Senior Java Developer

GTC Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Java Developer for a UK Government client in Manchester or Leeds. This hybrid position involves designing modern digital services, working within microservice architectures, and collaborating in Agile teams. The ideal candidate has recent Java 21 experience and strong TDD/BDD knowledge, along with the ability to implement APIs. This role is crucial for delivering high-impact digital transformation programmes that benefit millions of users.

Qualifications

• Recent experience with Java 21 or later.
• Strong understanding of TDD and BDD.
• Experience working in Agile environments.
• Experience implementing APIs for internal and external use.
• Knowledge of Linux / Unix-like operating systems.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Understanding of Responsive Web Design.
• Comfortable learning new tools and technologies quickly.

Responsibilities

• Designing, building and improving modern digital services.
• Working within large-scale microservice architectures.
• Collaborating closely across disciplines.
• Building APIs and supporting continuous deployment.
• Contributing to live service support.

Skills

Java 21

Test-Driven Development (TDD)

Behavior-Driven Development (BDD)

Agile methodologies

API implementation

Linux/Unix

Responsive Web Design

Job description

Overview

Senior Java Developer – UK Government Client | Digital Transformation Programme

Location: Manchester or Leeds (Hybrid)

Day Rate: Up to £700.00 per day (Inside IR35)

Contract: 12-month

Roles: 3 available

Security Clearance: BPSS but candidates must be eligible for SC Clearance

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Java Developer to help deliver one of the UK Government\'s most ambitious digital services. This is a high-impact role, working on a flagship programme that will improve public services and positively affect millions of users.

You\'ll join an Agile, multidisciplinary team of developers, designers and analysts. This is a collaborative, delivery-focused environment where problem-solving and outcomes matter far more than titles or hierarchy.

What you\'ll be doing

• Designing, building and improving modern digital services and platforms
• Working within large-scale microservice architectures
• Pair programming and collaborating closely across disciplines
• Building APIs and supporting continuous deployment through automated testing
• Contributing to live service support, including occasional out-of-hours cover
• Sharing best practice and learning from the wider development community

Essential skills & experience

• Recent experience with Java 21 (or later)
• Strong understanding of TDD and BDD
• Experience working in Agile environments
• Experience implementing APIs for internal and external use
• Knowledge of Linux / Unix-like operating systems
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Understanding of Responsive Web Design
• Comfortable learning new tools and technologies quickly

Desirable experience

• Jackson, JAX-RS, Mockito
• Messaging platforms such as Kafka or ActiveMQ
• MongoDB or other document databases
• High-traffic, data-heavy digital services

The ideal candidate

• Adaptable, proactive and delivery-focused
• Takes ownership and maintains high engineering standards
• Collaborative, open to feedback and multidisciplinary working
• Strategic thinker with a passion for quality digital services