Senior Java Software Engineer

Gist Limited; Basingstoke; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20% M&S discount

25 days annual leave

Discounted healthcare

Annual bonus

Pension (Auto Enrolment)

Life assurance (up to 4x salary)

Employee discounts via app

Wellbeing support

Training & development programs

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Gist Limited is hiring a Senior Java/Spring Software Engineer to design, develop and support high-quality Java applications. You will influence architecture, mentor developers, and drive best practices across the team.

The role spans the full SDLC with opportunities to shape technical directions and improve performance. You will work in a hybrid setup at our Chineham, Basingstoke site and from home, reporting to the Head of Application Development.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of Java, including OOP, collections, multithreading and exception handling.
• Extensive experience with Spring and Hibernate.
• Delivery of production-quality Java/Spring applications.
• Familiar with TDD, Agile/Scrum, and CI/CD tooling (Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, Git).
• Experience with relational databases (Oracle, DB2) and strong SQL; NoSQL knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain high-quality Java applications that are scalable and secure.
• Contribute to system architecture, technology selection, and key technical decisions.
• Lead code reviews and champion engineering best practices for quality and performance.
• Mentor junior developers and collaborate with product, business and tech stakeholders.
• Support Agile delivery, estimation, and prioritisation; seek process improvements.
• Work with CI/CD pipelines and modern DevOps practices; participate in 2nd line support rota.

Skills

Java

Spring

Hibernate

OOP

Multithreading

Exception handling

Code reviews

TDD

Agile/Scrum

CI/CD

Jenkins

Docker

Kubernetes

SQL

Oracle/DB2

NoSQL

Tools

Jenkins

Docker

Kubernetes

Git

Job description

At Gist, we're proud to be part of the M&S Group, the logistics engine behind M&S Food.

From our distribution centres to our transport operations and support functions, we connect people, technology and expertise to ensure the right products reach the right stores at the right time.

As we continue to invest in our people, technology and network, there's never been a more exciting time to join Gist and help shape the future of food logistics.

The Opportunity

Are you a passionate Java engineer ready to take on a role where your technical expertise and leadership skills can make a real impact? If so, we are looking for an experienced Senior Java/Spring Software Engineer to join our team and play a key role in designing, developing and supporting high-quality software solutions.

This role will see you being involved throughout the full software development lifecycle, from understanding requirements and shaping technical solutions through to development, testing, deployment, maintenance and support.

Alongside hands on development, you will have the opportunity to influence architecture, technology choices, code quality and performance, while mentoring other developers and helping the wider team continuously improve.

What You'll Be Doing

Reporting into the Head of Application Development you will be responsible for:

• Software Development: Design, develop, test, and maintain high-quality Java applications, delivering scalable and maintainable solutions that meet business requirements and security standards.


• Architecture & Technical Leadership: Contribute to system architecture, technology selection, and key technical decisions, ensuring solutions are efficient, secure, scalable, and fit for purpose.


• Quality & Best Practice: Champion engineering best practices through code reviews, automated testing and continuous improvements to code quality, performance, and maintainability.


• Mentoring & Collaboration: Provide technical guidance and coaching to junior developers, share knowledge across the team and collaborate closely with product, business, and technical stakeholders.


• Agile Delivery & Continuous Improvement: Support planning, estimation, and prioritisation within an Agile/Scrum environment, while identifying opportunities to improve processes, technologies, and ways of working.


• DevOps & Support: Work with CI/CD pipelines and modern DevOps practices, support the resolution of complex technical issues, participate in an out-of-hours 2nd line support rota and travel when required.

In addition, this role will see you supporting the wider team with out-of-hour care 1 in 8 weeks, therefore we require someone who can be flexible.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for an experienced software engineer who combines strong technical expertise with excellent communication, problem solving and leadership skills. You will have advanced knowledge of Java, including OOP, collections, multithreading and exception handling, alongside extensive experience with Spring, Hibernate and delivering production quality Java/Spring applications. A strong understanding of software design principles and development best practices is essential.

You will be comfortable working with modern development methodologies such as TDD, Agile and Scrum, as well as CI/CD tooling and technologies including Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes and Git. Experience working with relational databases such as Oracle and DB2, strong SQL skills and confidence working with data intensive applications are important, while knowledge of NoSQL databases would be advantageous.

You will bring excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to debug complex issues, identify root causes and develop practical, efficient solutions. Strong communication and collaboration skills are equally important, including the ability to explain technical concepts clearly, mentor other developers, share knowledge and positively influence technical decisions.

You will also be well organised, able to manage competing priorities effectively and confident leading by example within a collaborative engineering environment.

So, if you are a Senior Java/Spring Engineer who wants to do more than simply write code, someone who wants to influence, solve complex problems and help a team succeed we would love to hear from you.

Role Details

Salary: Competitive Salary + Additional out of hours pay

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Location: This is a hybrid role working 2-3 days at our Chineham, Basingstoke head office and from home.

What’s in it for you?

As Well As a Competitive Salary, You'll Benefit From

• 20% M&S discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food


• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays (rising with length of service)


• Discounted rates on healthcare cash plan


• Attractive annual bonus scheme, based on M&S performance and personal objectives


• Auto Enrolment Pension or competitive Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and life assurance (up to 4 times salary)


• Amazing perks and discounts via our App to major restaurants and retailers


• Access to a wide range of wellbeing support – including our Employee Assistance Programme


• A first-class welcome with a tailored induction and a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development


• Cycle to work scheme

Why Gist?

When you join Gist, you're joining a business that plays a critical role within the M&S Group.

You'll have the opportunity to influence meaningful change, work alongside experienced leaders and contribute to one of the UK's leading food supply chains.

Our culture is built around our values of being Progressive, Accountable, Collaborative and Ethical, creating an environment where people are trusted, supported and encouraged to grow.

Whether you're leading a site operation, delivering transformation or shaping future strategy, your work will make a real difference.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Gist, we believe our differences make us stronger.

We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know. We'll work with you to ensure you have the support you need.