Wilsons Auctions is the largest independently owned auction house operating across the UK and Ireland. With a network of 10 centres, we continue to grow and are seeking to appoint a Junior Software Developer to support the ongoing 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 has been built as a modern TypeScript solution using a Node.js backend API with NestJS, a React administrative portal, and a Next.js customer-facing website. The product is hosted on a contemporary AWS cloud architecture using infrastructure as code via AWS CDK, with scalable services, managed data storage, content delivery, real-time capabilities and observability built in.
As a Junior Software Developer, you will work as part of the internal development team to support ongoing development, bug fixes, testing, documentation and incremental enhancements across the API, web app and public website. You will be given structured support and guidance while building knowledge of the Gavel platform, our development practices and the wider auction business.
Collaboration & Knowledge Transfer
During the first phase, you will work alongside senior engineers, internal stakeholders and our third-party supplier that currently supports and contributes to the Gavel platform's development. You will take part in code reviews, documentation activities, knowledge-capture sessions and agreed ways of working to help Wilsons Auctions build internal capability and reduce external dependency over time.
Key Responsibilities
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Deliver feature improvements, new features and bug fixes across the Gavel monorepo, including the Node.js/NestJS backend API, React admin portal and Next.js public website, with a focus on reliability, accessibility, performance and maintainability.
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Maintain and evolve the backend API, developed using Node.js, NestJS and TypeORM, alongside the Aurora MySQL Serverless v2 schema and migrations; ensure data integrity, robust API design and query performance at scale.
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Write clean, maintainable TypeScript code with guidance from senior developers, following agreed coding standards and review processes
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Support the maintenance of backend services using NestJS, Node.js, TypeORM and Aurora MySQL, including safe changes to schemas, queries and migrations under supervision.
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Contribute to front-end development using React and Next.js, helping improve usability, accessibility, performance and reliability.
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Support testing activities, including unit, integration and end-to-end tests, and help investigate defects reported by users, operations or support teams.
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Assist with integrations to third-party services by helping implement, test, document and troubleshoot API connections, webhooks and data flows.
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Contribute to documentation, run-books and knowledge-transfer materials so that system knowledge is captured clearly for the internal team.
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Learn and contribute to CI/CD pipelines, automated testing and infrastructure-as-code processes using tools such as GitLab CI, CodeBuild/CodeDeploy and AWS CDK.
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Support operational monitoring and troubleshooting using CloudWatch dashboards, logs and alerts, escalating issues appropriately.
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Apply secure development practices, including awareness of authentication, authorisation, data handling, secrets management, least privilege and auditable change control.
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Apply AI Product Development Lifecycle (AI PDLC) best practices for future product development, using Claude Code to support structured requirements analysis, solution design, implementation, automated testing, code review, documentation and safe release planning.
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Collaborate with Product, Operations, Support and other stakeholders to understand requirements, clarify issues and deliver incremental improvements safely.
Technical Environment
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Languages & frameworks: TypeScript, Node.js, NestJS, React, Next.js; monorepo via Lerna & Yarn workspaces.
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Data & messaging: Aurora MySQL Serverless v2, RDS, TypeORM migrations, ElastiCache/Redis and Bull queues.
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Search & real-time: OpenSearch; Socket.IO and AWS AppSync for live updates and bidding.
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Storage & delivery: S3, CloudFront and image optimisation using Sharp/Lambda.
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Authentication & security: AWS Cognito, Microsoft 365 federation, IAM, KMS, WAF and Secrets Manager.
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CI/CD & infrastructure: GitLab CI, CodeBuild/CodeDeploy and AWS CDK using TypeScript.
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Internal libraries: GCD Technologies Acorn modules, including assets, audit, authentication, CRUD, notifications, users and notes.
Skills & Experience
Must-have
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Some commercial experience, placement experience, apprenticeship experience or strong personal/project experience in software development.
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Strong practical experience using AI-assisted development workflows, ideally including Claude Code, with the discipline to apply AI PDLC best practices across analysis, implementation, testing, review and documentation.
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Good working knowledge of TypeScript or JavaScript, with an understanding of modern web application development.
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Familiarity with React or Next.js, or a willingness and ability to learn quickly with support.
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Basic understanding of backend development concepts, APIs and relational databases such as MySQL.
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A testing mindset and willingness to write and maintain automated tests as part of normal development work.
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Awareness of secure coding principles, including input validation, authentication concepts, permissions and safe handling of sensitive data.
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Ability to troubleshoot issues methodically, ask good questions and document findings clearly.
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Good communication and teamwork skills, with a willingness to learn from code reviews, pairing and mentoring.
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Responsible use of AI-assisted development tools, with understanding that generated outputs must be reviewed, tested and checked for security and quality.
Nice-to-have
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Experience with NestJS, Node.js, TypeORM or similar backend frameworks.
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Exposure to AWS services such as S3, CloudFront, RDS/Aurora, Cognito, CloudWatch or CDK.
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Experience working with REST or SOAP APIs, webhooks or external integrations.
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Understanding of CI/CD, Git workflows and automated deployment pipelines.
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Awareness of search, caching, queues or real-time systems such as OpenSearch, Redis, Bull, Socket.IO or AppSync.
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Experience contributing to documentation, run-books or technical handover materials.
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Interest in SEO, accessibility and web performance optimisation.
How We Work
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Environments: Production, Staging, UAT and Test; non-production environments are managed with cost-conscious configuration.
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Delivery approach: iterative improvements, shared backlogs, code reviews, testing and controlled releases.
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Observability: CloudWatch dashboards, logs and alerts, with escalation to senior colleagues where required.
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Modern cloud hosting: the platform is deployed on current AWS managed services with infrastructure defined through AWS CDK, supporting scalability, secure release processes, resilient content delivery and cost-optimised non-production environments.
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Security by design: secure development practices, VPC isolation, WAF, KMS encryption, Secrets Manager and audit trails.
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Knowledge transfer: structured documentation, code reviews, pairing, run-books and clear handover materials to build internal capability.
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AI PDLC going forward: future Gavel development will use Claude Code as part of a controlled AI-assisted engineering process, with human review, traceable decisions, automated testing, security checks and documentation embedded throughout the delivery lifecycle.
What Success Looks Like
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You make steady progress in understanding the Gavel platform and its business context.
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You deliver small, well-tested changes safely and learn from feedback through code review and mentoring.
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You help reduce support load by investigating defects, documenting fixes and improving system knowledge.
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You contribute positively to the internal development team and build confidence working across the API, admin portal and customer website.
Development
This role is suitable for someone early in their software development career who is keen to learn, contribute, and grow within a supportive professional environment.
Why Work at Wilsons Auctions?
Wilsons Auctions is committed to providing first-rate sales and services to both buyers and sellers through a professional and personal approach, backed by the latest technological advances and industry trends. The business is a unique example of local owner-managed success at scale in the auction industry. You will have the opportunity to contribute to systems that directly shape the future of the business, with access to experienced colleagues and decision makers.
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Additional holidays based on length of service
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Employee spending discounts
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Health and wellbeing incentives
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Support for professional development
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Opportunity for advancement
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Mental health first aid access
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Employee recognition programme
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Length of service bonus
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Pension scheme
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Retirement bonus
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Bereavement leave
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On-site parking
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Full uniform provided
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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.
