Principal Applications Engineer

Join Our Team as a Principal Applications Engineer!

Exciting things are happening within Digital Services at Derbyshire County Council and we’re looking for a Principal Application Engineer to join our team. The first phase of a major review of our organisation and strategies has been completed and we have invested in new tools to support a comprehensive and innovative Digital Services transformation programme, to support the delivery of key services to the citizens and communities of Derbyshire.

About the Role:

This role will be pivotal in helping us deliver our transformation programme, as a key post within the Application function in our Platforms and Infrastructure team in Digital Services, providing a technical lead across services. This includes supporting the Council’s New Ways of Working programme and ensuring that the Council’s services are fit for purpose. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has significant experience of operating at a Principal Application Engineer level in a large Digital Services environment, managing and delivering change and who really wants to make a difference.

Key Responsibilities:

• Effective management and coordination of service delivery and system availability.
• Acting as technical specialist and lead expert for Applications, evaluating, and implementing new IT systems and services.
• Innovating and promoting best practices in application management, including migration to cloud, and integration of innovative technologies.
• Ensuring effective supplier management and building strong external partnerships.
• Establishing, monitoring, and reporting on key performance indicators in the Applications service to drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborating with colleagues to promote a high-performance, customer-focused culture and ensure business continuity.
• Managing risk for systems, data security, and service improvement, and ensuring alignment with council-wide policies. 

What We’re Looking For:

• Significant experience of managing an Applications function in a large, complex organisation.
• Proven ability to manage large, complex Digital systems and lead high-performing teams through change and development.
• Experience managing SLAs, KPIs, and effective relationships with partners and suppliers.
• Proficiency designing and analysing Application solutions and systems.
• High-level skills in incident, problem, change, and continual service improvement management.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to continuous improvement.
• Work in a collaborative environment with opportunities for growth.
• Contribute to cutting-edge IT solutions.

What we offer you:

Derbyshire is a fantastic place to live and work, with the miles of peaceful countryside and quaint villages making the county extremely appealing. In addition to location, there are a number of benefits to being a Derbyshire County Council employee:

• 27 days annual leave, (increasing to 32 days after 5 years of service).
• Flexi time, allowing up to an additional 2 days of leave per month.
• Generous local government pension scheme.
• Guaranteed incremental annual pay increases.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Access to a comprehensive wellbeing package.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Discounts at selected county leisure centres.
• Free eye tests.
• Discount on leisure centre memberships.
• and much more!

How can I find out more information about the job?

For further information or an informal chat please contact:

Fil Thurlow – fil.thurlow@derbyshire.gov.uk

Provisional Interview Dates:  Week commencing 27th April 2026

Apply Now!

Ready for a challenging and rewarding role?

If you are a forward-thinking Applications Engineer with a passion for innovation, we would love to hear from you!

Apply today and help us drive the future of our Applications function in Digital Services!

We are accepting CVs for this position so it’s easier than ever to apply! Just click on “Apply for this job”, register and upload your CV and include a covering letter with your application.