Lead Developer

Newsquest Media Group

Lead Developer optimizing backend systems for UK’s leading local media publisher. Guiding design and delivery of features while collaborating with product and UX teams.

Posted 5/11/2026full-timeRemote • 🇬🇧 United KingdomSenior💰 £50,000 - £55,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ElasticSearchJavaScriptMySQLNoSQLPHPRedisSQLVue.js

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Act as Technical Lead within a development squad, guiding the design and delivery of new features
Collaborate closely with Product Managers and UX Designers to refine requirements and shape solutions
Develop and maintain high-quality, scalable software using PHP and associated technologies
Support and mentor developers within the team, helping to improve coding standards and best practices
Contribute to architectural decisions and ensure alignment with wider platform strategy
Work across both front-end and back-end systems to deliver end-to-end solutions
Champion agile ways of working and contribute to continuous improvement within the team
Ensure code quality, performance and reliability across all outputs
Work with version control systems (Git/GitHub) to manage codebases effectively

Requirements

What you’ll need

Strong experience in PHP, with a solid understanding of design patterns
Proven experience in a full development environment (circa 3+ years)
Experience working with both SQL and NoSQL databases (e.g. MySQL, Elasticsearch, Redis)
Comfortable working in cross-functional teams alongside Product and UX
Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly
Experience using Git and GitHub for version control
**Desirable but not essential:**
Experience working in an Agile environment
Exposure to modern JavaScript frameworks (e.g. Vue.js)
Understanding of web design principles and modern web technologies
Degree in Computer Science or a related field

Benefits

Comp & perks

Remote Working
Competitive salary
Contributory pension
Perks and discounts with numerous retailers and organisations
Opportunities for team building and training days
25 days’ paid holiday, plus statutory bank holidays
An extra day off on your birthday
Holiday purchase scheme
Structured career progression, ongoing training, and personal performance reviews
Discount vouchers
Discounted gym membership
Cycle to Work scheme
Mental health support via Lifeworks
Eye test vouchers, plus £50 towards the cost of new glasses
Annual volunteer or charity day
Staff referral scheme

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

PHPdesign patternsSQLNoSQLMySQLElasticsearchRedisJavaScriptVue.jsweb design principles

Soft Skills

communicationmentoringcollaborationagile methodologiescontinuous improvement

Certifications

Degree in Computer Science