At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to develop, test, and implement innovative software solutions.
- Company: A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, a leading family-owned convenience retailer in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, training, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your tech skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development and strong problem-solving abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 € per year.
Salary - Competitive
Hybrid/office, based in either Willenhall (West Midlands) or Talbot Green (South Wales)
9am-5:30pm Mon-Fri (plus out-of-hours support when needed)
Job Purpose:
The position will include project planning, analysis, development, testing and implementation of software, providing troubleshooting and third line support activity, automating IT operational tasks, participating in performance tuning and complying with departmental administration procedures. Will be required to acquire skill using Progress OpenEdge to develop solutions.
Who are we:
A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd is one of the largest privately owned companies in the UK. Our forward-thinking family-owned business began life in 1917 as a counter-service grocery store and has grown from these humble beginnings into a company that now owns circa 250 SPAR convenience stores and employs more than 5,500 people, with a turnover of £1.2 billion. As one of the largest convenience retailers in the UK, we are always looking for innovative ways to create a point of difference. Food and drink have always been our lifeblood, and today our business has multiple divisions specialising in retail, food service and wholesale distribution.
Key Tasks/Responsibilities:
- Liaising with users to understand their requirements
- Analyse and document the requirements
- Code, test and implement solutions
- Project management
- User training and project sign off
- Scripting – automation and running control mechanisms as required
- Database administration
- Application integration
Key Job info:
- Could be required to travel to sites other than normal place of work for business purposes
- Could be required to stay away from home overnight or attend evening events on behalf of the business
Key knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required:
- A solid understanding of standard concepts, practices and procedures within a development environment
- Experience with issues prioritisation, troubleshooting and problem resolution
- Ability to develop/manage small development projects
- An understanding of business processes and business automation
- An understanding of Microsoft, UNIX operating systems and scripting
- Analytical skills and the ability to apply lateral thinking to problems and developments
- Specific knowledge of one or more development language used by the company is preferred
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to travel, work flexible hours and be available for out of hours support as agreed
What’s in it for you?
- Excellent benefits package including: Holiday, Maternity and Paternity leave and pay in excess of statutory entitlements
- Develop your skills and capability in a highly supportive and multi-diverse culture
- Outstanding Training & Development
- Generous staff discount in all our SPAR stores (excl. Alcohol & Cigarettes)
- Proactive promotion of internal candidates
- Free Tea & Coffee
- Early access to your pay through ‘EarlyPay’
- 24/7 access to your payslips and Rotas via HR/Payroll portal
- Wellbeing support – access to emotional support, counselling, legal and financial advice
- Company Pension Scheme
- NEST pension scheme
- Company Life Insurance worth 1 x Annual Salary and 6 x Annual Salary with Company Pension Scheme
- Extra Holidays - Purchase Scheme
- Cycle to work - Bicycle purchase scheme
- Long Service Awards
Junior Software Developer employer: Af Blakemore & Son Ltd
A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous holiday allowances, maternity and paternity leave, and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development. With opportunities for training and internal promotions, as well as a commitment to employee wellbeing, working in either Willenhall or Talbot Green provides a rewarding environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Software Developer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or at local meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Junior Software Developer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for software developers and practice your answers. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially any that involve Progress OpenEdge or relevant technologies. We love seeing practical examples of what you can do!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for fresh talent to join our innovative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Software Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Junior Software Developer role. Highlight any relevant projects or technologies you've worked with, especially those related to Progress OpenEdge or similar development languages.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about software development and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that align with the job description.
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills and ability to troubleshoot. Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in past projects, as this is key for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Af Blakemore & Son Ltd
✨Know Your Tech
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Progress OpenEdge and any other relevant programming languages. Be ready to discuss how you've used these technologies in past projects or coursework, as this will show your technical competence.
✨Understand the Company
Do a bit of homework on A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd. Familiarise yourself with their history, values, and the sectors they operate in. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical skills and troubleshooting abilities. Think of specific examples where you've successfully resolved issues or improved processes, and be ready to explain your thought process during those situations.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
As a Junior Software Developer, you'll need to liaise with users and team members. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a brief explanation of a technical concept in simple terms to showcase your ability to communicate effectively.
