Junior Software Developer

AF Blakemore; Willenhall; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK convenience retailer seeks a Software Developer based in Willenhall or Talbot Green. This hybrid role involves project planning, development, and troubleshooting of software solutions. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical skills, experience in problem resolution, and a passion for developing efficient solutions. The position comes with excellent benefits including generous leave, professional development opportunities, and a supportive culture that promotes internal growth.

Benefits

Generous staff discount

Outstanding Training & Development

Company Pension Scheme

Wellbeing support

Free Tea & Coffee

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of development environments.
• Experience with prioritisation and troubleshooting.
• Ability to develop/manage small projects.
• Understanding of business processes and automation.
• Specific knowledge of development languages preferred.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with users to understand requirements.
• Code, test, and implement solutions.
• Manage small development projects.
• Provide user training and project sign off.
• Automate tasks and maintain database administration.

Skills

Troubleshooting and problem resolution

Project management

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Flexibility in working hours

Education

Degree in Software Development or related field

Tools

Progress OpenEdge

UNIX operating systems

Job description

Hybrid / office, based in either Willenhall (West Midlands) or Talbot Green (South Wales)

9am-5 : 30pm Mon-Fri (plus out-of-hours support when needed)

The position will include project planning, analysis, development, testing and implementation of software, providing a troubleshooting and third line support activity, automating IT operational tasks, participating in performance tuning and to complying with departmental administration procedures. Will be required to acquire skill using Progress OpenEdge to develop solutions.

Who are we :

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd is one of the largest privately owned companies in the UK. Our forward-thinking family-owned business began life in 1917 as a counter-service grocery store and has grown from these humble beginnings into a company that now owns circa 250 SPAR convenience stores and employs more than 5,500 people, with a turnover of £1.2 billion. As one of the largest convenience retailers in the UK, we are always looking for innovative ways to create a point of difference. Food and drink have always been our lifeblood, and today our business has multiple divisions specialising in retail, food service and wholesale distribution.

Key Tasks / Responsibilities :

• Liaising with users to understand their requirements
• Analyse and document the requirements
• Code, test and implement solutions
• Project management
• User training and project sign off
• Scripting – automation and running control mechanisms as required
• Database administration
• Application integration

Key Job info

• Could be required to travel to sites other than normal place of work for business purposes
• Could be required to stay away from home overnight or attend evening events on behalf of the business

Key knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required

• A solid understanding of standard concepts, practices and procedures within a development environment
• Experience with issues prioritisation, troubleshooting and problem resolution
• Ability to develop / manage small development projects
• An understanding of business processes and business automation
• An understanding of Microsoft, UNIX operating systems and scripting
• Analytical skills and the ability to apply lateral thinking to problems and developments
• Specific knowledge of one or more development language used by the company is preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to travel, work flexible hours and be available for out of hours support as agreed

What's in it for you?

• Holiday, Maternity and Paternity leave and pay in excess of statutory entitlements
• Develop your skills and capability in a highly supportive and multi-diverse culture
• Outstanding Training & Development
• Generous staff discount in all our SPAR stores (excl. Alcohol & Cigarettes)
• Proactive promotion of internal candidates
• Free Tea & Coffee
• Early access to your pay through ‘EarlyPay’
• 24 / 7 access to your payslips and Rotas via HR / Payroll portal
• Wellbeing support – access to emotional support, counselling, legal and financial advice
• Company Pension Scheme
• NEST pension scheme
• Company Life Insurance worth 1 x Annual Salary and 6 x Annual Salary with Company Pension Scheme
• Extra Holidays - Purchase Scheme
• Cycle to work - Bicycle purchase scheme
• Long Service Awards

Please download job description for more information

Inclusive environment : as a Disability Confident Committed employer we are dedicated to creating a fair, inclusive workplace for all. We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

You may also have experience in the following : Graduate Software Developer, Junior Programmer, Junior Application Developer, Junior Systems Developer, Software Development Assistant, Entry‑Level Developer, Junior Backend Developer, IT Developer, Junior Integration Developer, Junior Automation Developer.

REF-(Apply online only)