Job Description
Senior Software Engineer (RPG / IBM i)
Permanent | Cardiff/Hybrid | Up to 50,000
At Target Group, we don’t just build platforms – we build outcomes that matter. As part of our continued investment in modernising our core systems, we’re looking for a Senior RPG Software Engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, shaping quality solutions and developing others along the way.
If you’re passionate about IBM i, enjoy being hands‑on with development while influencing design and quality, and want to play a key role in opening up legacy systems through APIs and modern integration – this could be the role for you.
What can you expect?
As a Senior Software Engineer, you’ll sit at the heart of our Software Engineering capability, interpreting system requirements, designing robust solutions and ensuring high‑quality delivery across our onshore and offshore teams.
You’ll be a technical leader rather than a people manager – mentoring others, guiding delivery, reviewing code and acting as a gatekeeper for quality. Alongside this, you’ll work on exciting modernisation initiatives, helping Target evolve our IBM i estate to support API‑driven integration, third‑party services and new digital channels.
What you’ll be doing
People & Leadership
- Providing guidance and support on program design, development, testing and documentation
- Informally coaching and mentoring less experienced engineers across onshore and offshore teams
- Leading and participating in peer code reviews, ensuring quality before release to testing
- Supporting offshore teams by clarifying requirements and removing blockers
- Owning your personal development and staying current with industry and IBM i advancements
Technical & Delivery
- Translating system requirements into clear, well‑engineered designs and solutions
- Producing complex functional and technical specifications
- Designing and building large or complex RPG programs and enhancements using agreed standards
- Reviewing and approving code artefacts prior to release
- Supporting and enhancing existing systems, investigating defects and delivering fixes
- Planning and executing thorough testing to ensure error‑free delivery
- Actively contributing to Software Engineering standards, tools and policies
Financial & Planning
- Taking ownership of development solutions for critical components of projects
- Estimating and planning work, tracking progress and highlighting risks or issues
- Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, performance and value
Customer
- Taking part in client and user meetings, presenting solutions clearly and confidently
- Supporting users in defining acceptance criteria and tests
- Identifying and resolving customer issues within agreed timescales
What we’re looking for
Essential technical experience
Strong IBM i and iO/S knowledge
Languages and technologies including:
- CL
- RPG/400, RPG IV, ILE, Free Format RPG
- SQL & IBM i Stored Procedures
- MQ
- Query/400
Development tools:
- RAD/i
- VS Code
- Jira & Confluence
- Rocket Aldon DevOps for i
Desirable (but not essential)
- Experience using AI code assistants
- Knowledge of latest IBM i features (iO/S 7.6)
- Performance tuning and optimisation on IBM i
Core Benefits
- Competitive salary of up to £50,000 per annum depending on experience
- 30 days holiday plus bank holidays – from day one
- Hybrid working policy
- Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (employer matched up to 6%)
- Company‑paid Private Medical Insurance (benefit in kind)
- Group Life Assurance
- Group Income Protection
- Discretionary annual bonus scheme
- Annual pay review
Flexible & Lifestyle Benefits
- My Flex benefits platform – access to a wide range of voluntary benefits
- Technology Buying Scheme (salary sacrifice)
- Gym Flex – discounted gym and health club memberships
- Dental Insurance
- Critical Illness Cover
- Health Cash Plan
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Tastecard / Coffee Club
- Employee Discount Scheme across hundreds of retailers
Wellbeing & Support
- Wisdom Wellbeing – confidential health and wellbeing support, including EAP
- Free flu vaccinations and eye tests, plus contributions towards glasses
- Recognition Scheme celebrating successes across the business
- Free mortgage advice and support
- Charitable payroll giving
- Access to a GP 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through GP24
- Everest Funeral Concierge
- Free Bereavement and Probate Advice and Support
- Enhanced parental leave
Why Join Target
You’ll be joining a team that genuinely:
- Celebrates success through our My Recognition portal
- Invests in your development with regular feedback and support
- Cares about wellbeing as much as delivery
- Encourages curiosity, innovation and best practice
We’re committed to creating a Diverse & Inclusive culture through the execution of our D&I strategy, community relationships, our people & leaders.
Grow your future with us
If you’re ready to take the next step in your IBM i career and play a pivotal role in shaping Target’s technology landscape, we’d love to hear from you.
