Locations: Bexhill, Leicester
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Requisition ID: 60012579
About Hastings Direct
Hastings Direct is a leading digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become the best and biggest in the UK market. The organization has invested heavily in technology and data capabilities, particularly within the CIO function. The CIO team drives innovation and ensures that the company’s technology infrastructure aligns with its growth goals. Hastings Direct fosters a 4Cs culture—collaboration, creativity, continuous improvement, and customer focus—creating an environment where talented individuals thrive.
With nearly four million customers and growing, Hastings Direct is on an exciting journey, offering employees the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to innovative projects and digital transformation initiatives.
Role Overview
The company is seeking a Mid-Level Front-End Developer (JavaScript/React.js) to join the CIO team. This role is ideal for professionals eager to build modern, scalable front-end applications while collaborating with UX/UI designers, backend developers, and product managers to deliver exceptional user experiences.
Even if candidates don’t meet every requirement, Hastings Direct encourages applications from passionate individuals ready to contribute and grow.
Key Responsibilities
1. Software Development & Best Practices
- Develop, modify, and maintain software in accordance with agreed standards and best practices.
- Ensure high-quality, maintainable code using modern tooling and approaches.
2. Testing, Documentation & Code Quality
- Conduct thorough testing and debugging.
- Document work, including GUNIT test coverage.
- Participate in code reviews to ensure well-engineered solutions.
3. Collaboration & Agile Delivery
- Work closely with the scrum team and attend daily stand-ups.
- Deliver on user story commitments consistently.
4. Mentorship & Continuous Learning
- Support junior developers and contribute to the Development Community of Practice.
- Stay updated with emerging technologies and practices.
5. Customer & Compliance Focus
- Complete mandatory training and uphold fair customer outcomes.
- Challenge processes that do not align with a customer-first mindset.
Candidate Profile
Skills & Experience:
- Proven experience in agile teams developing enterprise-level applications.
- Strong knowledge of JavaScript and React.js, including JSX, Virtual DOM, and component lifecycle.
- Familiarity with React workflows (e.g., Redux, Flux) and tools like Create React App.
- Understanding of RESTful APIs, Java/JVM languages, and relational databases (SQL).
- Exposure to SOAP, JSON, XML, object-oriented design, and GitHub source control.
- Experience with test-driven development (TDD or BDD) is a strong advantage.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Experience with Guidewire Insurance Suite or other digital insurance products.
What Hastings Direct Offers
Reward & Recognition
- Attractive salary (based on experience) with annual pay reviews.
- Annual 4Cs performance bonus, paid in March.
Flexible Work Approach
- Hybrid working options tailored to employee needs.
Wellbeing Programs
- Physical well-being support through healthcare cash plan claims.
- Life assurance coverage (4x salary), income protection, and pension match up to 10%.
Inclusive Culture
- Hastings Direct is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
- Commitment to inclusivity, with reasonable adjustments provided during recruitment as needed.
Application Process
Interested candidates should apply directly via the Hastings Direct careers portal.
All applications are treated fairly, and shortlisted applicants will undergo standard reference, credit, and criminal record checks.