Junior Software Engineer

Junior Software Engineer

Entry level 28000 - 35000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Compass Group UK & Ireland

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the development of innovative digital solutions in a collaborative tech team.
  • Company: Join Compass Group UK & Ireland, a leader in food and support services.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, training, mentoring, and flexible hybrid work options.
  • Other info: Be part of a large-scale digital transformation with excellent growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your software engineering career with hands-on experience and modern technologies.
  • Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in Software Engineering or related field.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.

This job is with Compass Group UK & Ireland, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.

Compass Group UK & Ireland is the leading food and support services provider, delivering high-quality services across sectors including workplace, education, healthcare, and leisure. As part of our continued digital transformation, we are investing in modern engineering capabilities and product-led delivery to enhance our Back of House technology landscape.

We are now looking for a Junior Software Engineer to join our growing technology team.

The Role

This is an exciting early-career opportunity for someone looking to build a strong foundation in software engineering within a large, complex organisation. You'll be embedded within a cross-functional product squad, supporting the design, build, testing, and ongoing support of digital solutions. The role offers a structured and supported environment, combining hands-on delivery with training, mentoring, and the opportunity to develop skills across modern engineering practices, cloud technologies, and AI-assisted development.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support the development and enhancement of Back of House systems and user workflows using low-code platforms and targeted pro-code development
  • Contribute to the full software delivery lifecycle including discovery, build, test, release, and live support
  • Participate in agile squad ceremonies, helping to break down work and deliver against defined requirements
  • Work closely with engineers and QA to understand quality standards, testing approaches, and defect resolution
  • Contribute to engineering best practice including version control, peer reviews, automation, and CI/CD processes
  • Support cloud-based development through exposure to AWS and modern platform technologies
  • Assist with live service activities such as monitoring, incident support, and continuous improvement
  • Maintain clear and concise technical documentation

What We're Looking For

  • Degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent experience in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
  • Demonstrated interest in software development through projects, placements, internships, or personal work
  • Understanding of core development concepts such as programming, APIs, testing, and secure coding
  • Interest in modern technologies including JavaScript/TypeScript, Node.js, low-code platforms, cloud (AWS), and AI-assisted development tools
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a willingness to learn and develop
  • A proactive, curious mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement

Desirable

  • Exposure to low-code platforms or rapid development tools
  • Awareness of AWS, DevOps, or modern engineering practices
  • Experience gained through placements, university projects, or early-career roles in software delivery

Why Join Us?

  • Be part of a large-scale digital transformation within a market-leading organisation
  • Structured development pathway with training, mentoring, and certification opportunities
  • Hands-on experience working in agile, product-led squads
  • Opportunity to build skills across modern engineering, cloud, and AI technologies
  • Competitive salary and benefits package

Junior Software Engineer employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland

Compass Group UK & Ireland is an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and diversity, making it a fantastic place for aspiring software engineers to thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, you will benefit from structured training, mentoring, and hands-on experience in a dynamic, agile environment, all while contributing to a significant digital transformation within a leading organisation. Located in Birmingham, this role offers the unique advantage of hybrid working, allowing for a balanced work-life integration as you grow your skills in modern engineering practices and cloud technologies.

Compass Group UK & Ireland

Contact Details:

Compass Group UK & Ireland Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Junior Software Engineer

Join Developer Communities

Get involved in online developer communities like GitHub or Stack Overflow. We can showcase our skills by contributing to open-source projects – it’s a great way to network, learn, and possibly catch the eye of a recruiter while doing something we love!

Attend Coding Meetups and Hackathons

Check out local coding meetups and hackathons. These events are fantastic for meeting other developers and potential employers, plus they're a great way to get some hands-on experience and showcase our problem-solving skills in real-time.

Set Up a Public Portfolio

We should create a public portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing our projects and code. This not only demonstrates our technical skills but also gives employers a peek into our creative process and problem-solving abilities.

Utilise University Career Services

If we're fresh out of uni, let's not forget about our university’s career services! They often have tailored resources and connections in the software development field. Plus, internships can lead to entry-level roles – a true win-win!

We think you need these skills to ace Junior Software Engineer

Software Development
Low-Code Platforms
Pro-Code Development
Agile Methodologies
Version Control
Peer Reviews
Automation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Coding Skills:As this is an entry-level role in software engineering development, make sure to include your coding projects. Whether it's a cool school project, a personal website, or even contributions to open-source, it all counts! Link to your GitHub or any platforms you've showcased your code on – we want to see what you've got!

Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Skills:Make your CV work for you by focusing on the programming languages and frameworks you've learned. If you've dabbled in JavaScript, Python, or any specific frameworks, be sure to include those. Plus, showcasing any relevant coursework or certifications can really help us get a clearer picture of your skill set.

Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:Since you're applying for an entry-level position, your cover letter is your chance to shine. Tell us why you’re passionate about software engineering and what excites you about working with Compass Group UK & Ireland. Highlight any internships or projects that shaped your interest in coding – it’s all about your motivation!

Use Your Network:Don't hesitate to mention any connections you might have to Compass Group UK & Ireland in your application. If you know someone who works there or have attended any events they hosted, slip that into your cover letter. It shows your genuine interest and can give you that extra edge in your application!

How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland

Know Your Code: Prepare for Technical Questions

For a role in software engineering, you can bet your Interviewer might throw some coding problems your way. Brush up on common algorithms and data structures, and practise coding on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. That way, you're ready to showcase your problem-solving skills confidently!

Portfolio Power: Show Off Your Projects

As an entry-level candidate, your portfolio is your secret weapon. Make sure you have a few solid projects on GitHub that demonstrate your coding skills and understanding of software development processes. Be ready to walk through your code and explain your thought process during the interview.

Familiarise Yourself with Agile and Development Tools

Understanding Agile methodologies can really set you apart from other entry-level candidates. Get familiar with tools like JIRA or Trello, and be prepared to discuss how you've used them in your projects or studies. This shows you're not just a coder but also a team player.

Demonstrate Your Learning Mindset

Since you're applying for an entry-level position, it's important to show your eagerness to learn. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled challenges in your studies or projects, what new skills you’ve picked up recently, and how you plan to continue developing in this fast-paced field.