Junior Software Developer

Title: Junior Software Developer Location: Lowry Mill, Lees Street, Manchester, M27 6DB Working pattern: Remote, with occasional in-person meetings and collaborative sessions when required Salary: £32,000-£38,000 (pro rata for agreed part-time arrangements) Hours: Flexible, with full-time and part-time options considered Reporting to: Head of Education Strategy

ABOUT DATASPIRE

Dataspire partners with schools and multi-academy trusts to build dependable, high-performing technology environments. Our work helps schools operate securely and efficiently, while enabling teachers and students to make the most of technology.

We are developing an innovative Compliance and Assurance Portal for the education sector. The platform goes beyond traditional compliance monitoring. It helps schools assess and improve their digital maturity through measurable outcomes and evidence-based decision-making.

We are looking for a Junior Software Developer to support the ongoing development, maintenance and enhancement of the platform. You will work alongside the development team on a live product with real-world impact across the education sector. You will use modern technologies, including AI-assisted development tools, to accelerate innovation and deliver meaningful value to schools.

This role would suit a recent graduate eager to build software that solves real-world problems. It would also suit a postgraduate student seeking practical experience alongside Master's or PhD studies, or an early-career professional looking to join an innovative technology project.

THE ROLE

As Junior Software Developer, you will help maintain and enhance the platform, support data integration processes and assist in the effective use of AI tools throughout the development lifecycle. You will work within a modern SaaS environment and help maintain high standards of cybersecurity, privacy and system resilience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the development, testing and maintenance of the Compliance and Assurance Portal
• Assist with the secure ingestion, management and ongoing maintenance of datasets from multiple sources
• Work with AI-assisted development tools to support software design, development, testing and documentation
• Review and validate AI-generated outputs, ensuring appropriate quality assurance and governance processes are in place
• Support database management activities and contribute to data modelling and optimisation
• Assist with troubleshooting technical issues and implementing effective solutions
• Support platform operations and enhancements within a modern SaaS technology environment
• Contribute to maintaining high standards of cybersecurity, privacy and system resilience
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation

TECHNOLOGIES YOU WILL WORK WITH

• Databases and data: SQL, database design, data structures and data modelling
• Web and data formats: HTML and JSON
• Integration: APIs and system integrations
• Development: AI-assisted coding and development platforms
• Platform: SaaS and cloud-based applications

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Understanding of software development principles and software lifecycle management
• Knowledge of database design and data structures
• Working knowledge of SQL
• Familiarity with HTML and JSON
• Understanding of how data can be securely accessed, integrated and maintained across systems
• Knowledge of AI tools and an appreciation of the importance of validation, governance and prompt engineering
• Awareness of cybersecurity principles and secure application development
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail
• A curious, collaborative and adaptable approach, with enthusiasm for learning new technologies
• Flexibility to provide occasional support outside standard working hours when required

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with SaaS applications or cloud-based platforms
• Knowledge of APIs and system integrations
• Experience using AI-assisted coding and development platforms
• Academic background in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Information Technology or a related discipline

WHAT WE OFFER

• Salary of £32,000-£38,000 (pro rata for agreed part-time arrangements)
• Remote working, with occasional in-person meetings and collaborative sessions when required
• Flexible working, with full-time and part-time options considered
• 32 days' annual leave, including bank holidays (Increases to 33 after 3 years, 34 after 4 years and 35 after 5 years)
• An additional paid Christmas shutdown day
• Your birthday off
• On-site parking
• Optional branded workwear
• Employee Assistance Programme, including wellbeing, mental health, legal, financial and personal support

DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

You will benefit from a structured development framework including:

• Continuing Professional Development (CPDs) aligned to our financial year.
• Monthly 1:1s.
• Pluralsight licence with ringfenced learning time.
• Vendor-led training where needs identified.
• Exposure to modern AI-assisted development practices.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

The platform you help build will support schools to assess and improve their digital maturity through measurable outcomes and evidence-based decision-making. You will have the chance to influence the future development of a unique education technology solution with tangible impact across schools and educational organisations.

Dataspire is a Mental Health at Work Committed organisation and a Disability Confident employer. We are committed to creating a working environment where everyone feels supported, valued and able to perform at their best. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Pay: £32,000.00-£38,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Application question(s):

• Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?
• Are you willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check?
• Are you happy to occasionally come to the office for in-person meetings and collaborative sessions when required?

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: Remote

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