Java/Kotlin Engineer

HOLLAND AND BARRETT; London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job description

About the role:

We're seeking a Java/Kotlin Backend Engineer to help develop and enhance the core systems behind our in-store colleague platforms. While the role is primarily focused on backend development, there may be chances to contribute to frontend work as well. You'll be working on products that streamline retail operations, integrating hardware and APIs to deliver innovative solutions across multiple countries.

We're looking for someone who takes ownership of their work-building reliable, high-quality systems and seeing them through from development to production.

You'll be part of a cross-functional team responsible for the software behind tills and colleague apps across the UK, Europe, and Ireland. These mission-critical systems demand high availability and efficiency. The team follows a hybrid work model, working remotely most of the time, with occasional office visits (once a month) in London or Nuneaton.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Assist in designing, developing and maintaining scalable backend services using Kotlin, Java and Spring.
2. Work with databases, including SQL (e.g., RDS) and NoSQL (e.g., DocumentDB).
3. Collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams (e.g. QA, UX, product management).
4. Contribute to architectural decisions, ensuring maintainability, scalability, and high performance.
5. Ensure production systems run smoothly and meet user expectations.
6. Learn best practices in software development, cloud technologies, and deployment.
7. Utilise tooling for debugging, monitoring, and support automation.

Key requirements:

1. 2+ years of experience in backend development with Kotlin or Java with the ability to transition to Kotlin.
2. Experience with databases, including SQL and NoSQL.

Nice to have:

1. Familiarity with cloud services such as AWS (S3, RDS, DocumentDB).
2. Strong focus on writing clean, modular, testable code with experience in unit and integration testing.
3. Proficiency in building APIs and microservices.
4. Interest in working on retail systems or public facing hardware integrations.
5. Understanding of CI/CD pipelines and version control systems like Git.
6. Experience with JavaScript and frontend technologies.

What we offer:

• Pension company contribution = 3%
• Incentive scheme up to 10% of annual salary, based on company performance.
• Your wellbeing is paramount so you can get away and take 33 Days Holiday per year.
• Learning and Development opportunity with Holland & Barrett is a great base for career development long term.
• Private Medical Care (Self after 1 year)
• Career progression.
• Refer and Earn Scheme - as we're growing you can earn money by referring people to join us from your network.
• Epic Extras gives you access to exclusive benefits, free advice and savings from a range of retailers and providers.
• Stay healthy with Discounted Products - from day one you'll get a 25% discount (on top of other promotions) when you shop at H&B on anything that you buy.
• We all need a little help sometimes, so we offer Free 24/7 Confidential Advice & Colleague Welfare.
• Mental Health First Aiders - we have lots of qualified Mental Health First Aiders because its all about your health & wellbeing.
• Stay active in the Onsite Gym at our Nuneaton Hub!
• We have colleague Reward and Recognition Schemes, so your hard work and loyalty won't go unnoticed.
• And many more!

Our culture respects equality, values diversity and encourages individuality - because this allows our people to unlock their potential and be their best. We welcome everyone who shares our EPIC values regardless of background, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation.