Senior Back End Engineer

John Lewis Partnership; Bracknell; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK retailer is seeking a Senior Back-End Software Engineer proficient in Kotlin or Java. This hybrid role involves driving innovative software solutions while collaborating with agile teams. Candidates should have experience in application frameworks and Agile methodologies. Offering a competitive salary of up to £71,000 along with nightly premium pay, it's an exciting opportunity for tech enthusiasts looking to grow within a leading company.

Benefits

Night Premium pay

Flexible working hours

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience with server-side Kotlin or modern Java is essential.
• Prior experience with application frameworks and Agile methodologies.
• Familiarity with techniques like TDD and CI/CD is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Work as a Senior Back-End Software Engineer in an agile team.
• Support projects and assist in developing less experienced engineers.
• Build and support new features for the business.

Skills

Server side Kotlin

Modern Java

Systems analysis and development

Application frameworks

Agile development methods

TDD

CI/CD

Microservice architecture

REST API development

Tools

AWS

GCP

Azure

Docker

Kubernetes

Jenkins

Gitlab CI

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE As the UK’s most successful omni-channel retailer, ecommerce is a key part of our business - we run two of the busiest websites in the UK, driving a significant proportion of our sales.

Our engineering practice includes 80+ teams, working on everything from Cloud platforms to mobile apps, from ecommerce functionality to machine learning.

In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00 will attract Night Premium at a rate of £5.00 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.

• Have a quick glance of our Engineering best practices, see our engineers talk about their experience and opportunities to learn and grow; Check out our Tech stack, reach out to us if you have any questions. Visit - https://www.jlpjobs.com/engineering-jobs/
• Flexible Working: This is a hybrid working role, therefore your time will primarily be split between working from home (in the UK) and London Head Office / Bracknell Head Office. However, there will also be an expectation to visit other locations as the need arises.
• Salary: up to £71,000 (depending upon experience)
• While most engineers visit the office once or twice a month, occasionally business needs may require more frequent attendance. Our offices are open five days a week for those who prefer to work from the office more regularly.
• Contract type: Permanent

Key Responsibilities

• This is an opportunity to join one of our agile product teams working as a Senior Back-End Software Engineer using Kotlin or Java. You will be leveraging your excellent backend skills from your Kotlin or Java background to build and support new features adding value for Our Business
• As a Senior Engineer, you will also use your knowledge of Software Engineering to support the shaping of new projects and support the professional development of less experienced Engineers.
• There are opportunities to become a people manager for your fellow engineers if that is something that appeals to you
• Successful candidates will have a passion for using technology to deliver outstanding and innovative software solutions, and will have a track record of working in teams delivering complex, performant, high quality software.

Learning new skills is extremely important to us.

You would be expected to constantly improve your engineering skills and keep up to date with the latest technologies and techniques. In return for your commitment you will receive the support and resources needed to achieve your learning goals.

Essential skills / experience you’ll need

• Server side Kotlin or a modern version of Java.
• A structured approach to systems analysis and development.
• Experience with application frameworks such as http4k or Spring Boot.
• An understanding of Agile development methods such as Scrum or Kanban.
• Familiarity with techniques like TDD, pair programming.
• Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery.
• An understanding of Microservice and Event Driven Architectures.
• REST API development and/or consumption.

Desirable skills / experience you may have

• Experience with Cloud Platforms such as AWS, GCP or Azure.
• Docker, Kubernetes.
• Jenkins, Gitlab CI.

Additional information

• The application form consists of CV upload, followed by application questions. Please visit - https://www.jlpjobs.com/how-to-apply/journey/ to understand more about application and hiring process
• If you are successful following your initial application, the next stages are: a screening call with a recruiter, tech assessment and two rounds of interviews.
• You'll be asked about any adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process. Please let us know, and we'll be sure to discuss it with you.

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Closing Date: December 24, 2025

Pay: £48,500.00 - £74,000.00 Annual

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours of Work: 35

Job Level: Partnership Level 7

Where You'll Be Working: London Central Office, 1 Drummond Gate, London, , SW1V 2QQ

ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP

We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us.

We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.

As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect.

We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective.

As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.

Important points to note: It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.

We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants.

We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.