Senior Backend Developer

We're looking for a Senior PHP Developer to join a growing digital team, working across a mix of existing client projects and brand-new, greenfield builds.

This is a role for someone who enjoys getting properly stuck in, contributing ideas, solving real problems, and building solid, well-thought-out solutions alongside a small, collaborative development team. You'll also play a key role in mentoring other members of the dev team, helping less experienced developers grow.

If you're comfortable in modern PHP, enjoy variety in your work, and like the idea of having a genuine say in what gets built and how, you'll feel at home here.

What you'll be doing

You'll be working closely with a tight-knit dev team to build and support digital products for a range of interesting customers.

Day to day, that includes:

• Developing new features and products using modern PHP and MVC frameworks
• Working on greenfield builds as well as supporting and improving existing client projects
• Building bespoke web APIs to be consumed by frontend applications
• Mentoring other members of the dev team, sharing knowledge and supporting their development
• Triaging helpdesk tickets and supporting clients with issues or requests for work
• Getting involved in in-house hack projects that help shape the future direction of the business
• Collaborating with designers, developers and stakeholders to deliver clean, scalable solutions

Why you'll be a great fit

You're a Senior PHP Developer who enjoys writing clean code, learning new things, and being part of a team that values collaboration over ego.

What you'll bring:

• Strong experience working with modern PHP (PHP 8+)
• Hands-on experience with at least one PHP MVC framework (we use Laminas, but Laravel, Symfony, etc. are all relevant)
• A solid understanding of object-oriented principles
• Experience building and consuming JSON-based RESTful APIs
• Confident use of Composer and Git
• Experience mentoring or supporting other developers
• A proactive mindset and willingness to get involved across projects

Nice to have, but not essential:

• AWS experience, or a genuine willingness to learn
• Experience using Docker
• Full-stack skills (React.js, CSS)
• An interest in SysAdmin / DevOps ,Kubernetes and infrastructure work is part of the wider environment

You'll need to be UK-based. This is a hybrid role with 2 days a week in the office in Portsmouth, plus occasional client meetings and in-person team days.

What's in it for you

You'll be joining a genuinely supportive, friendly team where ideas are welcomed, and people are trusted to do their job well.

What's in it for you

You'll be joining a genuinely supportive, friendly team where ideas are welcomed, and people are trusted to do their job well.

On top of that, you'll get:

• 4.5-day working week (yes, Friday afternoons off)
• Hybrid working - 2 days a week in the office in Portsmouth
• £1,200 annual conference & training budget
• Top quality equipment
• Christmas period off
• Your birthday off

Salary: £55,000 - £65,000