At a Glance
- Tasks: Build reliable backend services and collaborate on innovative projects.
- Company: Join Acorn Insurance, a growing tech company with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 35 days holiday, mental health support, and career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Work with modern tech and experienced developers to level up your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in C#, .NET, and a passion for learning and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Backend Developer who’s passionate about building reliable, high-performing systems and wants to keep learning and growing. You’ll join a tight-knit, cross-functional squad that owns its products from idea to delivery and works closely together to build great things. You’ll have the chance to work with experienced engineers who’ll help you level up your skills in software design, cloud development and modern engineering practices. You’ll also get the opportunity to broaden your experience as a T-shaped developer, exploring areas like architecture, DevOps and product development. We work together in our Liverpool HQ three days a week because we believe collaboration, feedback and shared problem-solving help us build better software and stronger teams.
Location: Liverpool City Centre HQ / Hybrid (3 days in office)
Salary: £45,000–£55,000 depending on experience
What You’ll Do:
- Build and maintain backend services using .NET 8.0 and Azure
- Write clean, testable and maintainable code
- Help design and implement APIs and data solutions
- Deploy and manage applications with Docker and Azure Cloud
- Work with product owners and designers to turn ideas into features
- Learn from experienced developers and contribute to code reviews
- Share ideas and help improve how we build and deliver software
Backend: C#, .NET 8.0, Docker
Database: SQL Server, Entity Framework, MongoDb
Infrastructure: Docker, Azure
Monitoring: Grafana, Loki Stack
Tooling: Git, CI/CD pipelines, Unit and Integration Testing, Agile methodologies
If you’re interested in learning about Clean Architecture or the Mediator pattern, we’ll help you get there. We care deeply about building high-quality, maintainable systems. Automated testing and code reviews as standard. Monitoring and observability with Grafana and Loki. Continuous improvement through retrospectives and experimentation.
What We’re Looking For:
- Experience building applications in C# and .NET
- A good understanding of APIs, SQL Server and Entity Framework
- Familiarity with cloud platforms like Azure and containerisation with Docker
- An interest in learning best practices around testing and CI/CD
- A collaborative mindset and eagerness to grow as a developer
- A problem-solving attitude and pride in writing clean, maintainable code
Why Join Us:
- Modern tech stack and strong engineering standards
- Supportive environment where you can learn from experienced developers
- Clear opportunities for career progression and skill development
- A collaborative squad where your ideas are valued
- Top-tier tools and a workspace built for creativity and teamwork
Team and Culture: You’ll be joining a squad that values curiosity, openness and craftsmanship. Everyone has a voice, and we help each other get better every day. We believe in ownership, curiosity and craftsmanship. Everyone has a voice, and we encourage ideas from across the squad. We share knowledge, celebrate success and support each other every step of the way. It’s a place where you can challenge yourself, grow your skills and build a career you’re proud of.
Grow with Acorn: At Acorn Insurance, we’re proud of our Liverpool roots — and even prouder of how far we’ve come. As part of the Acorn Group, we bring over 40 years of specialist insurance expertise to the table. From humble beginnings, we’ve grown into a national leader, now employing 1,700+ people across the UK and reached a milestone £750 million in total value of insurance policies written in 2024. We’re growing fast, with new opportunities emerging every week. That growth is largely due to the values we share:
- We run through walls for our customers and each other
- We challenge the status quo
- We succeed when we help those around us succeed
- We decide quickly when the smart thing to do is use our judgement
- A maximum of 35 days’ holiday (depending on role and tenure) including bank holidays, with additional buy/sell options
- 24/7 mental health support
Backend Developer employer: The Acorn Group
At Acorn Insurance, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment in our Liverpool HQ, where you can thrive as a Backend Developer. With a modern tech stack, clear career progression opportunities, and a culture that values curiosity and craftsmanship, you'll be empowered to grow your skills alongside experienced engineers. Join us to be part of a team that celebrates success and encourages innovation while enjoying generous benefits like up to 35 days of holiday and 24/7 mental health support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Backend Developer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with other developers on platforms like LinkedIn. 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 projects, especially those using C#, .NET, and Azure. 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 brushing up on common backend development questions and coding challenges. Practice makes perfect, so consider mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our squad!
We think you need these skills to ace Backend Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Backend Developer role. Highlight your experience with C#, .NET, and any cloud platforms like Azure. We want to see how you can contribute to our squad!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to show us your passion for backend development. Share why you're excited about the role and how you align with our values of curiosity and craftsmanship. Let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any relevant projects, whether personal or professional, make sure to mention them. We love seeing real examples of your work, especially if they involve APIs, Docker, or CI/CD practices. It helps us understand your hands-on experience!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Acorn Group
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in C#, .NET 8.0, and Azure. Brush up on your knowledge of APIs, SQL Server, and Docker. Being able to discuss your experience with these technologies confidently will show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you overcame them. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate your problem-solving attitude and pride in writing clean, maintainable code.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with product owners and designers, be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your eagerness to learn from others and contribute to team success.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team culture, engineering practices, and opportunities for growth. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.
