At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and enhance our digital auction platform using modern technologies.
- Company: Join Wilsons Auctions, the largest independent auction house in the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health perks, remote work options, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent mentorship and career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects while learning from experienced developers.
- Qualifications: Some software development experience and a passion for learning new technologies.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location
On site / Mallusk Rd, Newtownabbey BT36 4PP, UK job type
Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector
- IT | Data Engineer
- Annual Salary range: from £ 60,000.00 to £ 60,000.00
Wilsons Auctions is the largest independently owned auction house operating across the UK and Ireland.
With a network of 10 centres, we continue to grow and are seeking to appoint a Junior Software Developer to support the ongoing development of our digital auction platform.
This role can be based at our regional offices in Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle, or Dublin.
About the Role
Gavel is our enterprise-grade, end-to-end auction platform that powers both internal operations and the public-facing auction website.
It has been built as a modern Type Script solution using a Node. js backend API with Nest JS, a React administrative portal, and a Next. js customer-facing website.
The product is hosted on a contemporary AWS cloud architecture using infrastructure as code via AWS CDK, with scalable services, managed data storage, content delivery, real-time capabilities and observability built in.
As a Junior Software Developer, you will work as part of the internal development team to support ongoing development, bug fixes, testing, documentation and incremental enhancements across the API, web app and public website.
You will be given structured support and guidance while building knowledge of the Gavel platform, our development practices and the wider auction business.
Collaboration & Knowledge Transfer
During the first phase, you will work alongside senior engineers, internal stakeholders and our third-party supplier that currently supports and contributes to the Gavel platform’s development.
You will take part in code reviews, documentation activities, knowledge-capture sessions and agreed ways of working to help Wilsons Auctions build internal capability and reduce external dependency over time.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver feature improvements, new features and bug fixes across the Gavel monorepo, including the Node. js/Nest JS backend API, React admin portal and Next. js public website, with a focus on reliability, accessibility, performance and maintainability.
- Maintain and evolve the backend API, developed using Node. js, Nest JS and Type ORM, alongside the Aurora My SQL Serverless v2 schema and migrations; ensure data integrity, robust API design and query performance at scale.
- Write clean, maintainable Type Script code with guidance from senior developers, following agreed coding standards and review processes.
- Support the maintenance of backend services using Nest JS, Node. js, Type ORM and Aurora My SQL, including safe changes to schemas, queries and migrations under supervision.
- Contribute to front-end development using React and Next. js, helping improve usability, accessibility, performance and reliability.
- Support testing activities, including unit, integration and end-to-end tests, and help investigate defects reported by users, operations or support teams.
- Assist with integrations to third-party services by helping implement, test, document and troubleshoot API connections, webhooks and data flows.
- Contribute to documentation, run-books and knowledge-transfer materials so that system knowledge is captured clearly for the internal team.
- Learn and contribute to CI/CD pipelines, automated testing and infrastructure-as-code processes using tools such as Git Lab CI, Code Build/Code Deploy and AWS CDK.
- Support operational monitoring and troubleshooting using Cloud Watch dashboards, logs and alerts, escalating issues appropriately.
- Apply secure development practices, including awareness of authentication, authorisation, data handling, secrets management, least privilege and auditable change control.
- Apply AI Product Development Lifecycle (AI PDLC) best practices for future product development, using Claude Code to support structured requirements analysis, solution design, implementation, automated testing, code review, documentation and safe release planning.
- Collaborate with Product, Operations, Support and other stakeholders to understand requirements, clarify issues and deliver incremental improvements safely.
- Technical Environment
- Data & messaging: Aurora My SQL Serverless v2, RDS, Type ORM migrations, Elasti Cache/Redis and Bull queues.
- Search & real-time: Open Search; Socket. IO and AWS App Sync for live updates and bidding.
- Storage & delivery: S3, Cloud Front and image optimisation using Sharp/Lambda.
- Authentication & security: AWS Cognito, Microsoft 365 federation, IAM, KMS, WAF and Secrets Manager.
- CI/CD & infrastructure: Git Lab CI, Code Build/Code Deploy and AWS CDK using Type Script.
- Internal libraries: GCD Technologies Acorn modules, including assets, audit, authentication, CRUD, notifications, users and notes.
Skills & Experience
- Must-have
- Some commercial experience, placement experience, apprenticeship experience or strong personal/project experience in software development.
- Strong practical experience using AI-assisted development workflows, ideally including Claude Code, with the discipline to apply AI PDLC best practices across analysis, implementation, testing, review and documentation.
- Familiarity with React or Next. js, or a willingness and ability to learn quickly with support.
- Basic understanding of backend development concepts, APIs and relational databases such as My SQL.
- A testing mindset and willingness to write and maintain automated tests as part of normal development work.
- Awareness of secure coding principles, including input validation, authentication concepts, permissions and safe handling of sensitive data.
- Ability to troubleshoot issues methodically, ask good questions and document findings clearly.
- Good communication and teamwork skills, with a willingness to learn from code reviews, pairing and mentoring.
- Responsible use of AI-assisted development tools, with understanding that generated outputs must be reviewed, tested and checked for security and quality.
- Nice-to-have
- Experience with Nest JS, Node. js, Type ORM or similar backend frameworks.
- Exposure to AWS services such as S3, Cloud Front, RDS/Aurora, Cognito, Cloud Watch or CDK.
- Experience working with REST or SOAP APIs, webhooks or external integrations.
- Understanding of CI/CD, Git workflows and automated deployment pipelines.
- Awareness of search, caching, queues or real-time systems such as Open Search, Redis, Bull, Socket. IO or App Sync.
- Experience contributing to documentation, run-books or technical handover materials.
- Interest in SEO, accessibility and web performance optimisation.
- How We Work
- Environments: Production, Staging, UAT and Test; non-production environments are managed with cost-conscious configuration.
- Delivery approach: iterative improvements, shared backlogs, code reviews, testing and controlled releases.
- Observability: Cloud Watch dashboards, logs and alerts, with escalation to senior colleagues where required.
- Modern cloud hosting: the platform is deployed on current AWS managed services with infrastructure defined through AWS CDK, supporting scalability, secure release processes, resilient content delivery and cost-optimised non-production environments.
- Security by design: secure development practices, VPC isolation, WAF, KMS encryption, Secrets Manager and audit trails.
- Knowledge transfer: structured documentation, code reviews, pairing, run-books and clear handover materials to build internal capability.
- AI PDLC going forward: future Gavel development will use Claude Code as part of a controlled AI-assisted engineering process, with human review, traceable decisions, automated testing, security checks and documentation embedded throughout the delivery lifecycle.
- What Success Looks Like
- You make steady progress in understanding the Gavel platform and its business context.
- You deliver small, well-tested changes safely and learn from feedback through code review and mentoring.
- You help reduce support load by investigating defects, documenting fixes and improving system knowledge.
- You contribute positively to the internal development team and build confidence working across the API, admin portal and customer website.
- Development
This role is suitable for someone early in their software development career who is keen to learn, contribute, and grow within a supportive professional environment.
Why Work at Wilsons Auctions?
Wilsons Auctions is committed to providing first-rate sales and services to both buyers and sellers through a professional and personal approach, backed by the latest technological advances and industry trends.
The business is a unique example of local owner-managed success at scale in the auction industry.
You will have the opportunity to contribute to systems that directly shape the future of the business, with access to experienced colleagues and decision makers.
- Additional holidays based on length of service
- Health and wellbeing incentives
- Opportunity for advancement
- Mental health first aid access
- Employee recognition programme
- Length of service bonus
- Retirement bonus
- On-site parking
- Full uniform provided
- Paid eye examinations
- Learn more about Wilsons Auctions: https://www. wilsonsauctions. com/about
- Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:30pm
Wilsons Auctions reserves the right to apply desirable criteria for shortlisting purposes in the event of a high volume of applications.
At Wilsons Auctions, we embrace diversity and equal opportunity.
We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive, friendly workplace that values the unique skills and perspectives each individual brings.
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Junior Software Developer employer: Hollybank Trustees Ltd
Hollybank Trustees Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Rough Hills, England, where collaboration and client-focused strategies thrive. With a flexible hybrid working model, a comprehensive benefits package including an enhanced pension scheme, and ample opportunities for professional development, employees are empowered to grow their careers while making a meaningful impact in the investment advisory sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Software Developer
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Hollybank Trustees Ltd or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
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We think you need these skills to ace Junior Software Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Hollybank Trustees Ltd.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Hollybank Trustees Ltd and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hollybank Trustees Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Hollybank Trustees Ltd uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
