Graduate App Developer

Forge Holiday Group; Chester; Hybrid; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Chester is seeking a Graduate App Developer to join their Technology Team. In this hybrid role, you will work with native mobile app technologies including Swift and Kotlin, delivering scalable software solutions and collaborating with stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Software Development, a passion for tech, and good problem-solving skills. The position offers up to £28,000 annual salary, bonus schemes, and generous holiday allowances.

Benefits

Annual Bonus Scheme

33 days’ holiday

Enhanced parental leave

Gym & parking at Chester HQ

Qualifications

• Passion for tech and problem-solving.
• Academic or commercial experience with object-oriented programming.
• Interest in native mobile app technology.

Responsibilities

• Build well-crafted, scalable software solutions.
• Promote software development best practices.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to clarify requirements.

Skills

Problem-solving

Interest in cutting-edge technologies

Strong communication skills

Teamwork skills

Education

Degree in Software Development or equivalent

Tools

SQL

PHP

Java

Job description

Overview

Forge Your Future with Us! 💻

• Salary: Up to £28,000 per annum
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week
• Working Policy: Hybrid - at least 2 days per week in our Chester HQ
• Team: Development Team
• Reports To: Lead Developer

Do you have a passion for tech and a hunger to kickstart your career in software development? Whether you're a fresh graduate or eager for a career change, this is your chance to join a leading force in the holiday industry!

We’re on the lookout for a Graduate App Developer to join our award-winning Technology Team at The Forge Holiday Group. If you're ready to learn, innovate, and grow alongside some of the brightest tech minds in the North West, this is the opportunity for you!

Why You’ll Love It Here

At Forge, we believe in more than just a job - we offer a springboard into a dynamic tech career, where you\'ll be supported by a vibrant, inclusive culture, fast-tracked career progression, and access to a wealth of knowledge and resources. You\'ll work on native iOS and Android apps using the latest technologies (Swift, Swift UI, Kotlin and Compose) to help build innovative app solutions that make an impact.

This isn’t just another graduate role, it’s the start of something big.

What’s In It For You

• Annual Bonus Scheme
• 33 days’ holiday (incl. bank hols) + extra for long service
• Your birthday off
• 2 paid volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave (24 weeks maternity, 3 weeks paternity at full pay)
• Discounts on stays with our brands + wellbeing perks
• On-site gym & parking at Chester HQ (near train station)
• Employee savings scheme & long service awards
• Proudly one of only 1,000 B Corp-certified companies in the UK

About The Graduate Developer Role

As part of our Technology Team, you’ll join one of our dedicated App Squads, creating resilient solutions used by both colleagues and customers. You’ll innovate, collaborate, and grow every day, as you:

• Build well-crafted, scalable software solutions
• Own the delivery of software into the business
• Participate in sprint planning and retrospectives
• Promote software development best practices
• Collaborate with stakeholders to clarify requirements and resolve issues
• Explore new technologies to solve real-world business challenges
• Review and enhance colleagues' code submissions

What We’re Looking For

We’re all about personality and potential. If you’re driven by problem-solving, love the latest tech trends, and want to work with native mobile app technology (Swift, Swift UI, Kotlin and Compose) we want to hear from you!

To set you up for success, we’re looking for:

• A passion for tech and problem-solving
• Interest in cutting-edge technologies
• Academic or commercial experience with SQL, PHP, Java, or other object-oriented programming
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• A degree in Software Development or equivalent

Nice to have

• Experience developing and publishing native iOS or Android apps
• Familiarity with iOS or Android operating systems and ecosystems
• Understanding of modern app architectures (MVVM, MVI)
• Agile development methodologies (e.g. Scrum)
• Experience with REST APIs, Retrofit, RxJava, RxSwift, Combine, Kotlin Coroutines

About You

• Curious, ambitious, and eager to learn new technologies
• A collaborative problem-solver who enjoys building and improving software
• Detail-oriented and proactive in finding better ways to do things
• Excited to grow your skills and shape your career in a supportive team

Why Forge Holiday Group?

Forge Holiday Group brings together three leading holiday brands - Sykes Holiday Cottages, Forest Holidays, and Bachcare (NZ) - united by one mission: creating brilliant holiday experiences through technology, service, and innovation.

With 1,700 colleagues and four values at our core - One Business One Team, Keep It Simple, Grow & Learn, Sustainable Impact - we’re shaping the future of holidays while making a positive impact for our owners, guests, and communities.

We’re committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage you to bring your authentic self. Need adjustments for recruitment? Just ask.

Ready to start your journey with us and build the future of tech? Apply now and grow your career at Forge Holiday Group.