Senior Software Engineer - Manchester
Senior Software Engineer - Manchester

Senior Software Engineer - Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and build scalable backend systems to solve real financial problems.
  • Company: Join Zopa, a pioneering bank redefining finance with a people-first approach.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while working with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: Strong backend experience in Kotlin or Java and a passion for quality products.
  • Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on collaboration and continuous improvement.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Our Story

Hello there. We’re Zopa. We started our journey back in 2005, building the first ever peer‑to‑peer lending company. Fast forward to 2020 and we launched Zopa Bank. A bank that listens to what our customers don’t like about finance and does the opposite. We’re redefining what it feels like to work in finance. Our vision for a new era of banking puts people front and centre – we’ve built a business that empowers everyone to aim high, every day, to move finance forward. Find out more about our fantastic offerings at Zopa.com! We’re incredibly proud of our achievements and none of it would be possible without the amazing team here. It’s not just industry awards we’re winning, we’ve also been named in the top three UK’s Most Loved Workplaces. If you embrace unconventional challenges, are unafraid to think differently and are driven to make an outsized impact, you’ll thrive here at Zopa, so join us, and make it count.

The engineering challenge

Our Software Engineers don't just write code, they solve real financial problems for millions of customers. You'll work on distributed systems processing thousands of transactions daily, build resilient services that handle people's money, and create experiences that make traditionally complex financial products feel simple.

Your Impact

  • Designing, building and running scalable backend systems using Kotlin and AWS
  • Contributing to technical direction, team practices and architectural decisions
  • Collaborating closely with product managers, designers and other engineers
  • Mentoring junior engineers and helping to raise the technical bar
  • Owning your team’s code, quality and delivery
  • Taking part in the full SDLC — including operating your own services in production
  • Writing well‑tested, clean code
  • Making smart trade‑offs between speed, quality and risk to deliver customer value quickly

Your Toolkit

  • Strong backend engineering experience using Kotlin or Java in a production environment
  • Passionate about building reliable, high‑quality products — not just writing code
  • Comfortable working on distributed systems with scale and complexity
  • Advocates for testing, clean code, and automation throughout the development process
  • Understands trade‑offs in product delivery and values pragmatism
  • Enjoys solving problems collaboratively and mentoring others
  • Clear communicator with experience working cross‑functionally
  • Excited by fast‑moving environments and full ownership of your work

Our Engineering Culture

  • Customer impact over unnecessary complexity
  • Team success over individual heroics
  • Operational ownership, not just feature delivery
  • Continuous improvement through honest feedback

Added Bonus

Experience with fintech or banking is a plus, but we value problem‑solvers from all backgrounds.

We’re expanding! From September 2025, Zopa will be opening a brand‑new office in Manchester at WeWork, Dalton Place, 29 John Dalton Street, M2 6WF. At Zopa we value flexible ways of working. We value face‑to‑face collaboration and a good work‑life balance. This hybrid role requires you to come to our Manchester office 2‑3 days a week. You’ll also have the option of working from abroad for up to 120 days a year! But no matter where you are, we’ll make sure you’ve got everything you need to thrive, both in your work and home life, from day one.

Diversity Statement

Zopa is proud to offer a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to better products for our customers and a unique company culture for our people. We are made up of nearly 50 nationalities, have a DE&I forum made up of Zopians wanting to make a difference and we are proud of our culture where everyone can bring their full self to work. Our approach to DE&I is reflected in our hiring process so please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.

Senior Software Engineer - Manchester employer: Zopa

At Zopa, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions innovation and collaboration in the finance sector. Our Manchester office, set to open in September 2025, will foster a vibrant work culture that values flexibility, work-life balance, and continuous personal growth. With opportunities for mentorship, a diverse team, and a commitment to making a positive impact, Zopa is an exceptional place for Senior Software Engineers looking to thrive in a supportive environment.
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Contact Detail:

Zopa Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer - Manchester

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Zopa employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the company culture and maybe even a referral!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your Kotlin and AWS skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex problems in the past, as Zopa loves problem-solvers who think outside the box.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your collaborative spirit! Zopa values teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked with others to deliver great results. Highlight your mentoring experiences too!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Zopa family!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer - Manchester

Kotlin
Java
Backend Engineering
Distributed Systems
Scalable Systems Design
Clean Code Practices
Testing and Automation
Problem-Solving
Collaboration
Mentoring
Cross-Functional Communication
Agile Methodologies
Operational Ownership
Customer-Centric Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Problem-Solving: When you're writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for tackling real financial challenges. Share examples of how you've solved complex problems in the past, especially if they relate to backend systems or distributed architectures.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences that align with our job description. Highlight your experience with Kotlin or Java, and don’t forget to mention any fintech background if you have it!

Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate straightforward communication. Keep your application clear and to the point, focusing on your key achievements and how they relate to the role. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the position.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Zopa!

How to prepare for a job interview at Zopa

✨Know Your Tech Stack

Make sure you’re well-versed in Kotlin and AWS, as these are key to the role. Brush up on your backend engineering principles and be ready to discuss how you've used these technologies to solve real-world problems.

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Zopa values problem-solvers, so prepare examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles. Be ready to explain your thought process and the impact of your solutions, especially in a collaborative environment.

✨Emphasise Team Collaboration

Highlight your experience working cross-functionally with product managers and designers. Discuss how you’ve contributed to team success and mentored junior engineers, as this aligns with Zopa’s culture of operational ownership.

✨Be Ready for Cultural Fit Questions

Zopa is all about redefining finance and embracing unconventional challenges. Think about how your values align with their mission and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their unique culture.

Senior Software Engineer - Manchester
Zopa
Location: Manchester
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Z
  • Senior Software Engineer - Manchester

    Manchester
    Full-Time
    36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)
  • Z

    Zopa

    200-500
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