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# Software Development Engineer FTC 12 months

- **Company:** Booker Group plc
- **Location:** Eccles, UK
- **Contract:** Temporary contract
- **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Batch Processing, COBOL (Programming Language), Linux, Software Engineering, Scripting, Git, Restful APIs, Software Version Control, Legacy Systems
- **Published:** August 26, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.reed.co.uk/jobs/software-development-engineer-ftc-12-months/57055437

## About the Role

* Proven experience delivering and supporting business-critical software in a production environment
 * Hands-on experience with COBOL and Java, or a strong willingness to work across both
 * Experience working in a Linux environment, including scripting and batch processing
 * Knowledge of transactional or back-office systems (e.g. stock control, sales processing, financial systems), ideally in retail or wholesale
 * Strong problem-solving skills, with experience diagnosing and resolving complex live issues
 * Experience delivering changes via structured development and release processes
 * Familiarity with source control tools like Git and development lifecycle practices
 * Strong collaboration and communication skills, working with technical and non-technical stakeholders
 * Ability to produce clear technical documentation
 * Awareness of security, governance and compliance requirements

## Description

As a Software Development Engineer, you'll help design, build and support resilient back-office systems that power sales, stock control and financial accuracy across our Booker estate. You'll work across a mixed technology landscape-combining legacy systems with modern platforms-to deliver reliable, scalable solutions for high-volume wholesale operations.

This is a 12-month fixed-term opportunity where you'll play a key role in maintaining system performance, delivering change safely, and supporting business-critical services. You'll collaborate closely with colleagues across Technology, Operations, and external partners to ensure everything we release is robust, secure and ready for real-world use.

You will be responsible for

 * Design, develop and maintain store back-office systems using COBOL, Java, REST APIs and scripting within a Linux environment
 * Deliver high-quality, well-tested code aligned with engineering standards and change control processes
 * Support and enhance system functionality to ensure accuracy, resilience and performance-especially around stock integrity and sales processing
 * Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues, providing 3rd line support and identifying long-term fixes
 * Deliver system changes, upgrades and new store rollouts with minimal disruption to trading
 * Collaborate with product, programme teams, operations and third-party suppliers to deliver effective solutions
 * Produce and maintain clear technical documentation covering design, interfaces and support processes
 * Ensure systems meet security, audit and compliance requirements
 * Continuously improve system performance and maintainability, supporting modernisation while maintaining legacy systems
 * Contribute to team learning, peer reviews and continuous improvement of development practices


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