Software Developer Graduate Scheme

The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited; Stratford-upon-Avon; On-site; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company in the UK seeks IT graduates for a dynamic three-year graduate program focused on Guidewire software development. You’ll work in Agile teams, engage in real-world projects, and gain exposure to Cloud technologies, enhancing both your skills and career prospects in a supportive environment.

Benefits

£30,097 salary

Annual bonus up to 10%

Contributory pension scheme up to 20%

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Family Friendly policy

Monthly gym membership contribution

Health and wellbeing plan

Employee Volunteering day

Refer a Friend bonus scheme

Life Assurance cover

Employee discounts on insurance policies

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 degree in IT, Computer Science, or related.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn.
• Some relevant experience through internships or projects.

Responsibilities

• Work on Agile projects and sprints using DevOps practices.
• Solve technical problems and deliver software updates.
• Collaborate with internal customers and agile teams.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Problem Solving

Technical Foundations

Adaptability

Digital Literacy

Education

2:1 degree in IT or Computer Science

Tools

Java

Job description

Overview

Our Software Developers are crucial in developing and maintaining the systems that underpin our business, with a primary focus on the industry-leading product, Guidewire. Recognised by Gartner as the top insurance technology platform, Guidewire is utilised by 2,400 insurers worldwide. Our Guidewire Centre of Excellence is central to NFU Mutual's IT Division, providing comprehensive support for the entire Guidewire Insurance Suite (Policy, Billing, Claims) and digital portals for both vendors and customers. We are looking for ambitious and inquisitive IT graduates eager to launch their career. Here, you'\'ll gain hands-on experience across diverse technical domains, develop an in-depth understanding of how our business thrives on technology, and sharpen your professional skills on real-world projects. From collaborating with talented colleagues to solving meaningful challenges and working to regulatory standards, you'll build essential skills in teamwork, communication, and problem solving. Along the way, you'\'ll have the opportunity to make a tangible impact, grow your confidence, and shape the future of our business—all while being supported every step of the way. Our dynamic three-year graduate programme is your gateway to becoming a future IT Guidewire Software Developer.

What you can expect

As a graduate joining our Guidewire scheme, you'll become part of a central, agile team and gain hands-on experience across all areas of the Guidewire platform. Working alongside expert developers, you'll join a growing community of in-demand Guidewire specialists. You'll play an active role in our strategic move to the cloud, contributing to projects that modernise our systems and improve scalability, performance, and resilience. This will give you valuable exposure to cloud technologies and integration work across our wider Group IT and the chance to build relationships across departments. Throughout the scheme, you'll:

• Work on agile projects and sprints using DevOps practices, developing and maintaining software solutions for the Guidewire platform
• Solve technical problems, deliver software updates, and support smooth releases
• Collaborate with internal customers (onshore and offshore) and other agile teams to deliver integrated solutions
• Operate the platform on cloud technology and learn how modern platforms support enterprise-scale systems
• Gain experience in teamwork, working to deadlines, and meeting regulatory standards

You'll build your technical knowledge, develop your problem-solving skills, and play a key part in delivering efficient, reliable services for our customers. To enhance your career, you will also undertake a number of IT professional related qualifications such as ITIL and Guidewire certifications.

Your Future

We're a collaborative, inclusive team that values curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learning. Graduates have thrived here by bringing fresh perspectives, asking great questions, and getting stuck into real challenges. We celebrate diverse thinking and support each other to grow - both professionally and personally. From day one, you'll be supported by a buddy, a mentor, and a strong graduate network. You'll also take part in regular graduate development sessions, and as you near the end of the scheme, a careers coach will help you plan your next steps - whether that's becoming a technical specialist or moving towards leadership.

To join this scheme, you'll need a minimum 2:1 degree in IT, Computer Science, or a closely related technical discipline. With a genuine passion for all things IT and a real desire to develop your technical skill based in development & design, agile ways of working and the Guidewire technology, you'll relish the chance to work in a collaborative environment, where everyone plays a part.

Competencies

• Communication, Collaboration and Teamwork - Guidewire development is a team effort; working well with others helps deliver successful projects. Interpersonal and communication skills help you share ideas, explain technical concepts, and understand requirements.
• Growth mindset - The Guidewire platform and insurance technology are always evolving; being open to learning helps you adapt to new tools, updates, and ways of working.
• Digital literacy - Strong digital skills enable you to quickly learn the Guidewire platform, use development tools effectively, and contribute to innovative software solutions.
• Adaptability and Resilience - Projects and priorities can change quickly; being flexible and resilient helps you thrive through uncertainty.
• Organisation - Effective planning keeps projects and day-to-day processes running smoothly.
• Critical thinking and problem solving - Essential for analysing complex issues, identifying root causes, and developing effective solutions
• Technical foundations - An understanding of programming languages (Java or object-oriented), principles, software development practices, and system integration provides the base for learning the Guidewire platform and contributing to real-world projects from day one.

Work experience

Some relevant experience, whether through internships, personal projects, hackathons, or university research, is desirable but by no means essential. What matters most is your curiosity, willingness to learn, and ability to apply your skills to real-world challenges.

At NFU Mutual, our IT division plays a pivotal role in driving the success of our business. From delivering exceptional service to spearheading innovation, we're at the forefront of technology and transformation. Our teams lead ambitious projects, such as transitioning to Cloud services, enhancing our cybersecurity, and developing digital customer solutions - all while delivering an annual change portfolio worth over £80 million. It's not all about technology and certifications either. You'll have the chance to get involved in volunteering, social and charity activities, and even represent NFU Mutual at industry events. These experiences are part of our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments and a great way to broaden your skills while giving something back. You'll be part of an inclusive IT Division of 700 people at the heart of an £80m+ annual change portfolio, and a graduate community that's collaborative, supportive, and always ready to share knowledge.

At NFU Mutual, we support an inclusive workplace and value all the differences that make us unique. We celebrate the creativity and innovation that comes from diverse perspectives and experiences and share a common vision of doing the right thing for our customers and employees. We recognise that some candidates may experience barriers during the recruitment process. So, we encourage candidates to discuss any adjustments or accommodations they need to be the best they can be throughout our recruitment process. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, a Race at Work and Women in Finance Charter signatory and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, ethnicity, disability, neurodiversity, gender, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.

Benefits and Rewards

• Salary £30,097
• Annual bonus (up to 10% of salary)
• Contributory pension scheme, up to 20%, including your 8% contribution
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + buy/sell/save holiday trading scheme
• A Family Friendly policy that helps you balance your work and family responsibilities
• Access to savings at High Street brands, travel and supermarkets
• £20 contribution to a monthly gym membership - subject to T&Cs
• Health and wellbeing plan - cashback for dentist, opticians, physio and more
• Access to voluntary benefits, including health assessments, private medical insurance and dental insurance
• Employee Volunteering - volunteer in the community for one day each year
• Unlimited access to Refer a Friend £500 bonus scheme
• Life Assurance cover of 4 x salary
• Employee discounts of 15% on a range of NFU Mutual insurance policies.