Java Backend Developer

Monks; Hilversum; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Monks is hiring a Dutch Backend Developer to build, optimise and maintain server-side Java applications. You will work closely with front-end developers, data analysts, and stakeholders to deliver scalable backend solutions across diverse business applications.

You will design APIs, manage databases, and ensure security and performance. The role requires Dutch citizenship, a CS/IT degree, and strong Java/Spring experience, with a versatile, proactive mindset.

Qualifications

• Mandatory Dutch citizenship and fluency in Dutch.
• Bachelor's degree in CS/IT or equivalent.
• Proven Java development experience with core Java features.
• Strong Spring Boot, Spring Data, Hibernate/JPA, RESTful APIs experience.
• SQL (PostgreSQL/MySQL) and NoSQL (MongoDB/Redis) proficiency.
• Maven/Gradle and Git version control.
• Ability to quickly learn additional languages.
• Strong analytical/problem-solving skills and knowledge of SDLC/Agile.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain high-performance Java server-side logic.
• Collaborate with front-end developers to integrate UI with backend logic.
• Design and implement APIs and RESTful services.
• Set up, maintain and optimize databases.
• Ensure scalability, performance, and security of applications.
• Identify and resolve bugs and performance bottlenecks.
• Write clean, scalable code and participate in code reviews.
• Document technical and API specifications.
• Collaborate with QA, DevOps, and Product Management.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Agile methodologies

Team collaboration

Dutch language

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/IT

Tools

Git

Maven

Gradle

Job description

Please note that we will never request payment or bank account information at any stage of the recruitment process. As we continue to grow our teams, we urge you to be cautious of fraudulent job postings or recruitment activities that misuse our company name and information. Please protect your personal information during any recruitment process. While Monks may contact potential candidates via LinkedIn, all applications must be submitted through our official website (monks.com/careers).

About The Role

As a Dutch Backend Developer, you’ll build, optimise, and maintain server-side Java application logic for our clients, driving seamless integration and high performance. Working closely with front-end developers, data analysts, and key stakeholders, you will deliver scalable, robust backend solutions across diverse business applications. We are looking for someone who is passionate about seeking new opportunities to create impactful work.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain high-performance, reliable server-side Java logic.
• Collaborate with front-end developers to integrate user-facing elements with server-side logic.
• Design and implement APIs and RESTful services to industry standards.
• Set up, maintain, and optimize databases.
• Optimise application performance and ensure scalability and security.
• Identify and resolve bugs and performance bottlenecks.
• Write clean, scalable code following Java best practices.
• Participate in code reviews and uphold coding best practices.
• Partner with QA, DevOps, and Product Management to deliver robust applications.
• Maintain technical and API documentation.

About You

The essentials:

• Citizenship & Language: Dutch citizenship and fluency in the Dutch language are required.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science (or higher), Information Technology, or equivalent experience.
• Java Expertise: Proven experience in Java development with a strong understanding of core Java (OOP, concurrency, JVM internals), exception handling, and modern Java features (Streams, Optional, Lambda expressions).
• Frameworks & APIs: Solid experience with Spring Boot, Spring Data, Hibernate/JPA, and RESTful API design/implementation.
• Databases: Proficiency with SQL (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Redis).
• Core Tech Stack: Proficiency with Maven or Gradle, and version control using Git.
• Versatility: Proven backend experience with a demonstrated ability to work with and quickly adapt to additional programming languages.
• Professional Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, knowledge of agile methodologies/SDLC, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as a team collaborator.

Not a Must, But a Plus

• Cloud & DevOps: Experience with containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), microservices architecture, and knowledge of CI/CD pipelines.
• Architecture & Security: Experience with message brokers (RabbitMQ, Kafka) and knowledge of web security best practices (OWASP, JWT, OAuth2).
• Testing & Optimisation: Experience with testing frameworks (JUnit, Mockito) and application performance monitoring/profiling tools.
• Frontend Knowledge: Familiarity with HTML, CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript, and ReactJS.
• Polyglot Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in at least one additional programming language (e.g., Python, TypeScript, Go, or similar), emphasizing strong versatility to quickly learn new technology stacks.

At Monks, we believe in fostering an environment where a diversity of perspectives can thrive. We proactively work to design hiring processes that promote equity and inclusion while mitigating bias. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage qualified applicants, from all backgrounds, who are excited to contribute to our mission.

About Monks

Monks is the global, digital-first, data-driven, unitary operating brand of S4 Capital plc. With a legacy of innovation and specialized expertise, Monks combines an extraordinary range of global Marketing and Technology Services to redefine how brands interact with the world. Through Monks.Flow, its flagship AI ecosystem for marketing orchestration, Monks transforms marketing into a growth engine, collapsing timelines and connecting brands to culture in real time. By deploying bespoke intelligent agents across disciplines and delivering culturally relevant, high-impact creative and digital solutions, Monks solves key critical business challenges across the entire brand enterprise to help brands sustain long-term impact.

Monks was named a Contender in The Forrester Wave: Global Marketing Services, ranks among Cannes Lions' Top 10 Creative Companies (2022-25) and remains the only partner featured in AdExchanger's Programmatic Power Players list every year (2020-24). Named Adweek's first AI Agency of the Year (2023) and The One Show's inaugural AI Pioneer Organization, Monks was also awarded Business Intelligence Group's 2025 Excellence in Artificial Intelligence Award in both the Organizational and AI Product categories. As a trusted partner to cutting-edge innovators in tech, Monks earned titles such as Optimizely Experimentation Partner of the Year (2025), runner-up for the Adobe Firefly Partner Award (2024), and Workato's AI Visionary Customer Impact Award (2024). Additionally, Monks achieved a record-breaking number of FWAs and continues to hold the most of any partner.

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a respectful and empowering work environment for all people to freely express themselves amongst colleagues who embrace diversity in all respects. Including fresh voices and unique points of view in all aspects of our business not only creates an environment where we can all grow and thrive but also increases our potential to produce work that better represents-and resonates with-the world around us.