Role Summary and Department Overview

Peel Hunt is looking for an enthusiastic IT Developer with strong core Java skills, an interest in learning other technologies and a desire to work across a diverse business and technology stack.

The role sits within an experienced Development team of six and will work on a range of in-house systems supporting real-time equity trading, electronic market making, business workflow management and internal data analysis. The team is highly visible and delivers functionality across the firm.

The Development team has responsibility for its own working practices and operates a flat structure, with shared decision-making and accountability. The role reports to the Head of Development and works closely with TechOps, Tech Programme Management, Data Technology and Analytics, and Systems across the wider IT department.

Core Technology Environment

• Java 25 server-side applications, supported by Python for simpler scripts.

• React web applications, SQL Server databases and C# native front ends.

• KDB time-series storage and analysis.

• Informatica UltraMessaging and Chronicle-based infrastructure.

• Influx and Grafana for system instrumentation and monitoring.

• Linux servers, including RHEL 9.

• Development tools including IntelliJ, Rider, Git, JIRA/YouTrack and TeamCity.

• Experimental use of Claude Code.

Responsibilities

Role Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver software solutions addressing a wide range of business problems.

• Work with stakeholders to understand their requirements and the wider problem, and determine the most appropriate solution.

• Ability to work both independently as well as collaboratively with other developers, depending on the scope and scale of the project.

• Plan and organise projects to deliver within appropriate timescales, adapting where priorities or relevant factors change.

• Ask for help when needed and support colleagues to ensure the team's outputs are functionally complete, performant and supportable.

• Work across greenfield development, extensions to existing applications, and day-to-day maintenance and enhancements.

• Provide second-line support for the Development team's systems.

Key Capabilities and Knowledge:

• At least three years' server-side development experience using core Java.

• Experience of high-performance, distributed and multi-threaded systems.

• Understanding of interfaces between, and separation of, interconnected modules and systems.

• Experience of front-to-back involvement in software development and delivery.

• Ability to break down complex problems into manageable phases.

• Commitment to delivering high-quality code that minimises long-term support and maintenance requirements.

• Experience of automated, unit and functional testing, with a pragmatic approach to the appropriate level of testing.

• Working knowledge of Linux.

• Ideally a 2:1 degree or higher in a technical discipline.

Desirable experience:

• React, which is a key technology for the team.

• SQL databases and queries, including Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle or Sybase.

• C# GUI development.

• Python scripting or programming, potentially using libraries such as SciPy.

• KDB querying, management or maintenance.

• Chronicle, Influx or Grafana.

• Financial services experience is not essential. Strong technical capability, creativity and a desire to learn are valued more highly.

Role Competencies:

• Enthusiastic, curious and keen to learn new technologies and business areas.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Able to communicate effectively with technical colleagues and business stakeholders.

• Collaborative and willing both to learn from others and share knowledge.

• Organised, accountable and able to manage changing priorities.

• Pragmatic, with sound judgement about quality, performance, testing and supportability.

• Comfortable taking responsibility within a flat team structure.

Other:

This role is subject to the FCA Conduct Rules and the successful candidate will be required to comply with the standards of conduct expected under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR).

We work on a hybrid basis, with three days a week in the office, while recognising the need for flexibility and balancing this with the requirements of the business.

Line Management Responsibilities

The role has no direct line management responsibilities. The role holder is expected to support colleagues, share knowledge and contribute to collective decision-making within the Development team.