IT Software Developer Graduate Programme 2023
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Position Overview & Specifications
We are looking for graduate developers with a relevant programming or Computer Science degree to learn the JD Head Office IT products, technologies and languages and contribute to the development, evolution, and maintenance of these products.
KEY DETAILS & PERKS OF THE PROGRAMME:
- Job Title – Software Developer Graduate
- Scheme – 2 Year Graduate Programme - commences September 2023
- Location – JD Sports HQ (Bury BL9 8RR)
- Hours – Monday – Friday 40 hours
Our graduate programme is a chance to build an Early Career you will always be proud of. On the programme you will receive:
- Exciting monthly socials to form a community with other graduates
- Area specific training arranged by Line Manager
- Enrolment onto our JD Aspire programme for upskilling and development
- A mentor to support you throughout the programme
- Access to European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)
- Ongoing support and feedback sessions
- Invaluable exposure usually gained through years of experience
- Opportunities to volunteer with our JD foundation and charity partners
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:
We aim to extend experience across different products, areas of business and technologies, the 3 main areas are below:
- Software Development
- Application support
- Documentation
On the Developer Graduate Programme you will rotate between the Java, COBOL, data services, POS and tech teams, a minimum of twice, depending on your preference where possible. We develop several in-house products and systems within these aforementioned teams:
The Java Team
Our Java team develops strategic instore colleague and payment web apps using Java and React. The team also develops many business centric applications.
The COBOL Team
Our main ERP system is developed using COBOL as the main business language, working in a fast paced and high transaction volume environment, developing small features or large development projects to facilitate business innovation.
The POS & Tech Teams
Our tech team adds, updates and maintains various technologies surrounding the main ERP system using languages such as Python, Java, C, C++ and React. The team often builds foundational improvements in addition to producing proof of concepts and new technical frameworks.
The POS team is relatively small, they write the C++ software that runs on thousands of POS devices across the stores in the UK and European.
The Data Services Team
The data services team link internal and external systems using Java and real time data streaming and web services such as Apache Camel and Kafka.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
Ideal qualifications/degrees (minimum grade 2.1):
- Computer Science/software engineering
- Programming based degrees
Potential for consideration (minimum grade 2.1):
- Mathematics based degrees (eg. Maths, Physics)
People Spec:
- Motivated – loves software development.
- Self-starter – control your destiny.
- Critical thinker and problem solver
ABOUT JD SPORTS:
JD is at the pinnacle of the global sports fashion industry, providing customers with a product range that remains both authentic and uniquely appealing across a highly differentiated omni-channel experience.
NEXT STEPS:
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 15-minute phone call interview. If successful, you will be invited for an in-person interview at our JD Sports HQ in June.
Candidate Selection & Onboarding Process
Application & Resume Screening
Submit your tailored CV/Resume directly to the talent acquisition portal.
Technical & Competency Interviews
Virtual interviews with the hiring manager and multidisciplinary team.
Formal Offer & Benefits Negotiation
Written agreement outlining compensation, equity, retirement vesting, and relocation allowances.
Onboarding & Corporate Integration
Equipment provisioning, team orientation, and commencement of duties.
United Kingdom Right to Work & Skilled Worker Visa Guide
Employment in the United Kingdom requires legal Right to Work verified under the Home Office Points-Based Immigration System:
Sponsoring employers must hold an active Home Office A-rated Sponsor License and assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Role must meet the general minimum salary threshold (£38,700) or occupation going rate.
Continuous employment under Skilled Worker status establishes eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 continuous years, leading to British Citizenship.
Candidate Preparation Blueprint: Sporting Goods Stores
Based on transatlantic hiring benchmarks for IT Software Developer Graduate Programme 2023 roles across JD Sports's corporate sector, successful applicants typically excel across three core dimensions:
Demonstrated portfolio evidence, architecture/system design case studies, or validated professional certifications directly applicable to Sporting Goods Stores.
STAR method competency responses highlighting cross-functional leadership, conflict resolution, and delivering measurable enterprise ROI under tight timelines.
Total compensation expectation aligned within the benchmarked £27,689 - £37,514 bracket, including retirement vesting and health parity.
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