Java Backend Developer

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About the Role

As a Dutch Backend Developer, you’ll build, optimise, and maintain server-side Java application logic for our clients, driving seamless integration and high performance. Working closely with front-end developers, data analysts, and key stakeholders, you will deliver scalable, robust backend solutions across diverse business applications. We are looking for someone who is passionate about seeking new opportunities to create impactful work.

Responsibilities:

Build and maintain high-performance, reliable server-side Java logic.

Collaborate with front-end developers to integrate user-facing elements with server-side logic.

Design and implement APIs and RESTful services to industry standards.

Set up, maintain, and optimize databases.

Optimise application performance and ensure scalability and security.

Identify and resolve bugs and performance bottlenecks.

Write clean, scalable code following Java best practices.

Participate in code reviews and uphold coding best practices.

Partner with QA, DevOps, and Product Management to deliver robust applications.

Maintain technical and API documentation.

About You

The essentials:

Citizenship & Language: Dutch citizenship and fluency in the Dutch language are required.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science (or higher), Information Technology, or equivalent experience.

Java Expertise: Proven experience in Java development with a strong understanding of core Java (OOP, concurrency, JVM internals), exception handling, and modern Java features (Streams, Optional, Lambda expressions).

Frameworks & APIs: Solid experience with Spring Boot, Spring Data, Hibernate/JPA, and RESTful API design/implementation.

Databases: Proficiency with SQL (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Redis).

Core Tech Stack: Proficiency with Maven or Gradle, and version control using Git.

Versatility: Proven backend experience with a demonstrated ability to work with and quickly adapt to additional programming languages.

Professional Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, knowledge of agile methodologies/SDLC, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as a team collaborator.

Not a must, but a plus:

Cloud & DevOps: Experience with containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), microservices architecture, and knowledge of CI/CD pipelines.

Architecture & Security: Experience with message brokers (RabbitMQ, Kafka) and knowledge of web security best practices (OWASP, JWT, OAuth2).

Testing & Optimisation: Experience with testing frameworks (JUnit, Mockito) and application performance monitoring/profiling tools.

Frontend Knowledge: Familiarity with HTML, CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript, and ReactJS.

Polyglot Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in at least one additional programming language (e.g., Python, TypeScript, Go, or similar), emphasizing strong versatility to quickly learn new technology stacks.

At Monks, we believe in fostering an environment where a diversity of perspectives can thrive. We proactively work to design hiring processes that promote equity and inclusion while mitigating bias. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage qualified applicants, from all backgrounds, who are excited to contribute to our mission.

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About Monks

Monks is the global, digital-first, data-driven, unitary operating brand of S4Capital plc, where our culture centers on how we show up for the work and for one another. That begins with the commitment to strive for mastery—taking deep pride in our craft and creating work that sets the bar. In everyday execution, we drive momentum by choosing bold action rather than waiting for certainty. Above all, our teams are stronger together, bringing diverse perspectives into a unified team that communicates with clarity, trust, and mutual respect.

This commitment to craft and innovation translates directly into widespread industry acclaim: Monks was named a Contender in The Forrester Wave™: Global Marketing Services and a leader in the 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Global Digital Marketing Agencies. It ranks among Cannes Lions' Top 10 Creative Companies (2022-25) and remains the only partner featured in AdExchanger’s Programmatic Power Players list every year (2020-24). Named Adweek’s first AI Agency of the Year (2023) and The One Show’s inaugural AI Pioneer Organization (2025), Monks was also awarded Business Intelligence Group’s 2026 Excellence in Artificial Intelligence Award in the Human-Machine Interaction Team category.

Additionally, Monks.Flow earned AI-based Marketing Solution of the Year at the 2026 AI Breakthrough Awards and a 2026 Global Generative AI Award in the Agentic Marketing Innovation category. Finally, Monks achieved a record-breaking number of FWAs and continues to hold the most of any partner.

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a respectful and empowering work environment for all people to freely express themselves amongst colleagues who embrace diversity in all respects. Including fresh voices and unique points of view in all aspects of our business not only creates an environment where we can all grow and thrive but also increases our potential to produce work that better represents—and resonates with—the world around us.