Senior Software Developer (PHP + Wordpress)

Senior Software Developer

Location: London
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: Up to £71,000 per annum, plus benefits
Security Clearance: SC cleared or active SC is required
Start Date: ASAP

The Role

We're looking for a Senior Software Developer to move a digital and cyber playbook for councils from its current build to an in-house service. The playbook gives councils practical guidance, tools and case studies for the digital, data, technology and cyber sides of local government reorganisation. It currently runs on WordPress and the target platform isn't confirmed, so you'll need to be confident on WordPress and adaptable if the decision changes. You'll build a secure, accessible and maintainable product that councils can contribute to after publication.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and ship the rebuilt playbook in iterative phases.

• Implement the features that user research and sector engagement have prioritised, including decision-support tools, adaptable frameworks and a way for councils to contribute their own learnings.

• Develop and customise on WordPress, including themes, templates, blocks, plugins and content structures, working closely with the interaction designer and content designer.

• Help the team assess the target platform, and apply GOV.UK Frontend and Design System patterns where the chosen platform allows.

• Build security in, including secure configuration, plugin and dependency management, and evidence for assurance reviews and testing.

• Set up and maintain automated tests (unit, integration, accessibility) and a repeatable deployment pipeline.

• Take part in code reviews and sprint ceremonies, working with the architect, delivery manager and product manager.

• Write clear documentation and run handover sessions so the client's permanent team can maintain and extend the product.

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• SC cleared or active SC.

• Strong commercial experience developing on WordPress, including theme and plugin development (PHP), custom post types and content structures.

• Experience securing and maintaining WordPress sites, including updates, plugin management, hardening and backups.

• Experience building accessible interfaces that meet WCAG 2.2 AA.

• Experience with secure development practice, such as OWASP, authentication, and secrets and dependency management.

• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing.

• Experience working in agile, multidisciplinary teams, with clear written communication.

Desirable:

• Experience with GOV.UK Frontend, the GOV.UK Design System and the Prototype Kit.

• Experience delivering digital services in UK central or local government, including service assessments.

• Experience with content-driven or CMS-style products, or user-contributed content with moderation.

• Experience migrating a site or content between platforms.

• Experience handing a product over to a permanent in-house team.

• Familiarity with the GOV.UK Service Standard and the Technology Code of Practice.