At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and enhance our cutting-edge auction platform using modern technologies.
- Company: Join Wilsons Auctions, the largest independent auction house in the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, additional holidays, employee discounts, and health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that values your unique skills.
- Why this job: Shape the future of auction technology while working with innovative tools and a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Experience in software development, particularly with TypeScript, Node.js, and cloud technologies.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Wilsons Auctions
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 currently seeking to fill the exciting role of Senior Software Engineer. 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 TypeScript solution using a Node.js backend API with NestJS, 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.
You'll be responsible for ongoing development, bug fixes and iterative enhancements across the API, admin portal and customer website, while continuing to evolve the platform using current engineering practices and AI-enabled delivery methods. Collaboration ensures data integrity, robust API design and query performance at scale. Enhance the Next.js website for SEO, Core Web Vitals and fast content delivery using CloudFront and optimised media pipelines. Build real-time auction capabilities (e.g., Socket.IO or AppSync) and maintain robust search experiences via OpenSearch. Own integrations end-to-end: implement, monitor and harden connections with Reapit, CAP HPI, Experian, Cartel, AuthiPay, Prommt, NextGear, Impel, AIB, HMRC VAT Lookup, Google Places, Barcode Lookup, Credas, AWS Rekognition, AWS SES, and Campaign Manager (among others). Operate what you build: instrument, monitor and tune services using CloudWatch, optimisation in OpenSearch, and caching via ElastiCache/Redis. Contribute to CI/CD and IaC: write automated tests, maintain pipelines (GitLab, CodeBuild/CodeDeploy), and update infrastructure through AWS CDK. Champion security: apply best practices around Cognito (incl. M365 federation), IAM least-privilege, encryption with KMS, WAF, secrets management and auditable changes. 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 cross-functionally with Product, Ops and Support to triage issues, scope work, and deliver incremental value safely and predictably.
Technical Environment
- Languages monorepo via Lerna
- Socket.IO and AWS AppSync for live updates and bidding.
- Storage image optimisation (Sharp/Lambda).
- Auth non-prod is cost-optimised (right-sized services, schedules).
- Observability: CloudWatch dashboards optional X-Ray for traces.
- 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: VPC isolation, WAF, KMS encryption at rest/in transit, Secrets Manager; comprehensive audit trails.
- Collaboration with supplier: embedded ways of working, shared backlogs, code reviews and documentation focused on handover readiness (knowledge-capture checklists, run-books).
- 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.
Equal Opportunities
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.
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 directly shape the future of the business with direct access to key decision makers and a flat approval process for good ideas. The business strives to be a positive employer and provides a wide range of additional benefits including additional holidays based on length of service, employee spending discounts, and health.
Senior Software Developer employer: Wilsons Auctions
Wilsons Auctions is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Edinburgh. With a strong focus on employee development and a supportive team culture, staff are encouraged to grow their skills while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. The company also provides unique opportunities to engage with diverse properties across Scotland, making each day rewarding and impactful.
