortable operating at strategic and hands on levels. You will shape cloud architecture, modernise legacy platforms, and enable high performing, multi disciplinary teams to deliver long term, sustainable improvements across performance, reliability, and developer experience. You will play a key role in influencing product direction, setting engineering standards, and guiding the evolution of core platforms. If you enjoy owning complex technical landscapes, enabling teams, and defining the future direction of enterprise systems, this role offers genuine scope and impact. Architecture and Modernisation Define and lead modern architecture strategies, guiding the transition from legacy systems to modular, cloud native platforms Drive the evolution of monolithic applications into scalable APIs, microservices, and event driven architectures across Azure and AWS Partner with UI and backend architects to ensure alignment across system design, scalability, and performance Introduce and champion AI enabled engineering practices, including Copilot and GPT based tooling, to improve delivery efficiency and code quality Technical Leadership and Platform Ownership Provide architectural oversight across multiple applications, ensuring consistency, maintainability, and technical excellence Own long term platform evolution, including cloud migration, containerisation, and automation initiatives using Kubernetes Diagnose and resolve complex performance and scalability challenges across large scale systems Champion software craftsmanship, including TDD, BDD, sound design patterns, and scalable engineering practices Team Leadership and Engineering Culture Lead and mentor cross functional engineering teams, supporting growth, performance, and delivery excellence Build engineering capability through team scaling and site growth initiatives across Belfast and India Establish and run Architecture Review Boards, working groups, and governance structures to maintain engineering standards Delivery and Stakeholder Engagement Collaborate with product, infrastructure, and senior leadership to define architecture roadmaps aligned to business objectives Own the end to end delivery of architectural initiatives, balancing technical depth with pace and predictability Develop proofs of concept for new platform capabilities using modern languages such as Java and Python Communicate complex technical decisions clearly and effectively to senior stakeholders What You Bring Core Experience Extensive engineering experience with deep expertise in .NET, cloud architecture, distributed systems, and enterprise modernisation Proven leadership background as an Engineering Manager, Architect, Principal Engineer, or Site Lead Demonstrated success modernising legacy platforms into modular or microservice based systems with modern front ends such as React or Angular Strong experience across Azure, AWS, Kubernetes, and modern CI/CD tooling including TeamCity and Octopus Deploy Advanced architectural capability across event driven systems, messaging, APIs, and distributed platforms Technical Skills .NET and C#, including Web Forms and modern .NET Core services Java and Python for architectural experimentation and proofs of concept Kubernetes, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines SQL Server, Postgres, caching strategies, and performance engineering Leadership Competencies Proven experience leading multi team engineering groups of 20 or more Strong mentoring, coaching, and talent development capability Excellent communication skills with the ability to simplify complex technical topics for senior audiences A track record of building engineering culture, standards, and scalable delivery processes Nice to Have Experience supporting multi region growth or new site establishment Exposure to AI driven software development practices Experience implementing BDD frameworks such as SpecFlow, xUnit, or Hangfire Background working in highly regulated or enterprise environments Why Join Own and influence major platform transformation initiatives Senior leadership role with long term architectural impact Modern engineering culture built on trust, autonomy, and accountability Clear progression opportunities across Principal, Head of Engineering, and Enterprise Architecture pathways Collaborative environment with experienced engineers and technology leaders How to Apply For a confidential conversation, connect directly with Ryan Quinn on LinkedIn. Skills: .Net AWS React Benefits: Bonus