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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and maintain high-quality Java applications while exploring AI-driven solutions.
- Company: Join Westcoast, a leading distributor of global IT brands with an inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, wellbeing support, and growth opportunities through training.
- Why this job: Be a catalyst for innovation and mentor others in AI-assisted development.
- Qualifications: Strong Java experience and a passion for exploring new technologies.
- Other info: Participate in social events and enjoy a sense of community.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Westcoast, we take pride in distributing some of the most renowned global IT brands to resellers, retailers, and organizations across the UK and beyond. As an innovative and inclusive company, we thrive on teamwork and the diverse talents of our people. We invite you to turn your passion into a rewarding career with us!
The Job Role
We are seeking a Senior Java Developer to join our Enterprise Applications team. This role is suited for an experienced engineer with a strong Java background who is also curious, forward-thinking, and eager to explore emerging technologies such as AI-driven solutions. You will be involved across the full software development lifecycle — from requirements gathering and system design through to development, testing, deployment, and production support of business-critical applications. The role also includes 2nd line support responsibilities and maintaining live environments. Beyond delivering high-quality Java solutions, we are looking for an engineer who actively looks for better ways of solving problems, experiments with new tools and approaches, and is ready to apply AI and automation concepts where they add value. Critically, we want this person to be a catalyst for the wider team — demonstrating what is possible with AI-assisted development and mentoring others to adopt these new ways of working.
Your Day-to-Day Responsibilities Will Include:
- Participate in requirements analysis, system design, development, testing, and deployment of enterprise applications
- Develop and maintain high-quality, scalable Java/J2EE applications across our estate, including legacy Java 6/8 systems and modern Java 21 Spring Boot services
- Provide 2nd line support for business-critical systems, including live environment maintenance
- Lead a structured knowledge transfer from our retiring lead developer, capturing architectural decisions and institutional context
- Contribute to system documentation (HLD, LLD) and performance analysis
- Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams and business stakeholders
- Explore, evaluate, and experiment with new technologies, including AI-assisted development tools and automation where appropriate
- Champion adoption of AI coding tools (such as Claude and GitHub Copilot) within the team, sharing findings and building practical guidelines for effective use
- Mentor junior to mid-level developers across both core Java skills and AI-assisted development practices, through pair programming, code reviews, and knowledge-sharing sessions
Is this the role for you?
To be successful in this role you will have some of the following skills and experience and the desire to develop in other areas:
- AI Mindset – you have genuinely changed the way you work because of AI tools — and you can help others do the same.
- Strong experience with Java (1.6 / 1.7 / 1.8) — and comfortable working across the full range up to Java 21 Spring Boot, J2EE, EJB, JSF RESTful web services
- SQL and relational databases
- J2EE Application Servers
- Build tools such as Ant
Desirable / Willing to Learn
- Application servers such as Tomcat or GlassFish
- Eclipse and/or IntelliJ IDEA
- Performance and profiling tools (JProfiler, VisualVM)
- Source control tools (Bitbucket, Subversion)
- Exposure to AI-assisted tools, automation, or data-driven solutions is a plus — hands-on experience with tools such as GitHub Copilot, Claude, or similar is strongly preferred
What’s in It for You?
- Growth Opportunities: We offer training and development opportunities to help you reach your full potential. Whether it’s funded apprenticeships, work‑based studies, or professional qualifications, we’ve got you covered.
- Generous Benefits Package: Enjoy 25 days of holiday, employee referral bonuses, perks and discounts. (Theale only – New fully equipped gym available 24/7).
- Wellbeing Support: Access to Westcoast Wellbeing services including mental health counselling, virtual GP services, physiotherapy, life insurance, eye care schemes, and more.
- Community & Connection: Our teams enjoy social and charitable events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
What’s Next?
If you’re ready to join a company that values its people and rewards success, click apply to start the quick application process (5-6 mins). Please note: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not be able to provide individual feedback for every candidate. If you don’t hear from us within 14 working days, we’ve moved forward with other applicants for this role, but we encourage you to explore future opportunities with us.
Senior Java Developer in Reading employer: Westcoast Limited
Contact Detail:
Westcoast Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Java Developer in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech world, especially those who work at Westcoast or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a GitHub profile or any projects showcasing your Java expertise and AI tools, make sure to share them during interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience and passion for development.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the tech interview! Brush up on your Java knowledge and be ready to discuss how you've used AI tools in your projects. Practice coding challenges and system design questions to show you’re the right fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s quick and easy, plus it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Westcoast. Keep an eye on the application process and follow up if you haven’t heard back within a couple of weeks.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Java Developer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Java Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience with Java, especially versions 1.6 to 21 and Spring Boot. We want to see how you've tackled challenges in your previous roles and any cool projects you've worked on!
Emphasise Your AI Mindset: Since we're keen on AI-driven solutions, share examples of how you've integrated AI tools into your work. Show us how you've changed your approach because of these technologies and how you can help others do the same.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff. Remember, we’re looking for quality over quantity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application in front of us. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westcoast Limited
✨Know Your Java Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Java skills, especially the versions mentioned in the job description. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Java 6/8 and modern Java 21 Spring Boot. Practise coding challenges or projects that showcase your ability to develop scalable applications.
✨Show Your AI Curiosity
Since the role involves exploring AI-driven solutions, come ready to discuss any AI tools you've used, like GitHub Copilot or Claude. Share specific examples of how these tools have changed your approach to development and how you can help others adopt them.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to face questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of past challenges you've encountered in software development and how you tackled them. Highlight your ability to experiment with new technologies and approaches to find better solutions.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This role is all about teamwork, so be ready to talk about your experiences working with cross-functional teams. Discuss how you've mentored others or contributed to knowledge sharing, and be prepared to demonstrate your collaborative mindset during the interview.