At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop robust Java applications while collaborating on innovative backend systems.
- Company: Join Holland & Barrett, a leader in health and wellness with a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy health plans, life assurance, discounts, and access to learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with cutting-edge technology and career growth.
- Qualifications: 10+ years of Java experience, strong knowledge of Spring, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Senior Java Engineer with deep, long-term experience designing, building, and maintaining complex backend systems. This role is fundamentally Java-led, focused on high-quality service design, integration, data processing, and long-lived enterprise platforms.
You will work primarily on Java-based systems using modern frameworks and architectural patterns, with cloud platforms (notably AWS) used as an execution environment rather than the defining skillset. The role suits an engineer who understands systems holistically — from business requirements and data integrity through to production reliability.
We offer hybrid working, with occasional presence at one of our Holland & Barrett offices in London or Nuneaton to attend team meetings, collaboration sessions and key events.
Key Responsibilities- Design, develop, and maintain robust Java applications and services
- Build and evolve service-oriented and microservice architectures using Java and the Spring ecosystem
- Take ownership of business-critical backend systems, including migrations, integrations, and refactoring of legacy platforms
- Ensure data correctness, transactional integrity, and system reliability
- Design and implement REST-based APIs and asynchronous integrations
- Participate in architectural discussions and technical decision-making
- Support production systems, diagnose issues, and implement durable fixes
- Collaborate closely with stakeholders to translate business processes into technical solutions
- Mentor other engineers and promote strong engineering standards
- Core Java & Backend
- Extensive commercial Java experience (10+ years) in large-scale systems
- Strong knowledge of modern Java (8–17+) and JVM fundamentals
- Deep experience with the Spring ecosystem, including: Spring Boot, Spring MVC / WebFlux, Spring Security, Spring Batch
- Strong understanding of object-oriented design, integration patterns, and service boundaries
- Proven experience designing and consuming REST APIs
- Strong SQL and database experience (relational and/or NoSQL)
- Experience working with event-driven or message-based systems
- Solid automated testing practices (unit, integration, BDD/TDD where appropriate)
- Full SDLC experience: design, development, release, and production support
- Comfortable working in complex, legacy-adjacent environments
- Experience in regulated or data-sensitive domains is a strong advantage
- Clear communicator, able to work effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Experience deploying Java applications on AWS, including: EC2, ECS/Fargate, Lambda, SNS, SQS, DynamoDB or RDS
- Exposure to cloud-native or event-driven architectures
- Kotlin or JVM-adjacent languages
- E-commerce or high-transaction platforms
(AWS experience is considered an advantage, not a prerequisite. Strong Java engineers without deep cloud backgrounds are encouraged.)
Benefits- Health Cash Plan
- Life Assurance
- Incentive Scheme - Based on company & personal performance
- Virtual GP
- Private Medical care
- Holiday Purchase option
- Access to ‘Wellhub' with gyms, studios and wellbeing apps
- Discounts & Savings
- 25% Colleague Discount with FREE Standard Delivery
- Exclusive Discounts from a wide range of partners
- £/€50 Annual Product Allowance to spend in store
- Learning & Development
- Access to a variety of learning opportunities, including Level 2-5 Apprenticeships, Workshops and our Digital Learning Library
- AND MORE!
Holland and Barrett is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diverse perspectives and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We understand that when our colleagues are listened to, respected and valued for who they are, we build an organisation with belonging at its heart – making health and wellness a way of life for everyone.
Senior Engineer Java in London employer: China-Britain Business Council
Contact Detail:
China-Britain Business Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Engineer Java in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your Java projects, especially those involving cloud platforms like AWS. This gives potential employers a tangible sense of what you can do and how you approach problem-solving.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Practice common interview questions related to Java and system design, and be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Holland & Barrett.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Engineer Java in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive Java experience and showcases your work with modern frameworks like Spring. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about detailing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about backend systems and how your experience makes you a perfect fit for our team. Let us know what excites you about working with us at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on any notable projects, especially those involving cloud platforms or microservices, make sure to mention them. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills, so include links or descriptions that highlight your contributions.
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 role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at China-Britain Business Council
✨Know Your Java Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your core Java skills, especially the latest versions. Be prepared to discuss your experience with the Spring ecosystem, as well as your understanding of object-oriented design and REST APIs. They’ll want to see that you can not only code but also explain your thought process.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to tackle some technical challenges during the interview. Think about past projects where you’ve had to diagnose issues or implement fixes in production systems. Sharing specific examples will demonstrate your ability to handle real-world problems effectively.
✨Understand the Business Context
This role is all about translating business requirements into technical solutions. Familiarise yourself with how backend systems impact business processes. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated with stakeholders in the past to ensure data integrity and system reliability.
✨Prepare for Cultural Fit
Holland & Barrett values diversity and inclusion, so be yourself! Think about how your personal values align with their mission. Prepare to discuss how you can contribute to a positive team environment and mentor other engineers, as they’re looking for someone who can promote strong engineering standards.