Software Developer

Software Developer in London or Manchester | About the Role

Typical Software Developer Responsibilities

As a software developer, you may work for an employer or independently as a freelance specialist. Your role is to design, build, test and develop software that improves the functionality of databases, programs and applications and enable businesses, users and machinery to operate efficiently. You responsibilities may vary extensively depending on the organisational structure and scale of your employer or client, but your duties in most software developer jobs generally include the following:

Expertise

Your role is a technical one and business personnel will look to you for expertise. You must have a sound knowledge of coding and programming languages such as Java, C++, C#, .NET, PHP and Python and an understanding of how they can be used to solve problems in a commercial context.

As such, you must be able to understand complex data, have an eye for detail, locate and resolve programming bugs, test new software for compatibility with existing platforms, install them efficiently and maintain systems and security in line with organisational needs and requirements.

You must also be willing to undertake training and take a proactive approach to improving your technical skills and furthering your own professional development.

Project Management

At any given time, you may be expected to work on several software programming projects and will need excellent organisational skills. You must be able to review the performance of existing software, identify opportunities to enhance it, calculate the costs and resources needed to implement changes and ensure that any works are completed within a given timescale and budget.

You will need to take an analytical and methodical approach to tasks, keep accurate records of any testing, development or changes you undertake and produce progress reports for any relevant departmental or management personnel.

Communication

In order to improve software functionality, you will need to be a skilled communicator who can work closely with technical and non-technical staff to understand business needs, discuss ideas, identify challenges and develop software solutions to overcome them.

You may also need to support, supervise or further the professional development of other IT staff and develop user-friendly instructional manuals that enable personnel to use new systems to their full potential.

Salary Range

The average salary offered in software developer jobs ranges from £20k to £50k plus benefits and bonus packages which vary according to your level of skill, responsibility and the location you work in.

Skills & Qualifications

A sound working knowledge of software, hardware and programming languages is essential
Excellent organisation and time management
A structured and methodical approach to technical tasks
Attention to detail
Good communication and collaborative skills
Creative and analytical thinking
Problem solving
Project Management
Report writing
An ability to work under pressure alone, or as part of a team
Flexibility to work outside regular office hours and travel for work

Qualifications

Specific qualifications are not essential for this role but a HND or degree in a relevant subject such as computer science or engineering, business information systems or mathematics is desirable.

Industry qualifications from Microsoft and Oracle or certificates from professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute for IT or the Tech Partnership will strengthen your application.

Experience & Career Progression

Some employers may offer a graduate training programme but most will expect significant workplace experience, evidence of successful project management and a genuine enthusiasm for the role.

Career Progression

As a skilled and experienced software developer in a fast-paced industry, your career prospects are good and you could progress from entry level software developer jobs into a senior technical or managerial position in any of the following roles:

Web Developer
Software Engineer/Programmer
IT Project Manager
IT Consultant
Software Architect

Does this sound like a role you may be interested in? Click here to browse a range of available roles in Manchester and London.

Building your career in Bolton

Just northwest of Manchester lies Bolton, a former mill town and production centre for textiles. It has a vibrant cultural scene, with the Octagon Theatre (which was opened in 1967 by The Princess Margaret), the Bolton Museum and Art Gallery and the magnificent Bolton Central Library.

Bolton is a brilliant town for sport. It was once home to Amir Khan, the WBA World light-welterweight champion. Bolton Wanderers football club also regularly play games at the University’s stadium. Being only ten miles away from Manchester, the town shares much of the city’s vitality and community spirit. It makes a convenient base for commuters with plenty of quality living options.