Lead Developer

PHP Lead Developer - Team Leader & Client-Facing Role Location: Dewsbury (1 day per week in office)Salary: Up to £70,000 per annum Team Size: 4 Developers (Graduate, Junior, Mid-level, Senior)The Opportunity We're seeking an experienced PHP Lead Developer to take ownership of our development team and work directly with our major client projects. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll split your time between technical delivery, team development, and client engagement.Working alongside a Project Manager who handles client relationships, you'll be the technical face of our team - jumping on calls, answering technical queries, and ensuring our solutions exceed client expectations.What You'll Be Doing Technical Leadership

• Lead backend development using PHP and React with strong JavaScript skills
• Architect and deliver solutions for 4-5 clients, with primary focus on our major client
• Provide technical guidance and code reviews across all team projects
• Make key technology decisions and drive best practices

Team Management

• Lead a diverse team: 1x Graduate, 1x Junior, 1x Mid-level, 1x Senior Developer
• Handle recruitment, from interviewing to onboarding new team members
• Design and deliver training programs to develop your team's skills
• Conduct performance reviews and career development planning
• Foster a collaborative, learning-focused team environment

Client Engagement

• Work directly with clients on technical discussions and solution design
• Join client calls to provide technical expertise and answer questions
• Collaborate with the Project Manager to ensure seamless client experience
• Maintain professional, clear communication with stakeholders at all levels

What We're Looking For Essential Skills

• Strong PHP development experience with leadership background
• Proficient in React and JavaScript
• Proven experience managing and developing development teams
• Client-facing experience with excellent communication skills
• Hands-on approach to recruitment, training, and team management
• Professional demeanor suitable for direct client interaction

Leadership Experience

• Experience leading technical teams through project delivery
• Track record of developing junior developers and growing team capabilities
• Comfortable with performance management and conducting reviews
• Ability to balance hands-on coding with management responsibilities

What We Offer Competitive Benefits Package

• Salary: Up to £70,000 per annum
• Holiday: 25 days + bank holidays, with buy/sell option (up to 5 days)
• Service Recognition: Additional holiday days after 3, 5, and 10 years
• Training Focus: 10% of your time dedicated to learning and development
• Consulting Bonus: Up to £500 per month based on team billable hours
• Pension: Standard company pension scheme
• Flexible Working: Just 1 day per week required in our Dewsbury office

Professional Development

• Dedicated time for training and skill development
• Opportunity to shape technical strategy and team direction
• Work with diverse clients across multiple industries
• Support for conference attendance and professional certifications

Application Process Our streamlined 2-stage interview process: Stage 1: Team Interview Initial discussion with HR and our Tech Director to explore your experience, leadership style, and career goals.Stage 2: Technical Assessment & Discussion Complete a practical tech exercise (building an API address book), followed by an in-depth technical interview where you'll:

• Walk through your code and explain your approach
• Discuss technology choices and architectural decisions
• Demonstrate your problem-solving methodology
• Show how you'd explain technical concepts to clients and team members

Ready to lead a talented team and work directly with exciting clients? We're looking for someone who thrives on the combination of technical excellence, team leadership, and client engagement. If you're passionate about developing both great software and great developers, we'd love to hear from you.This role offers the perfect blend of hands-on development, team leadership, and client interaction - ideal for a senior developer ready to take the next step in their career.