Graduate Software Developer

BRE Group; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading innovation hub in the UK seeks a Graduate Software Developer for an 18-month program to jumpstart your career in the built environment. This role involves working with senior developers on the BREEAM digital platform transition, alongside gaining essential skills in project management and software development. With a competitive starting salary of £30,000 and an inclusive environment, you will help shape sustainable building innovations while enjoying a hybrid work model.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension scheme with employer match

HealthPartners cashback scheme

Learning & development opportunities

Professional membership reimbursement

Qualifications

• Recent graduate or soon to graduate with a Computer Science background.
• A passion for software development and technology learning.
• Problem-solving skills and ability to work in teams.

Responsibilities

• Join a transformation project for the BREEAM digital platform.
• Work closely with senior developers for system knowledge transfer.
• Contribute to development work for the release of BREEAM Planner 1.4.

Skills

Knowledge of either Java or .NET

Understanding of software development principles and version control

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

Willingness to learn and collaborate

Education

Degree in Computer Science or related discipline

Job description

Make your mark at BRE!

BRE aims to be the world’s leading innovation, science and data hub for the built environment. For more than a century we have provided government and industry with cutting-edge research and testing. Join us to help deliver products, advice, services, standards and qualifications used around the globe to make buildings better for people and the environment. Through science-led solutions to urgent challenges, we will build a thriving and sustainable world.

BRE Graduate Programme

BRE’s Graduate Programme is an 18-month fast-track development journey designed to launch your career in the built environment. From day one, you’ll step into a permanent role within a specialist team while gaining exposure across the business. The programme combines structured learning, mentoring from senior leaders, monthly group coaching, and access to a £1,000 professional development fund. You’ll build expertise in areas such as project management, stakeholder engagement, innovation, and leadership, supported by tailored workshops and online learning. With professional membership included and a permanent role at the end, Elevate offers the tools, networks, and confidence to shape your future and help us lead the way in creating safe, sustainable buildings.

About the role

We are looking for a motivated and collaborative Graduate Software Developer to join our software development team at BRE. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a major transformation project as we transition the BREEAM digital platform from an external supplier back in-house.

In this role, you will play a key part in the knowledge transfer process, working closely with senior developers to understand the existing system and contribute to the development work required for the release of BREEAM Planner 1.4. You will also help lay the foundations for the platform’s future evolution, ensuring it is stable, efficient, and ready for ongoing improvements.

What can you bring to this role

You’ll be a recent graduate (or soon to graduate) in Computer Science or a related discipline with a passion for software development. You enjoy problem solving, learning new technologies, and working as part of a team. You should bring enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to get hands‑on with real‑world coding challenges.

Essential Skills

• Knowledge of either Java or .NET
• Understanding of software development principles and version control
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills
• Willingness to learn and collaborate

BRE Benefits

At BRE, we offer a competitive salary, reviewed annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial security, well‑being, and career development.

Financial & Security Benefits

• Pension scheme – 5% employer-matched contribution
• Life assurance – 4x your basic salary
• Enhanced maternity package

Health & Wellbeing

• HealthPartners cashback scheme – Reclaim costs on prescriptions, physiotherapy, dental care, and more
• Onsite facilities – Restaurant, nursery, and free parking, including at‑cost EV charging points

Career Development

• Learning & development – Free access to BRE Academy and our online learning platform
• Professional membership reimbursement

For full details on our benefits, visit: BRE Employee Benefits

Salary & Progression

• £30,000 starting salary
• £32,000 after 12 months
• £34,000 after successful completion at 18 months

Work Location Options

Hybrid – This role will be a mix of working from home and working from our Watford office 2‑3 days per week.

Note to Employment Agencies

At BRE, we value the relationships we have built with our preferred recruitment partners. We do not accept unsolicited CVs from employment agencies. Any CVs submitted directly to a BRE employee or hiring manager without a signed BRE Employment Agency Agreement and an active engagement for the specific role will be considered unsolicited. In such cases, no fees will be payable should the candidate be hired through this or any other means.

Equal Opportunities Statement

BRE is an equal opportunities employer. We assess all qualified applicants based on merit and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.