At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and modernise IBM i systems while mentoring fellow engineers.
- Company: Target Group, a forward-thinking tech company focused on impactful outcomes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30 days holiday, hybrid work, and health benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture that values innovation, wellbeing, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Join us to shape technology and make a real difference in legacy systems.
- Qualifications: Strong IBM i knowledge and experience with RPG programming.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
At Target Group, we don’t just build platforms – we build outcomes that matter. As part of our continued investment in modernising our core systems, we’re looking for a Senior RPG Software Engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, shaping quality solutions and developing others along the way.
If you’re passionate about IBM i, enjoy being hands‑on with development while influencing design and quality, and want to play a key role in opening up legacy systems through APIs and modern integration – this could be the role for you.
What can you expect?
As a Senior Software Engineer, you’ll sit at the heart of our Software Engineering capability, interpreting system requirements, designing robust solutions and ensuring high‑quality delivery across our onshore and offshore teams. You’ll be a technical leader rather than a people manager – mentoring others, guiding delivery, reviewing code and acting as a gatekeeper for quality. Alongside this, you’ll work on exciting modernisation initiatives, helping Target evolve our IBM i estate to support API‑driven integration, third‑party services and new digital channels.
What you’ll be doing
- People & Leadership
- Providing guidance and support on program design, development, testing and documentation
- Informally coaching and mentoring less experienced engineers across onshore and offshore teams
- Leading and participating in peer code reviews, ensuring quality before release to testing
- Supporting offshore teams by clarifying requirements and removing blockers
- Owning your personal development and staying current with industry and IBM i advancements
- Technical & Delivery
- Translating system requirements into clear, well‑engineered designs and solutions
- Producing complex functional and technical specifications
- Designing and building large or complex RPG programs and enhancements using agreed standards
- Reviewing and approving code artefacts prior to release
- Supporting and enhancing existing systems, investigating defects and delivering fixes
- Planning and executing thorough testing to ensure error‑free delivery
- Actively contributing to Software Engineering standards, tools and policies
- Financial & Planning
- Taking ownership of development solutions for critical components of projects
- Estimating and planning work, tracking progress and highlighting risks or issues
- Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, performance and value
- Customer
- Taking part in client and user meetings, presenting solutions clearly and confidently
- Supporting users in defining acceptance criteria and tests
- Identifying and resolving customer issues within agreed timescales
Requirements
What we're looking for
Essential technical experience
- Strong IBM i and iO/S knowledge
- Languages and technologies including: CLRPG/400, RPG IV, ILE, Free Format RPG, SQL & IBM i Stored Procedures, MQ, Query/400
- Development tools: RAD/i, VS Code, Jira & Confluence, Rocket Aldon DevOps for i
Desirable (but not essential)
- Experience using AI code assistants
- Knowledge of latest IBM i features (iO/S 7.6)
- Performance tuning and optimisation on IBM i
Benefits
- Competitive salary of up to £50,000 per annum depending on experience
- 30 days holiday plus bank holidays – from day one
- Hybrid working policy
- Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (employer matched up to 6%)
- Company‑paid Private Medical Insurance (benefit in kind)
- Group Life Assurance
- Group Income Protection
- Discretionary annual bonus scheme
- Annual pay review
- Flexible & Lifestyle Benefits
- My Flex benefits platform – access to a wide range of voluntary benefits
- Technology Buying Scheme (salary sacrifice)
- Gym Flex – discounted gym and health club memberships
- Dental Insurance
- Critical Illness Cover
- Health Cash Plan
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Tastecard / Coffee Club
- Employee Discount Scheme across hundreds of retailers
Wellbeing & Support
- Wisdom Wellbeing – confidential health and wellbeing support, including EAP
- Free flu vaccinations and eye tests, plus contributions towards glasses
- Recognition Scheme celebrating successes across the business
- Free mortgage advice and support
- Charitable payroll giving
- Access to a GP 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through GP24
- Everest Funeral Concierge
- Free Bereavement and Probate Advice and Support
- Enhanced parental leave
Why Join Target
You’ll be joining a team that genuinely:
- Celebrates success through our My Recognition portal
- Invests in your development with regular feedback and support
- Cares about wellbeing as much as delivery
- Encourages curiosity, innovation and best practice
We’re committed to creating a Diverse & Inclusive culture through the execution of our D&I strategy, community relationships, our people & leaders.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your IBM i career and play a pivotal role in shaping Target’s technology landscape, we’d love to hear from you.
Senior Software Engineer (RPG / IBM i) in Cardiff employer: Target
Contact Detail:
Target Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer (RPG / IBM i) in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage with online communities. 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 best projects, especially those involving RPG and IBM i. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and coding challenges. Brush up on your problem-solving skills and be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex issues in past roles.
✨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 Target Group. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer (RPG / IBM i) in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with RPG and IBM i. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for software engineering and modernisation shine through in your application. We love candidates who are excited about solving complex problems and shaping quality solutions, so share your journey and what drives you!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and achievements, as this will help us quickly understand your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Target
✨Know Your RPG Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your RPG skills, especially CLRPG/400 and RPG IV. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these languages and how you've used them in past projects. Highlight any complex programs you've developed or challenges you've overcome.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Target Group is looking for someone who enjoys solving complex problems. Prepare examples of how you've tackled difficult issues in previous roles, particularly in relation to IBM i systems. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentoring
As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll be expected to mentor others. Think of specific instances where you've guided less experienced engineers or led code reviews. Be ready to discuss your approach to leadership and how you ensure quality in your team's work.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Modernisation Initiatives
Since Target is focused on modernising their core systems, it’s crucial to understand current trends in API-driven integration and digital channels. Research recent advancements in IBM i features and be prepared to share your thoughts on how they can enhance legacy systems.