Lead Web Developer

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Lead Web Developer to spearhead the migration of multiple websites from WordPress to a modern tech stack utilizing Strapi CMS and Next.js. This role requires a strong technical leader who can implement robust CI/CD practices while managing and mentoring a team of developers.

What you'll do

• Migration Leadership: Lead the end-to-end migration of multiple WordPress sites to Strapi (headless CMS) and Next.js frontend architecture
• Technical Architecture: Design and implement scalable, performant web applications using modern JavaScript frameworks and best practices
• CI/CD Implementation: Establish and maintain robust continuous integration and deployment pipelines using GitHub Actions or similar tools
• Code Quality: Enforce code review processes through Pull Requests, ensuring high-quality, maintainable code across all projects
• Automated Testing: Implement and maintain comprehensive automated testing strategies, including daily test runs, integration tests, and end-to-end testing
• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of developers with complementary skill sets, fostering growth and collaboration
• Version Control: Oversee Git workflows, branching strategies, and maintain repository organization in GitHub
• Documentation: Create and maintain technical documentation for systems, processes, and best practices

Qualifications

• Frontend Development
• Expert-level proficiency in Next.js (React framework)
• Strong JavaScript/TypeScript skills
• Modern CSS frameworks and responsive design principles
• Performance optimization and SEO best practices

Backend & CMS

• Extensive experience with Strapi CMS or similar headless CMS platforms
• RESTful API and GraphQL implementation and consumption
• WordPress architecture and migration strategies
• Node.js backend development

DevOps & Infrastructure

• Strong CI/CD pipeline design and implementation (GitHub Actions, Jenkins, CircleCI, etc.)
• GitHub workflows, branch protection rules, and advanced Git operations
• Automated testing frameworks (Jest, Cypress, Playwright, etc.)
• Docker containerization and deployment strategies
• Cloud platforms (AWS, Vercel, Netlify, or similar)

Development Practices

• Test-Driven Development (TDD) methodologies
• Code review and Pull Request best practices
• Agile/Scrum development methodologies
• Monitoring, logging, and error tracking tools

Leadership & Management Skills

• Team Leadership: Proven experience leading and managing development teams of varying skill levels
• Mentorship: Ability to coach and develop junior and mid-level developers
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Strong communication skills to work with designers, product managers, and stakeholders
• Project Management: Experience with sprint planning, task delegation, and delivery timelines
• Technical Decision Making: Ability to make informed architectural and technology decisions

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional web development experience
• 2+ years in a lead or senior developer role
• Proven track record of successful large-scale migrations or platform transitions
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, related field, or equivalent practical experience
• Portfolio demonstrating Next.js and modern web applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with WordPress to headless CMS migrations specifically
• Contributions to open-source projects
• Experience with design systems and component libraries
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG)
• Experience with content migration tools and strategies
• Familiarity with progressive web applications (PWA)

Success Metrics

• Successful migration of all WordPress sites within agreed timelines
• Implementation of automated testing with 80%+ code coverage
• Establishment of CI/CD pipelines with daily automated deployments
• Zero critical bugs in production for extended periods
• Team productivity and developer satisfaction improvements
• Performance improvements in site speed and user experience metrics