AVP - UI React Software Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: AVP - UI React Software Engineer Company: Barclays Location: Glasgow Campus, Scotland, United Kingdom Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Technology - Software Engineering Date Posted: 2025-09-04 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, develop, and enhance high-quality software solutions utilizing industry-aligned programming languages, frameworks, and tools, ensuring scalability, maintainability, and performance optimization.
• Engage in cross-functional collaboration with product managers, designers, and fellow engineers to define software requirements, devise solution strategies, and ensure seamless integration with business objectives.
• Foster a culture of code quality and knowledge sharing through active participation in peer code reviews and collaborative development processes.
• Drive innovation by staying abreast of industry technology trends and contributing to the organization's technology communities, promoting technical excellence and continuous growth.
• Uphold secure coding practices to proactively mitigate vulnerabilities, protect sensitive data, and deliver robust, secure software solutions.
• Implement effective unit testing methodologies to guarantee proper code design, readability, and overall reliability of developed features.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "AVP" title typically signifies an Assistant Vice President role, indicating a senior individual contributor or a team lead position with significant technical responsibility and potential for influencing technical direction. This role is firmly within the "Technology - Software Engineering" category, with a strong emphasis on front-end development using React.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver scalable, maintainable, and high-performance software solutions using React, Typescript, and related libraries, adhering to best practices in front-end development.
• Collaborate with Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, and other engineering teams to translate business requirements into technical specifications and robust software designs for a new mobile-first application.
• Participate actively in code reviews, providing constructive feedback to peers and juniors to ensure adherence to coding standards, maintain code quality, and promote knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to the modernization and greenfield development of a best-in-class mobile-first application within the Private Banking domain, directly impacting 10,000+ clients.
• Identify and implement opportunities for risk mitigation and process improvement within the software development lifecycle, contributing to the organization's control and governance agenda.
• Conduct complex data analysis from various internal and external sources to creatively and effectively solve technical challenges and enhance software capabilities.
• Mentor and guide junior software engineers, fostering their technical growth and contributing to a high-performing, collaborative team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual technical contribution and collaborative leadership, typical for an AVP-level engineering role. The emphasis on a "greenfield project" and "modernization" suggests a significant impact opportunity and the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of professional experience in software engineering, with a strong focus on front-end development.
• Proven track record in designing, developing, and deploying complex, scalable, and performant web applications.
• Experience in the Financial Services industry or within large, complex organizational structures is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• React: Deep expertise in building user interfaces with React, including component-based architecture, state management, and hooks.
• React Testing Library: Proficiency in writing comprehensive unit and integration tests for React applications to ensure code quality and reliability.
• React Query: Experience leveraging React Query for efficient data fetching, caching, and synchronization in complex client-side applications.
• Typescript: Strong command of Typescript for building robust, type-safe JavaScript applications, enhancing code maintainability and reducing runtime errors.
• Secure Coding Practices: Demonstrated understanding and application of secure coding principles to prevent common web vulnerabilities.
• Collaboration & Communication: Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate complex technical information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Mentoring: Experience in mentoring junior engineers, providing guidance, and fostering their technical development.

Preferred Skills:

• Java: Exposure to or experience with Java, particularly in a financial services context, for understanding backend integrations or full-stack capabilities.
• Cloud Providers (AWS): Experience with cloud platforms, with a preference for Amazon Web Services (AWS), for deployment, scalability, and cloud-native development.
• Computing Degree: A formal degree in a computing-related discipline.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are very specific to modern front-end development stacks, indicating a need for candidates who are not only proficient but also up-to-date with current industry standards. The preferred skills suggest a potential for future full-stack responsibilities or contributions to cloud infrastructure.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of well-architected React applications demonstrating proficiency in component design, state management, and efficient data handling.
• Examples of codebases that highlight effective use of Typescript for type safety and maintainability, with clear explanations of architectural decisions.
• Case studies detailing how React Query was used to optimize data fetching and caching strategies in previous projects.
• Demonstrations of robust unit and integration testing suites (using React Testing Library) for critical application features, showcasing test coverage and methodology.
• Examples of contributions to secure coding practices, outlining how vulnerabilities were identified and mitigated in past projects.

Process Documentation:

• Documentation of workflow design and optimization for front-end development processes, including agile methodologies, CI/CD pipelines, and code review processes.
• Evidence of implementation and automation methods for testing, deployment, and monitoring of React applications.
• Metrics and performance analysis reports demonstrating the impact of implemented solutions, such as improvements in load times, user engagement, or bug reduction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior software engineering role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate the process behind them – how problems were approached, solutions designed, and results measured. This is particularly important for an AVP role where strategic thinking and process improvement are expected.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Assistant Vice President (AVP) level UI React Software Engineers in Glasgow, Scotland, the estimated annual salary range is £70,000 - £95,000. This range accounts for the specified experience level (5-10 years), the critical nature of the role within a financial institution, and the specific technical skill set.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
• Generous paid time off and holiday allowance.
• Pension scheme with employer contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.
• Employee assistance programs and financial well-being resources.
• Access to company-wide employee networks and affinity groups.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be flexibility offered for specific work arrangements, subject to team and business needs. Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines or address critical production issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical AVP-level compensation for skilled software engineers in the UK tech market, adjusted for the specific location of Glasgow and the financial services sector. The benefits listed are standard for large financial institutions like Barclays.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking) Company Size: Over 10,000 employees (Barclays is a global financial institution). Founded: 1836 (Barclays has a long and rich history in banking).

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Private Bank technology division, focusing on a modernization and build initiative for a new mobile-first client application.
• The immediate team will likely consist of other React engineers, potentially Java engineers for backend integration, QA engineers, Product Managers, and UX/UI designers.
• Reporting structure will be to a Technology Lead or Engineering Manager, with the AVP role expected to provide technical guidance and mentorship to more junior team members.
• Cross-functional collaboration is critical, involving close working relationships with business stakeholders, product owners, and other technology teams to ensure the application meets client needs and business objectives.

Methodology:

• Agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) are likely employed for iterative development, allowing for flexibility and rapid response to changing requirements.
• A strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, utilizing analytics to understand user behavior, application performance, and identify areas for improvement.
• Workflow planning and optimization will focus on efficient development cycles, streamlined testing, and robust deployment processes (CI/CD).
• Automation and efficiency practices will be key to accelerating development and ensuring the reliability of the new platform.

Company Website: https://home.barclays/

📝 Enhancement Note: Barclays, as a major global bank, operates with a strong emphasis on regulation, risk management, and security. The "Barclays Values" and "Barclays Mindset" are integral to their culture, expecting employees to embody integrity, service, excellence, stewardship, empowerment, challenge, and drive.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is at the Assistant Vice President (AVP) level, typically representing a senior individual contributor with substantial technical expertise and the ability to influence technical decisions and mentor junior staff. It sits above a standard Engineer or Senior Engineer and below a Director or VP level. The scope includes contributing to architectural discussions, leading technical initiatives within projects, and ensuring the quality and evolution of the codebase.

Reporting Structure:

• The AVP will report to a senior engineering leader (e.g., Engineering Manager, Director) and will work closely with Product Managers and potentially other AVPs or Senior Engineers to deliver on project goals. They are expected to provide technical leadership and guidance to junior engineers within their project team.

Operations Impact:

• This role has a significant direct impact on the client experience for Barclays' Private Bank customers. By contributing to a "best-in-class mobile-first app" on a "greenfield project," the engineer will be instrumental in modernizing client interactions, enhancing service delivery, and potentially driving client acquisition and retention through improved digital capabilities. The work directly supports the business strategy of providing leading digital financial services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in React, Typescript, and front-end architecture, potentially becoming a subject matter expert within the organization.
• Leadership Development: Progress into team lead or management roles, taking on more responsibility for project delivery, team performance, and strategic technical planning.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain exposure to backend technologies (like Java) and cloud infrastructure (AWS), potentially transitioning into more full-stack or cloud engineering roles.
• Industry Certifications: Pursue relevant certifications in cloud technologies, agile methodologies, or advanced JavaScript frameworks to enhance professional credentials.
• Mentorship & Training: Continuously develop mentorship skills and contribute to the growth of junior engineers, a key aspect of senior roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AVP title, coupled with the "greenfield project" and "modernization" aspects, suggests a role with high visibility and potential for significant career advancement within Barclays' technology division. The emphasis on mentoring and cross-functional collaboration further supports this.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• On-site role at the Barclays Glasgow Campus, indicating a traditional office environment designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s):

• Glasgow Campus: This specific location in Glasgow is the primary site for this role. The campus likely offers modern amenities and facilities to support employees.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative workspace designed to foster interaction among team members, including engineers, product managers, and designers.
• Access to the latest operations tools and technology, including high-performance workstations, development environments, and collaboration software.
• Opportunities for regular in-person interaction with the immediate development team, fostering strong working relationships and efficient problem-solving. Regular team meetings, stand-ups, and ad-hoc discussions will be part of the daily routine.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week, aligned with business operations. While the role is on-site, the emphasis on "best in class" and "modernisation" may imply a progressive approach to work practices, potentially allowing for some flexibility in start/end times, subject to team coordination and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role within a large financial institution like Barclays typically means a structured work environment with a strong emphasis on security, compliance, and consistent operational hours, balanced with modern collaborative workspaces.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role.
• Technical Assessment: Expect a coding challenge (live or take-home) focusing on React, Typescript, and problem-solving skills. This may involve building a small feature or solving algorithmic problems relevant to UI development.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into experience, technical approach, and alignment with team goals. This may include behavioral questions.
• Team Interviews: Interviews with potential peers and senior team members to evaluate technical depth, collaborative abilities, and cultural fit. Questions will focus on specific technical scenarios and how you approach complex problems.
• AVP Expectations Discussion: A conversation potentially with a more senior leader or the hiring manager to discuss leadership potential, risk management, and strategic thinking relevant to the AVP role.
• Final Round: May involve a presentation of your portfolio or a final discussion to tie all aspects together.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your React, Typescript, and React Query skills. Prioritize projects with demonstrable impact or complexity.
• Focus on Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the technical challenges faced, the solutions implemented (highlighting specific React patterns, state management, data fetching strategies), and the outcomes or impact achieved.
• Showcase Testing: Demonstrate your approach to testing using React Testing Library. Include examples of unit tests, integration tests, and explain why you chose specific testing strategies.
• Highlight Modern Practices: Emphasize your use of Typescript, React Query, and any modern React features or libraries. Explain the benefits these brought to the project.
• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your code, explain architectural decisions, and answer detailed questions about your implementation choices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenge: Practice common React coding challenges, including component creation, state management scenarios, API integration, and data manipulation. Ensure your code is clean, well-structured, and includes basic error handling.
• System Design (Front-end): Be prepared to discuss how you would design a complex front-end feature or application, considering scalability, performance, maintainability, and user experience.
• Behavioral Questions: Prepare STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses for questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, handling conflict, and leading initiatives.
• Barclays Values: Familiarize yourself with Barclays' values (Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Stewardship) and mindset (Empower, Challenge, Drive) and consider how your experiences align with them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the AVP title and the nature of a large financial institution, expect a rigorous interview process that assesses not only technical skills but also leadership potential, risk awareness, and cultural alignment. A strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of skills is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• React: The core front-end JavaScript library for building user interfaces.
• React Testing Library: Essential for writing user-centric tests for React components.
• React Query: A powerful library for managing server state in React applications, including caching, background updates, and more.
• Typescript: Used for static typing, enhancing code quality and developer productivity.
• Version Control: Git is standard, with platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket likely used for repository management.
• Build Tools: Webpack, Vite, or similar tools for bundling and optimizing front-end assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Browser Developer Tools: For debugging, performance profiling, and network analysis.
• Analytics Platforms: Potentially Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or internal custom solutions for tracking user behavior and application performance.
• Monitoring Tools: Tools like Sentry, Datadog, or New Relic for error tracking and application performance monitoring (APM).

CRM & Automation:

• Jira/Confluence: Standard tools for project management, issue tracking, and documentation within agile environments.
• CI/CD Pipelines: Tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, or Azure DevOps for automated building, testing, and deployment of front-end applications.
• API Integration: Experience integrating with RESTful APIs and potentially GraphQL.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is squarely focused on modern React development. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable, and experience with CI/CD and monitoring tools demonstrates an understanding of the full software development lifecycle.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of work, particularly crucial in a financial services environment. This means being honest, transparent, and accountable for one's actions and code.
• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, robust, and performant software solutions. This involves striving for best practices, continuous learning, and attention to detail in development and testing.
• Service: A focus on serving both internal stakeholders (product teams, colleagues) and external clients by building reliable and user-friendly applications that meet their needs effectively.
• Stewardship: Taking responsibility for the long-term health and maintainability of the codebase and systems, making decisions that benefit the project and organization over time.
• Empowerment & Challenge: Encouraging team members to take ownership, propose innovative solutions, and constructively challenge existing approaches to drive improvement and efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Collaborative & Inclusive: Fostering an environment where all team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and contributing to discussions.
• Feedback-Oriented: Actively participating in and encouraging constructive code reviews and design discussions to improve code quality and share knowledge.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with product, design, and other engineering disciplines to ensure a unified approach to product development and seamless integration of front-end with backend systems.
• Agile & Iterative: Embracing agile principles for flexible planning, continuous improvement, and iterative delivery of value.

📝 Enhancement Note: Barclays' emphasis on its values and mindset suggests that cultural fit is a significant hiring criterion. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these principles in their work and interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Modernizing Legacy Systems: Integrating new React front-ends with potentially older backend systems or legacy architecture within a large financial institution requires careful planning and execution.
• High-Security Requirements: Adhering to stringent security protocols and compliance standards inherent in the financial services industry while developing modern, client-facing applications.
• Scalability for 10,000+ Clients: Ensuring the application can handle a large and growing user base with optimal performance and reliability.
• Balancing Innovation with Stability: Introducing cutting-edge technologies and practices (React, Typescript, cloud) while maintaining the stability and reliability expected of a major bank.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced React & Frontend Architecture: Opportunities to delve deeper into complex React patterns, state management solutions, and front-end architectural design.
• Cloud Technologies (AWS): Gaining hands-on experience with AWS services relevant to front-end deployment, scaling, and potentially serverless functions.
• Financial Services Domain Knowledge: Developing a strong understanding of the private banking sector, its regulatory landscape, and client needs.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Developing skills in leading technical discussions, mentoring junior engineers, and contributing to strategic technical planning.
• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to external training, workshops, and conferences to stay current with the latest trends in software development and financial technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for large-scale modernization projects in regulated industries. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career progression and skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Strategy: "How would you approach building a performant and scalable mobile-first application using React and Typescript for a large client base? What architectural considerations would be paramount?" (Focus on component architecture, state management, data fetching, testing strategy, and performance optimization.)
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with product managers and designers on a complex feature. How did you ensure alignment and manage differing opinions?" (Use STAR method, highlighting communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.)
• Problem-Solving & Process Improvement: "Tell me about a challenging bug or technical issue you encountered in a React project. How did you diagnose it, what was your solution, and what did you learn from the experience?" (Demonstrate analytical thinking, debugging skills, and ability to learn from mistakes. Connect to process improvement.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Alignment with Values: "Can you give an example of how you've demonstrated 'Excellence' or 'Integrity' in a previous role, especially within a team setting?" (Research Barclays values and prepare specific examples.)
• Team Dynamics: "How do you typically approach code reviews, both giving and receiving feedback?" (Highlight open-mindedness, constructive criticism, and a focus on collective improvement.)
• Impact Measurement: "How would you measure the success of the new client application you'd be building, beyond just bug counts?" (Think about user engagement, client satisfaction, adoption rates, transaction volumes, or other relevant business KPIs.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Problem-Solution-Outcome: Structure your presentation around the "Problem, Solution, Outcome" framework for each project. Clearly articulate the business or technical problem, the specific React/Typescript solutions you implemented, and the measurable positive outcomes.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use live demos or well-annotated screenshots to illustrate key features and your implementation. For code examples, focus on clarity and best practices rather than overwhelming detail.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "Reduced load time by X%," "Increased user engagement by Y%," "Improved test coverage to Z%").
• Tailor to Barclays: Briefly explain why your chosen projects are relevant to Barclays and the specific role, highlighting transferable skills and understanding of financial services context if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical proficiency but also strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and alignment with Barclays' core values. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase practical application and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this AVP - UI React Software Engineer position at Barclays:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday job portal link.
• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight specific experience with React, React Testing Library, React Query, and Typescript. Quantify achievements with metrics wherever possible, focusing on front-end development, performance optimization, and any financial services experience.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your proficiency in the required technologies. Ensure each project has a clear description of the problem, your solution, and the impact achieved. Be prepared to discuss your code and architectural decisions in detail.
• Prepare for Technical Assessments: Practice coding challenges focused on React, Typescript, and common front-end problems. Review concepts related to state management, data fetching, and testing strategies.
• Research Barclays: Understand the company's values, mission, and the specific context of the Private Bank area. Prepare to articulate how your skills and experience align with their culture and strategic goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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