At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to develop high-quality pension software and solve real-world problems.
- Company: Heywood, a leading tech company focused on securing financial futures.
- Benefits: High-spec laptop, dual monitors, hybrid working, and personalised training.
- Other info: Engaging assessment day to showcase your skills and meet the team.
- Why this job: Launch your career in a supportive environment with real impact from day one.
- Qualifications: Passion for software development; degree not required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
This entry-level role is perfect for someone looking to launch their career in software development. Are you passionate about developing high-quality software? An enthusiastic problem solver who enjoys working as part of a team? Keen to develop your skills and build great products? This could be the opportunity for you!
Here at Heywood, we build pension software that plays a key role in securing the financial future of millions of UK citizens. We are looking for individuals who are eager to learn how to build quality software in a supportive and collaborative environment.
What makes a great Junior/Graduate Developer at Heywood?
- A good understanding of programming languages and software development concepts
- Being eager to contribute ideas and collaborate with your team and the wider business
- A willingness to take the initiative, ask questions and suggest improvements to the way we work
Most importantly, we are looking for potential and an enthusiasm to learn. You can apply with or without a degree (or equivalent) qualification - please make sure your application contains any relevant education or experience.
The Role
You will be an active member of your team from day one, working with Agile methodologies and frameworks, and you will commit code in your first week. You will be supported by a dedicated mentor, given a personalised training plan, and spend most of your time working collaboratively within your new team. You will develop our award-winning software using modern languages such as Java, TypeScript and Groovy. You will learn through collaboration, code reviews and real project work. We use approaches such as pair programming, automated testing and continuous integration. These are supported by tools such as Chef, Jenkins, Vagrant, Kubernetes, Terraform, Packer and Docker.
Our culture nurtures continuous improvement and you will be a contributor to our investigations into new tools, frameworks, and processes. We invest in our developers by providing a high-specification laptop and dual monitors, supported by licensed software such as IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate, GitHub Copilot and access to e-learning courses. We are committed to a hybrid working model, combining remote and office-based working.
What Happens Next?
Step 1 - The Short List
We can’t wait to hear from you. Once you hit that submit button, we will be busy behind the scenes shortlisting candidates.
Step 2 – The Assessment Day (Thursday 2 July 2026)
This is your chance to get to know us and for us to get to know you. This is not your traditional assessment day. We hope it will be an engaging and interactive day for everyone involved. You will be given an opportunity to experience how we work day-to-day to help you decide if we are the company for you. You will also meet lots of our people including our most recent intake of developers. The assessment day will be held at our office in Altrincham, Greater Manchester (WA14 1GY).
Step 3 – The Results
You will be notified of the outcome shortly afterwards. If you are unsuccessful this time, as you have taken the time to meet with us, we will happily give our time in return to provide you with feedback to help you in future interviews.
Ready to start your career as a developer? Apply now! The closing date for applications is Friday 19 June 2026.
Graduate Developer employer: Heywood
At Heywood, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer for aspiring software developers. Our supportive and collaborative work culture fosters continuous learning and growth, with dedicated mentorship and personalised training plans to help you thrive in your career. Located in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, we offer a hybrid working model, high-spec equipment, and access to cutting-edge tools, ensuring you have everything you need to succeed while contributing to meaningful projects that secure the financial future of millions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Developer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your assessment day! Research Heywood's products and culture so you can show genuine interest. This will help you stand out and demonstrate that you're not just another candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your coding skills and be ready to discuss them! Brush up on programming languages like Java and TypeScript, and be prepared to share your thought process during problem-solving. We love seeing how you think!
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself during the assessment day! We want to see your personality shine through. Show us your enthusiasm for learning and collaborating with others, as that's what makes a great developer at Heywood.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your assessment day! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping you fresh in our minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your excitement about the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for software development! Share any personal projects or experiences that highlight your love for coding and problem-solving. This is your chance to stand out!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the skills and qualities we’re looking for. Highlight your understanding of programming languages and your eagerness to learn and collaborate.
Be Yourself:We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Show us how you can contribute to our team culture.
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heywood
✨Know Your Tech
Brush up on your programming languages and software development concepts. Make sure you can talk confidently about Java, TypeScript, and Groovy, as well as Agile methodologies. This shows you're not just passionate but also prepared!
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
During the interview, let your passion for software development shine through. Share examples of projects you've worked on or problems you've solved. This will demonstrate your eagerness to learn and contribute to the team.
✨Ask Questions
Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the company culture, team dynamics, or the tools they use like Chef and Docker. This shows that you're genuinely interested in how they work and eager to be a part of it.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Since the role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated in the past. Highlight any experiences with pair programming or code reviews, as this aligns perfectly with their collaborative environment.
