Wilsons Auctions
Entry-Level Software Developer
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Wilsons Auctions, the UK and Ireland's largest independently owned auction house, operates from a network of 10 centres. As the business continues to expand, we are looking for an Entry-Level Software Developer to contribute to the continued development of our digital auction platform.
This role can be based at our regional offices in Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle, or Dublin.
About The Role
Gavel is our enterprise-grade, end-to-end auction platform that powers both internal operations and the public-facing auction website. It is a TypeScript monorepo with a NestJS API, React administrative portal and a Next.js website, deployed on AWS with CDK.
As an Entry-Level Software Developer, you will join our internal development team and contribute to enhancements, defect resolution, testing and documentation across the API, administrative web application and public website. Structured guidance and support will help you develop your understanding of the Gavel platform, our engineering practices and the wider auction business.
Collaboration & Knowledge Transfer
Initially, you will collaborate with a senior engineer, internal stakeholders and a third-party supplier that currently supports and contributes to Gavel's development. Through code reviews, knowledge-sharing sessions, documentation and established working practices, you will help strengthen Wilsons Auctions' internal capability and gradually remove the reliance on external support.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to enhancements, new functionality and defect fixes across the Gavel monorepo, covering the API, administrative portal and public website.
- Develop clear, maintainable TypeScript code under the guidance of senior developers and in line with agreed coding standards and review procedures.
- Help maintain backend services built with NestJS, Node.js, TypeORM and Aurora MySQL, making controlled changes to schemas, queries and migrations with appropriate supervision.
- Support front-end development in React and Next.js, with a focus on usability, accessibility, performance and reliability.
- Take part in unit, integration and end-to-end testing, and assist with investigating defects raised by users, operational teams or support colleagues.
- Help deliver, test, document and troubleshoot third-party integrations, including API connections, webhooks and data flows.
- Create and maintain clear documentation, run-books and knowledge-transfer materials for the internal team.
- Build practical knowledge of CI/CD, automated testing and infrastructure as code using GitLab CI, CodeBuild/CodeDeploy and AWS CDK.
- Assist with operational monitoring and fault investigation through CloudWatch dashboards, logs and alerts, escalating where appropriate.
- Follow secure development principles covering authentication, authorisation, data handling, secrets management, least privilege and auditable change control.
- Use AI-assisted development tools appropriately for coding, testing, debugging, documentation and productivity, reviewing all outputs for accuracy, quality and security.
- Work with Product, Operations, Support and other stakeholders to clarify requirements, understand issues and deliver safe, incremental improvements.
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Technical Environment
Languages & frameworks: TypeScript, NestJS, Node.js, React, Next.js; monorepo via Lerna and Yarn workspaces.
Data & messaging: Aurora MySQL Serverless v2, RDS, TypeORM migrations, ElastiCache/Redis and Bull queues.
Search & real-time: OpenSearch; Socket.IO and AWS AppSync for live updates and bidding.
Storage & delivery: S3, CloudFront and image optimisation using Sharp/Lambda.
Authentication & security: AWS Cognito, Microsoft 365 federation, IAM, KMS, WAF and Secrets Manager.
CI/CD & infrastructure: GitLab CI, CodeBuild/CodeDeploy and AWS CDK using TypeScript.
Internal libraries: GCD Technologies Acorn modules, including assets, audit, authentication, CRUD, notifications, users and notes.
Skills & Experience
Must-have
- Practical software development experience gained through commercial work, a placement, an apprenticeship or substantial personal or academic projects.
- A sound working knowledge of TypeScript or JavaScript and an understanding of modern web application development.
- Some familiarity with React or Next.js, or the aptitude and willingness to learn these technologies quickly with support.
- A basic grasp of backend development, APIs and relational databases such as MySQL.
- A quality-focused approach and readiness to write and maintain automated tests as part of routine development.
- Awareness of secure coding practices, including validation, authentication, permissions and the safe handling of sensitive information.
- A methodical approach to troubleshooting, confidence asking relevant questions and the ability to record findings clearly.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills, together with a willingness to learn through reviews, pairing and mentoring.
- A responsible approach to AI-assisted development tools, recognising that generated content must be reviewed, tested and assessed for security and quality.
Nice-to-have
- Previous exposure to NestJS, Node.js, TypeORM or comparable backend frameworks.
- Familiarity with AWS services such as S3, CloudFront, RDS/Aurora, Cognito, CloudWatch or CDK.
- Hands-on experience with REST or SOAP APIs, webhooks or third-party integrations.
- An understanding of CI/CD, Git-based workflows and automated deployment pipelines.
- Awareness of search, caching, queuing or real-time technologies such as OpenSearch, Redis, Bull, Socket.IO or AppSync.
- Experience preparing documentation, run-books or technical knowledge-transfer materials.
- An interest in SEO, accessibility and improving web performance.
How We Work
Environments: Production, Staging, UAT and Test, with non-production resources configured and managed with cost efficiency in mind.
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Delivery: incremental change supported by shared backlogs, peer review, testing and controlled releases.
Monitoring: CloudWatch dashboards, logs and alerts, with issues escalated to senior colleagues when needed.
Security by design: secure engineering practices supported by VPC isolation, WAF, KMS encryption, Secrets Manager and audit trails.
Knowledge sharing: structured documentation, pairing, code reviews, run-books and clear handover materials that strengthen internal capability.
What Success Looks Like
- You steadily build an understanding of the Gavel platform and the business processes it supports.
- You deliver small, thoroughly tested changes safely and respond positively to feedback from reviews and mentoring.
- You help lower the support burden by investigating issues, documenting resolutions and improving shared system knowledge.
- You become a positive contributor to the internal development team and grow your confidence across the API, administrative portal and customer website.
Equal Opportunities & Development
We provide fair and consistent recruitment, a structured induction and ongoing learning opportunities for every employee, in line with the Employee Handbook (UK) and relevant local equivalents. This opportunity is intended for someone at the beginning of their software development career who wants to learn, make a practical contribution and progress in a supportive professional team.
Why Work at Wilsons Auctions?
At Wilsons Auctions, a professional and personal service is supported by modern technology and current industry practice for buyers and sellers alike. Our business combines the character of a locally owned organisation with the scale of a leading auction operation. In this role, you will work on systems that directly influence the company's future, supported by experienced colleagues and accessible decision makers.
Benefits:
- Additional holidays based on length of service
- Employee spending discounts
- Health and wellbeing incentives
- Support for professional development
- Opportunity for advancement
- Mental health first aid access
- Employee recognition programme
- Length of service bonus
- Pension scheme
- Retirement bonus
- Bereavement leave
- On-site parking
- Full uniform provided
- Paid eye examinations
Learn more about Wilsons Auctions: https://www.wilsonsauctions.com/about
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:30pm
Wilsons Auctions reserves the right to apply desirable criteria for shortlisting purposes in the event of a high volume of applications.
At Wilsons Auctions, we embrace diversity and equal opportunity. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive, friendly workplace that values the unique skills and perspectives each individual brings.
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