Android Developer

About The Company

Guardian News and Media is one of the world's leading liberal news organizations, renowned for its commitment to independent journalism and innovative digital products. With a rich history of delivering high-quality news coverage, the company has established itself as a trusted source for audiences worldwide. Guardian News and Media prides itself on fostering a culture of innovation, transparency, and inclusivity, ensuring that its journalism remains progressive and impactful. The organization is dedicated to creating a dynamic work environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning, enabling its teams to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital media landscape.

About The Role

We are seeking a talented Android Developer/Engineer to join our Apps team on a 12-month fixed-term contract or through an internal secondment. In this role, you will be instrumental in developing and maintaining Guardian’s flagship Android application, which is central to our digital strategy. Your primary focus will be building new features, enhancing existing functionalities, and ensuring the app delivers a seamless, fast, and stable user experience. The app is primarily developed using Kotlin and Java within Android Studio, with a focus on delivering high-quality, user-centric digital products. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including iOS, server-side, web engineers, designers, product managers, and editorial staff, fostering a collaborative environment to shape the future of Guardian’s mobile offerings. Your insights and technical expertise will influence both product and technical decisions, ensuring that the app continues to meet the high standards expected by our users.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in building and deploying Android applications, with a strong desire to become an expert in Android development. Proficiency in Kotlin is essential, and experience with Java is highly desirable, along with a willingness to learn and adapt. You should possess a solid understanding of Android Studio and modern development practices, including code quality, testing, and continuous integration. Candidates should have a good grasp of agile methodologies and thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a passion for innovation are vital. We welcome applicants who are eager to grow their skills, contribute to meaningful projects, and make a tangible impact through their work.

Responsibilities

As an Android Developer/Engineer, your key responsibilities will include:

• Designing, developing, and implementing new features for Guardian’s Android application, ensuring a high-quality user experience.
• Maintaining and improving existing app functionalities to enhance performance, stability, and usability.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams including iOS, web, server-side engineers, designers, and product managers to deliver integrated solutions.
• Participating in code reviews to uphold coding standards and best practices, fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement.
• Contributing to technical discussions and product decisions, providing innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Testing and debugging applications to ensure reliability and performance across different devices and Android versions.
• Engaging in regular hack days and innovation initiatives to explore new ideas and improve the app’s capabilities.
• Staying current with the latest Android development trends, tools, and best practices to continuously enhance skills and team output.
  
  

Benefits

Guardian News and Media offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the wellbeing and professional growth of its employees. This includes 30 days of annual leave, with the option to purchase an additional five days, and flexible public holidays to accommodate personal needs. The company provides a generous pension scheme, where employee contributions of 5% are matched with contributions ranging from 8% to 12%, depending on age. Additional benefits include a cycle-to-work scheme, subsidized gym memberships, paid volunteering days, and dedicated time—10% of working hours—for personal development. The organization also supports flexible working arrangements, ensuring employees can balance their professional and personal lives effectively.

Culture and Wellbeing

At Guardian News and Media, fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace is a core value. The organization champions diversity of thought and provides various employee forums to ensure every voice is heard. Recognized as the first major media organization to achieve B Corp status, the company emphasizes social responsibility and sustainability. Employee wellbeing is prioritized through access to tailored health and wellbeing support via an employee benefits platform, free yoga and pilates classes, and corporate gym memberships. The office features a canteen with scenic views overlooking the Regents Canal, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, creating a welcoming environment for staff to connect and recharge.

Learning and Development

Guardian News and Media is committed to the continuous growth of its employees. The organization offers a broad range of learning opportunities, including vocational courses, apprenticeships, and professional qualifications. Employees are encouraged to pursue personal development goals, supported by resources and mentorship programs. Whether enhancing technical skills or developing leadership capabilities, the company provides an environment conducive to career advancement and lifelong learning, ensuring staff remain at the forefront of industry developments.

Equal Opportunity

Guardian News and Media is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We are committed to creating an environment where all employees and applicants are treated fairly and with respect, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or background. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. Our recruitment process is transparent and accessible, and we are happy to accommodate any needs to support your application. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to