Junior Backend Developer

The Acorn Group; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading software development company in Liverpool is seeking a Junior Backend Developer. You will be part of a collaborative team that helps you learn modern software practices, focusing on .NET and Azure technologies. The ideal candidate has some programming experience and a strong desire to learn. This hybrid role allows you to work three days in the office, offering a salary of £30,000–£35,000 depending on experience.

Benefits

35 days’ holiday (including bank holidays)

24/7 mental health support

Flexible benefits including salary access

Hybrid working options

Qualifications

• Some experience with programming (in C#, .NET or similar).
• A strong desire to learn new technologies and grow your skills.
• Enjoys working with others and contributing to a supportive team.

Responsibilities

• Learn how to build and maintain backend systems in .NET and Azure.
• Write clean, reliable code and test it.
• Pair with senior developers to solve real problems.

Skills

Programming (C#, .NET or similar)

Problem-solving mindset

Attention to detail

Desire to learn new technologies

Team collaboration

Tools

Azure

.NET

Docker

Job description

We’re looking for a Junior Backend Developer who’s excited to learn, grow, and be part of a collaborative team building software that makes a real difference.

You’ll join a tight-knit, cross-functional squad where you’ll work alongside experienced developers who’ll help you learn modern software practices, from coding standards and testing to cloud deployments and architecture.

This is a great opportunity for someone with some experience in programming (whether from a job, degree, or personal projects) who’s ready to take the next step and grow into a well-rounded engineer.

We work together in our Liverpool HQ three days a week because it’s the best way to share knowledge, learn quickly and build strong relationships with the people around you.

Location: Liverpool City Centre HQ / Hybrid (3 days in office)
Salary: £30,000–£35,000 depending on experience

What You’ll Do:

• Learn how to build and maintain backend systems in .NET and Azure
• Write clean, reliable code and learn how to test and improve it
• Pair with senior developers to solve real problems and deliver features
• Take part in team discussions, planning sessions and code reviews
• Gradually take on more responsibility as your skills and confidence grow
• Bring curiosity, creativity and a willingness to ask questions

What We’re Looking For:

• Some experience with programming (in C#, .NET or similar)
• A strong desire to learn new technologies and grow your skills
• A positive, proactive attitude and willingness to take feedback
• Enjoys working with others and contributing to a supportive team
• A problem‑solving mindset and attention to detail
• Curious about how modern systems are built and run in the cloud

You don’t need to tick every box — we’re looking for potential and enthusiasm as much as experience.

What You’ll Learn:

• Modern development practices using .NET, Azure and Docker
• Writing clean, testable, maintainable code
• How CI/CD pipelines and automated testing fit into real projects
• Working in a cross‑functional team with product, design and DevOps
• How to think about architecture, scalability and performance

Why Join Us:

• A structured environment focused on learning and development
• Support from experienced engineers who want you to succeed
• Regular feedback, mentoring and training opportunities
• A modern tech stack and strong engineering culture
• A team that values curiosity, collaboration and craftsmanship

Team and Culture

You’ll join a friendly, collaborative team that believes everyone has something to contribute, no matter their level of experience.

We value curiosity over perfection, progress over ego, and teamwork over individual heroics. We support each other, share what we know, and celebrate learning just as much as shipping code.

If you’re driven, open‑minded and eager to grow, this is a place where you’ll do your best work and keep getting better every day.

Grow with Acorn

At Acorn Insurance, we’re proud of our Liverpool roots — and even prouder of how far we’ve come. As part of the Acorn Group, we bring over 40 years of specialist insurance expertise to the table. From humble beginnings, we’ve grown into a national leader, now employing 1,700+ people across the UK and reached a milestone £750 million in total value of insurance policies written in 2024.

We’re growing fast, with new opportunities emerging every week. That growth is largely due to the values we share:

• 🦏 We run through walls for our customers and each other
• 🐐 We challenge the status quo
• 🐧 We succeed when we help those around us succeed
• 🐆 We decide quickly when the smart thing to do is use our judgement
• 🌴 35 days’ holiday (including bank holidays) with additional buy/sell options
• 🧠 24/7 mental health support & free counselling available
• ☝ Grow with us: Through career fairs, leadership programs, and learning on the go!
• 💸 Flexible benefits, including early access to salary via our internal platform
• 🏡 Hybrid working options to support work‑life balance and individual needs

Our Commitment to our colleague’s:

These aren’t just words — they’re the principles we live by. And we’re proud to back them up with real action, earning recognition and accreditation from leading organisations that share our commitment to people and growth:

• 🧠 Mindful Employer – championing mental health and wellbeing
• ♿ Disability Confident Level 1 & 2 – creating accessible, inclusive opportunities
• 🌸 Menopause Friendly accredited – supporting every stage of life
• 🎖️ Armed Forces Covenant signatory – honouring those who serve
• 🏆 Great Places to Work 2024/25 – fostering an engaging and positive workplace culture
• 📈 Best Place to Work for Development – proud to be investing in people’s future
• 👩💼 Best Place to Work for Women – breaking down barriers to women's career progression

A Few Things to Know Before You Apply

We’re really excited that you’re considering joining Acorn! To help everything go smoothly, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

Checks & Clearances

All roles at Acorn are subject to DBS and financial checks. Any offer we make will be conditional until these are completed to a satisfactory standard.

Visa Requirements

Because our training is quite comprehensive, we can only consider applicants who have at least one year remaining on their Graduate or Post-Study Work visa. At the moment, we’re not able to offer visa sponsorship.

We’re Here to Support You

We’re committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can flourish. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process—or once you’re part of the team—just let us know. Whether it’s flexible hours, adapted equipment, or a bit of extra support, we’ll work with you to make sure you can do your best work.