Web Developer (WordPress)

Job Title: Web Developer

Location: Remote (Łódź)

Working Hours: 32 hours per week (flexible over 4 or 5 days, Monday to Friday)

Job Description:

We are looking for an experienced Web Developer to oversee our web development projects, with a particular focus on WordPress development. In this role, you will take on both hands-on technical responsibilities and leadership duties, ensuring the strategic growth of our tech stack while mentoring junior developers. The ideal candidate will be based in Poland, preferably near Łódź, for regular in-person meetings with the local team and Operations Manager.

You will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing websites while also ensuring the strategic alignment of tools, performance, and long-term maintenance. You will collaborate closely with the parent company's CTO, provide reports and feedback, and manage and mentor junior developers. Given the international nature of our team and clients, strong English speaking and writing skills are essential, as you will be collaborating frequently with developers, clients, and project managers based in the UK.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership & Strategy:

• Strategic Reviews: Conduct periodic strategic reviews of the tech stack and tools to balance website performance, initial development effort, and long-term maintenance overhead.
• Reporting: Report directly to the Chief Technical Officer regarding proposed changes to the stack and improvement initiatives.
• Internal Development: Collaborate with the CTO to develop internal plugins or technical tools that align with company goals.
• Documentation: Ensure that all custom code, tools, and technical approaches are properly documented to streamline onboarding for new developers and minimize ramp-up time.
• Technical Changes: Implement technical changes requested by the CTO to align with business goals and strategic direction.

Team Management & Development:

• Workload Management: Manage the workload of web developers, assign tasks, and review their quality of work ahead of QA to ensure high standards are maintained.
• Mentorship: Coach and mentor junior web developers, helping them improve their skill sets and contribute to more complex tasks and projects.
• Training: Train junior developers on technical changes and provide context on why those changes were made, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Estimation: Accurately estimate project development effort based on designs and functional specification documentation, ensuring alignment with timeframes and budgets.

Website Development:

• Build and maintain websites using WordPress, following the provided designs and ensuring alignment with company standards.
• Customize websites using CSS, JavaScript, and PHP, ensuring the compatibility of all custom code with hosting environments and other website tools.
• Integrate third-party scripts, custom HTML, and e-commerce platforms such as WooCommerce, Shopify, or Eventbrite, ensuring seamless functionality.
• Regularly improve website performance, accessibility, and best practices within predefined maintenance budgets.
• Perform regular maintenance, updates, plugin management, and security patches.

Project Oversight:

• Feedback & Collaboration: Work closely with Product Owners and Project Managers during the planning phases of projects, providing feedback on designs and functionality to ensure the technical feasibility of project goals.
• Change Requests: Review change requests from Project Managers and clients, ensuring that proposed solutions are the best approach to achieving the desired outcome or resolving issues.
• Budget & Deadlines: Ensure that all projects are completed within the allocated budget and meet deadlines, proactively managing risks and addressing challenges as they arise.

Technical Standards & Quality Assurance:

• Enforce company standards for development tools, plugins, and custom code, reviewing requests for new plugins or tools from developers and ensuring their alignment with project goals.
• Ensure that the custom code and technical solutions implemented are well-documented and follow best practices, preparing projects for smooth handovers and minimal future technical debt.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience in WordPress development, ideally in the knowledge of WP Engine.
• Expertise in WordPress, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP, with a deep understanding of best practices and performance optimization.
• Experience integrating third-party platforms and e-commerce solutions such as WooCommerce, Shopify, or Eventbrite.
• Ability to manage workloads, review code, and provide feedback to junior developers.
• Strong skills in mentoring and training team members, fostering an environment of learning and growth.
• Excellent English speaking and writing skills to facilitate effective communication with developers, clients, and project managers in the UK.
• Familiarity with agile development practices, project management tools, and reporting structures.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders, including Product Owners, Project Managers, and the CTO.

Working Pattern:

• This is a remote position with the flexibility to work from any suitable location in Poland.
• You are required to be based around Łódź for regular in-person meetings with the CTO and Operations Manager.
• Work 32 hours per week, spread over 4 or 5 days between Monday and Friday.
• Working hours are flexible between 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. but must be agreed upon with your line manager.