At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop robust Java applications while mentoring fellow engineers.
- Company: Join Holland & Barrett, a leader in health and wellness.
- Benefits: Enjoy health plans, discounts, and extensive learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on backend systems and innovate with modern tech.
- Qualifications: 10+ years of Java experience and strong knowledge of the Spring ecosystem.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and promotes wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the role:
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.
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
- Modernise existing Java systems (framework upgrades, Java version upgrades, architectural improvements)
- 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
Required Skills & Experience (Must-Have)
- Extensive commercial Java experience (10+ years) in large-scale systems
- Strong knowledge of modern Java (8+) 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)
Engineering Practices
- 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
Desirable Skills & Experience (Nice-to-Have)
- Experience deploying Java applications on AWS, including: EC2, ECS/Fargate, Lambda, SNS, SQS, DynamoDB or RDS
- Containerisation using Docker
- Exposure to cloud-native or event-driven architectures
- Kotlin or JVM-adjacent languages
- Rule engines (e.g. Drools)
- E-commerce or high-transaction platforms
- Front-end or JavaScript experience (useful but not core)
(AWS experience is considered an advantage, not a prerequisite. Strong Java engineers without deep cloud backgrounds are encouraged.)
What we offer:
- Health Cash Plan
- Life Assurance
- Incentive Scheme - Based on company & personal performance
- Virtual GP
- Private Medical care
- FREE at-home blood test kit
- Holiday Purchase option
- Pension Contribution scheme
- 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
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.
Holland & Barrett does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms/recruiters. Please do not forward resumes to our job alias, employees, or any other company location. Holland & Barrett is not and will not be responsible for any fees if a candidate submitted by a search firm/recruiter unless otherwise agreed with respect to specific open position(s).
Senior Engineer Java in London employer: Holland and Barrett
Contact Detail:
Holland and Barrett 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 technologies like AWS. This gives potential employers a tangible sense of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions related to Java and backend systems. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. 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 skills in building robust backend systems. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about emphasising your experience with the Spring ecosystem and cloud platforms.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your experience makes you the perfect fit. We love seeing candidates who can connect their past work to our needs, so be specific!
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on any notable projects, especially those involving microservices or REST APIs, make sure to mention them. We appreciate engineers who can demonstrate their hands-on experience and problem-solving skills through real-world examples.
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 shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holland and Barrett
✨Know Your Java Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your core Java skills, especially the latest features from Java 17 and above. Be prepared to discuss your experience with the Spring ecosystem, as well as any complex backend systems you've designed or maintained.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Whether it's migrating legacy systems or ensuring data integrity, having concrete stories will demonstrate your ability to handle business-critical backend systems.
✨Understand the Business Context
Since this role involves translating business processes into technical solutions, take some time to research the company and its industry. Understanding their goals and challenges will help you align your answers with what they need.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Expect to engage in architectural discussions during the interview. Brush up on design patterns, RESTful API design, and microservices architecture. Being able to articulate your thought process will show that you can contribute to technical decision-making.