Lead Front End Developer

Ascend Media, part of Progressive Media Investments, are seeking an experienced and innovative Lead Front End Developer to lead the development of user-focused interfaces across our digital platforms at Elite Traveler and our wider portfolio of lifestyle titles, including World of Fine Wine and SpearsWMS . This exciting role is ideal for someone who thrives on leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional digital experiences, as the company embarks on an ambitious transformation.

The Lead Front End Developer will play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless, high-performance digital platforms that drive engagement and align with the group’s strategic objectives. This is a unique opportunity to lead front-end innovation within a prestigious media group.

Main responsibilities

Front end excellence:

• Lead the development and implementation of high-quality, scalable front-end solutions.
• Drive the adoption of future-facing technologies such as Web3, AI-powered personalisation, and advanced responsive frameworks.

Innovation and technology:

• Stay ahead of front-end development trends, incorporating innovative technologies and solutions into projects.
• Experiment with new tools and frameworks to ensure cutting-edge front-end performance.

Collaboration and leadership:

• Collaborate with back-end developers, product managers, and stakeholders to deliver integrated digital solutions.
• Work closely with the technology and product teams to align front-end development with business objectives.
• Mentor and lead a team of front-end developers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.

User experience:

• Ensure front-end interfaces are optimised for performance, accessibility, and user engagement.
• Partner with design teams to translate visual concepts into functional, high-quality front-end code.

Project management:

• Oversee multiple development projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met without compromising quality.
• Monitor and optimise front-end performance, proactively addressing issues to deliver exceptional user experiences.

Skills and experience

Essential

• Extensive experience in front-end development, including a previous leadership role.
• Expertise in modern front-end technologies such HTML5, CSS3 (SASS/SCSS), JavaScript (React, Angular, or Vue.js & ES6+)
• Experience with PHP and WordPress theme development, WordPress templating hierarchy and hooks (actions/filters)
• Familiar with Git and version control workflows (Bitbucket/GitHub).
• Strong understanding of responsive design, cross-browser compatibility, and web performance optimisation.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies, including Web3 and AI-driven solutions.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams in an agile environment.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities effectively.

Desirable

• Experience with WooCommerce, multisite environments.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and deployment workflows.

Personal attributes

Proactive, results-driven, and enthusiastic about innovation.

Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Adaptable and forward-thinking, thriving in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Excited to join a company undergoing significant transformation and to contribute to its digital evolution.

Company benefits

• 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Additional days off for your birthday, health and well-being day and volunteering day
• Hybrid working arrangements, three days in the office
• Subscription to NS publications and all other online content
• Access to a discounted shopping program
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Enhanced company sick pay after probation

Applications meeting the selection criteria will be assessed as soon as possible.

Progressive Media Investments (Ascend Media) values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. Please inform the hiring manager if you require any reasonable adjustments so that you can fully participate in the recruitment process.

Please note, candidates must have, or be able to obtain, the right to live and work in the United Kingdom.