Write code, work with clients, and help turn business needs into useful software. Learn how a software business operates while building client systems and SaaS products alongside an experienced founder.
Location Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, with regular travel to client sites in the Widnes area Hours Typically 16–30 hours per week, with flexibility for the right candidate Working arrangements Hybrid: typically one day a week with the founder at our Ellesmere Port office and, once established in the role, one day at a client site in the Widnes area. Remaining time is remote/home-based. Arrangements may vary with project and client needs. Company The Universal App Company Ltd Core technologies C#, .NET and Blazor
About the role
This role would suit a final-year student, recent graduate, or junior developer looking to gain commercial experience while working flexibly around other commitments.
The Universal App Company builds bespoke business applications and SaaS products for local businesses.
The role combines software development, requirements gathering, problem solving and client interaction. We are looking for someone who enjoys understanding how businesses operate, not just writing code.
Working closely with the founder, you will help turn business problems into software solutions that clients use every day. Client contact and understanding business processes are core parts of the role. As you learn, you will take on responsibility and gradually become a trusted member of the delivery team.
How we work
Our hybrid approach combines time together, time with clients, and focused work from home. Typically, you will work with the founder at our Ellesmere Port office one day a week and, once established, spend one day a week at a client site in the Widnes area. Remaining time is remote/home-based, with arrangements varying according to project and client needs.
Initially, you will spend significant time alongside the founder learning our systems, products, and clients. As your confidence grows, you will be trusted to speak directly with clients, gather information, investigate issues, and clarify requirements.
The founder remains responsible for client relationships, technical leadership, solution design, and project ownership. You will be part of our delivery team, contributing across projects rather than being assigned to a specific client.
What you will be doing
- Building and improving .NET and Blazor web applications, APIs, backend services, and SaaS products
- Investigating client issues and support requests, fixing bugs, and supporting existing applications
- Speaking with users and stakeholders to understand requirements and business processes
- Turning client requests into well-defined pieces of work, creating and maintaining GitHub issues and development tasks
- Supporting testing, releases, and deployment activities
- Using AI-assisted development tools to understand unfamiliar codebases and improve productivity
- Collaborating with other developers and coordinating implementation work where appropriate
- Researching and evaluating new technologies
No two weeks are likely to be exactly the same.
What we are looking for
- Some experience with C# and .NET
- A good understanding of software development fundamentals
- Strong communication skills and comfort speaking with technical and non-technical people
- An interest in understanding business processes and user needs
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to investigate issues independently
- A professional attitude and willingness to learn
- Reliability and good organisational skills
- The ability to work independently once given direction
- Based within reasonable travelling distance of Ellesmere Port and Widnes
- SQL Server
- Git and GitHub
- Experience with AI development tools such as GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT or Claude
- A driving licence and access to a vehicle
- Experience from personal projects, university projects or commercial work
What we value
Attitude matters more than experience, curiosity more than qualifications, and clear communication more than technical knowledge alone. We value people who take time to understand a business problem, act professionally, and take ownership of their work.
We are more interested in someone who can communicate effectively, learn quickly, and solve problems than someone who simply knows more technical buzzwords.
What you will gain
- Commercial development experience across bespoke client systems and SaaS products
- Experience working directly with clients and stakeholders
- Exposure to requirements gathering and software delivery, from understanding a problem through to deployment
- Mentoring from an experienced software architect and consultant
- Experience using AI tools in real commercial software projects
- Flexible hybrid working arrangements
- Potential for additional hours and long-term career growth as the business expands
What you will gain
- Commercial development experience across bespoke client systems and SaaS products
- Experience working directly with clients and stakeholders
- Exposure to requirements gathering and software delivery, from understanding a problem through to deployment
- Mentoring from an experienced software architect and consultant
- Experience using AI tools in real commercial software projects
- Flexible hybrid working arrangements
- Potential for additional hours and long-term career growth as the business expands
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