Backend Developer

The Acorn Group; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

35 days holiday

Mental health support

Career development

Hybrid working

Early salary access

Job summary

We’re seeking a Backend Developer for The Acorn Group in Liverpool. The role involves building reliable backend services using C#/.NET, Azure, and Docker in a hybrid environment (3 days in office) at the Liverpool HQ.

You’ll collaborate with engineers, product owners and designers to turn ideas into features. You’ll grow through exposure to architecture, DevOps and product development while joining a squad that values learning, code quality and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Experience building backend services with C# and .NET
• Ability to work in a collaborative squad and contribute to code reviews
• Interest in learning and applying best practices in testing and CI/CD

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain backend services using .NET 8.0 and Azure
• Write clean, testable and maintainable code
• Help design and implement APIs and data solutions
• Deploy and manage applications with Docker and Azure Cloud
• Work with product owners and designers to turn ideas into features
• Learn from experienced developers and contribute to code reviews
• Share ideas and help improve how we build and deliver software

Skills

APIs

Collaborative mindset

Willingness to learn

Tools

C#

NET

Azure

Docker

SQL Server

Entity Framework

Job description

We’re looking for a Backend Developer who’s passionate about building reliable, high-performing systems and wants to keep learning and growing. You’ll join a tight-knit, cross-functional squad that owns its products from idea to delivery and works closely together to build great things.

You’ll have the chance to work with experienced engineers who’ll help you level up your skills in software design, cloud development and modern engineering practices. You’ll also get the opportunity to broaden your experience as a T-shaped developer, exploring areas like architecture, DevOps and product development.

We work together in our Liverpool HQ three days a week because we believe collaboration, feedback and shared problem-solving help us build better software and stronger teams.

Role: Backend Developer

Location: Liverpool City Centre HQ / Hybrid (3 days in office)
Salary: £45,000-£55,000 depending on experience

What You’ll Do:

• Build and maintain backend services using .NET 8.0 and Azure
• Write clean, testable and maintainable code
• Help design and implement APIs and data solutions
• Deploy and manage applications with Docker and Azure Cloud
• Work with product owners and designers to turn ideas into features
• Learn from experienced developers and contribute to code reviews
• Share ideas and help improve how we build and deliver software

Our Tech Stack:

Backend: C#, .NET 8.0, Docker
Database: SQL Server, Entity Framework, MongoDb
Infrastructure: Docker, Azure
Monitoring: Grafana, Loki Stack
Tooling: Git, CI/CD pipelines, Unit and Integration Testing, Agile methodologies

If you’re interested in learning about Clean Architecture or the Mediator pattern, we’ll help you get there.

Engineering Practices:

We care deeply about building high-quality, maintainable systems.

• CI/CD pipelines for fast, reliable deployments
• Automated testing and code reviews as standard
• Monitoring and observability with Grafana and Loki
• Continuous improvement through retrospectives and experimentation

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience building applications in C# and .NET
• A good understanding of APIs, SQL Server and Entity Framework
• Familiarity with cloud platforms like Azure and containerisation with Docker
• An interest in learning best practices around testing and CI/CDA collaborative mindset and eagerness to grow as a developer
• A problem-solving attitude and pride in writing clean, maintainable code

Why Join Us:

• Modern tech stack and strong engineering standards
• Supportive environment where you can learn from experienced developers
• Clear opportunities for career progression and skill development
• A collaborative squad where your ideas are valued
• Top-tier tools and a workspace built for creativity and teamwork

Team and Culture

You’ll be joining a squad that values curiosity, openness and craftsmanship. Everyone has a voice, and we help each other get better every day.

We believe in ownership, curiosity and craftsmanship. Everyone has a voice, and we encourage ideas from across the squad. We share knowledge, celebrate success and support each other every step of the way.

It’s a place where you can challenge yourself, grow your skills and build a career you’re proud of.

Grow with Acorn

At Acorn Insurance, we’re proud of our Liverpool roots — and even prouder of how far we’re come. As part of the Acorn Group, we bring over 40 years of specialist insurance expertise to the table. From humble beginnings, we’ve grown into a national leader, now employing 1,700+ people across the UK and reached a milestone £750 million in total value of insurance policies written in 2024.

We’re growing fast, with new opportunities emerging every week. That growth is largely due to the values we share:

• We run through walls for our customers and each other
• We challenge the status quo
• We succeed when we help those around us succeed
• We decide quickly when the smart thing to do is use our judgement

Benefits:

• A maximum of 35 days' holiday (depending on role and tenure) including bank holidays, with additional buy/sell options
• 24/7 mental health support & free counselling available
• Grow with us: Through career fairs, leadership programs, and learning on the go!
• Flexible benefits, including early access to salary via our internal platform
• Hybrid working options to support work-life balance and individual needs
• Recognition awards, social events & more

Our Commitment to our colleague’s:

Those aren’t just words -they’re the principles we live by. And we’re proud to back them up with real action, earning recognition and accreditation from leading organisations that share our commitment to people and growth:

• Mindful Employer - championing mental health and wellbeing
• Disability Confident Level 1 & 2 - creating accessible, inclusive opportunities
• Menopause Friendly accredited - supporting every stage of life
• Armed Forces Covenant signatory - honouring those who serve
• Armed Forces Defence employer recognition scheme - Supporting those who serve
• Great Places to Work 2024/25 - fostering an engaging and positive workplace culture
• Best Place to Work for Development - proud to investing in people’s future
• Best Place to Work for Women - breaking down barriers to women's career progression

If you’re looking for a company with a strong culture, real career progression, and a people-first approach - all rooted in the heart of Liverpool - Grow with Acorn.

A Few Things to Know Before You Apply

We’re really excited that you’re considering joining Acorn! To help everything go smoothly, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

If your application is successful, we will commence relevant employment checks prior to you commencing employment with us. These will include a standard criminal record check and an insolvency register check.

Visa Requirements Because our training is quite comprehensive, we can only consider applicants who have at least one year remaining on their Graduate or Post-Study Work visa. At the moment, we’re not able to offer visa sponsorship.

We’re Here to Support You We’re committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can flourish. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process—or once you’re part of the team—just let us know. Whether it’s flexible hours, adapted equipment, or a bit of extra support, we’ll work with you to make sure you can do your best work.

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