Lead Developer - PHP Full Stack

UK remote Until 8/23/2026 First posted January 24, 2026 Last posted March 18, 2026
Job description

What you'll be doing

This role is a critical component of a significant investment focused on rolling out new and innovative features for our internal content management platforms.

As Lead Developer, you will be a key leader within the Technology & Engineering department. You will be working specifically on the Proof CMS, collaborating closely with an existing Tech Lead and Lead Developer to ensure the delivery of a scalable, efficient, and forward-thinking platform.

A primary focus of this role will implement new AI improvements to support the Editorial Efficiencies strategic initiative. Daily you will work with a team of two Full Stack Developers, ensuring the scoping and planning of new system architectures and leading the development of robust software components.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Collaborative Architecture: Designing system architectures and making the right technology choices to support the long-term vision of the CMS Proof.
  • Technical Leadership: You will have significant input on application and systems architecture. You will understand all elements of the stack (PHP, MongoDB, ReactJS, Temporal) to a high level but have a deep knowledge of the stack and directly associated systems.
  • Strategic Collaboration: Work closely with the existing Tech Lead on Proof to ensure code is well-scoped, monitored, documented, and testable.
  • AI Implementation: Lead the integration of AI tools and workflows specifically designed to support the Editorial Efficiencies initiative.
  • Quality Assurance: Direct your team to utilize appropriate testing frameworks (unit, integration, E2E) and work with QA and technical leads to ensure quality.

Innovation: Keep up to date with the latest development approaches and argue for appropriate technology upgrades. Ensure team participation in regular hack days to prototype innovative solutions.

Experience that will put you ahead of the curve

  • Web Development: Modern web development experience with PHP, NextJS/React and TypeScript.
  • Core Technologies: A deep level understanding of the inner workings and latest features of both CSS and JavaScript.
  • Component Design: The ability to build performant components from scratch in modern JavaScript frameworks.
  • Backend Engineering: API/backend development experience.
  • Performance Tuning: Able to interpret and act on Flame graphs and other dev tools to optimise application performance.
  • Data Handling: Retrieving and marshalling data from a variety of sources (databases, external APIs).
  • DevOps: You have experience with CI/CD and DevOps tools and practices.

What's in it for you

The expected range for this role is £60,000 - £65,000

This is a UK, Remote-based role

… Plus more great perks, which include;

  • Uncapped leave, because we trust you to manage your workload and time
  • When we hit our targets, enjoy a share of our profits with a bonus
  • Refer a friend and get rewarded when they join Future
  • Well-being support with access to our Colleague Assistant Programmes
  • Opportunity to purchase shares in Future, with our Share Incentive Plan

Internal job family level Technology 4

Who are we…

We're Future, the global leader in specialist media. With over 3,000 employees working across 200+ media brands, Future is a prime destination for passionate people worldwide looking to consume trusted, expert content that educates and inspires action - both online and off - through our specialist websites, magazines, events, newsletters, podcasts and social spaces.

We've got ambitious plans that further build on our growth momentum and unlock new opportunities – and we're looking for driven people who want to be a part of it!

Our Future, Our Responsibility - Inclusion and Diversity at Future

We embrace and celebrate diversity, making it part of who we are.

Different perspectives spark ideas, fuel creativity, and push us to innovate. That's why we're building a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

When it comes to hiring, we keep it fair and inclusive, welcoming talent from every walk of life. It's not just about what you bring to the table — it's about making sure the table has room for everyone.

Because a diverse team isn't just good for business. It's the Future.

Find out more about Our Future, Our Responsibility on our website.

Please let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments made so we can give you the best experience!

#LI-Remote

About this role

Summary

Lead development of content management platform, AI integration, technical leadership, system architecture, and performance optimization.

Job title

Lead Developer - PHP Full Stack

Experience level

not specified

Industry

media

Location requirements

remote role in the united kingdom, UK-based preferred

Salary

£60,000 - £65,000

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

phpreactjstypescriptapidevops

Preferred skills

cssjavascriptperformance tuningdata handling

Specializations

phpreactjstypescriptapidevops
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

United Kingdom

Remote Country