Junior PHP Developer

This is a genuine learning opportunity for a junior developer who wants to work on real production systems handling millions of pounds in financial transactions. You'll be working alongside experienced developers on established codebases, learning how to maintain and enhance systems that directly impact business operations.

This isn't a graduate scheme or training programme - you'll be contributing to production code from day one, with proper mentorship and code review to help you develop your skills safely.

What You'll Be Doing

API Development (Supervised):

• Work on existing RESTful APIs built with FlightPHP or Laravel.
• Add new endpoints following established patterns.
• Implement request validation and error handling.
• Write API documentation.
• Test API integrations with tools like Postman.
• Learn about authentication mechanisms (API keys, tokens).

Database Work:

• Write SQL queries to retrieve and update data.
• Learn to optimise slow queries using indexes.
• Understand table relationships and foreign keys.
• Work with Doctrine ORM in Symfony applications.
• Create database reports for management.
• Learn about transaction management for financial operations.

Feature Development:

• Build new features following existing code patterns.
• Fix bugs in production systems (with senior developer review).
• Write code that handles edge cases and validates inputs.
• Add logging and error handling to existing systems.
• Work on form validation and data processing.
• Implement background tasks for scheduled operations.

System Integration:

• Assist with integrating third - party APIs.
• Work on SFTP file processing and data imports.
• Help with carrier API integrations.
• Learn about event - driven architecture.
• Understand how different systems communicate., * Write SQL queries to generate management reports.
• Add new fields to existing database tables and update related code.
• Test API endpoints and document behaviour.
• Fix display issues in web interfaces.

Month 3-6:

• Build new API endpoints following existing patterns.
• Implement file upload and processing features.
• Create scheduled tasks for batch processing.
• Work on carrier API integration features (supervised).
• Optimize slow database queries with guidance.

Month 6-12:

• Add new features to reward scheme systems
• Build reporting dashboards with real - time data
• Work on warehouse scanner integration features
• Implement background processing for bulk operations
• Contribute to fleet management system enhancements

What We Offer

Learning & Development:

• Direct mentorship from senior developers
• Code review on all your work with constructive feedback
• Exposure to production systems handling £150m business operations
• Learn about financial systems, warehouse operations, and logistics
• Real - world experience with legacy and modern codebases

Work Environment:

• Office based role in Wakefield with established team.
• Work on systems that directly impact business operations.
• No on - call or weekend work.
• Varied projects across different business domains.
• Clear progression path to mid level developer.

Technical Growth:

• Learn advanced SQL and database optimization.
• Gain experience with API design and integration.
• Understand production system deployment and monitoring.
• Work with modern frameworks.
• Exposure to real world system integration challenges.

Do you have experience in Warehouse experience?, * 1 - 3 years PHP development experience (any version).

• Understanding of object-oriented programming (classes, inheritance, interfaces).
• Experience with at least one PHP framework (Symfony, Laravel, or similar).
• Basic understanding of MVC architecture.
• Ability to read and understand existing code.

Database Skills:

• Working knowledge of MySQL and SQL queries.
• Can write SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE statements.
• Understand JOINs (INNER, LEFT, RIGHT).
• Basic understanding of indexes and primary/foreign keys.
• Familiar with database tools like phpMyAdmin, MySQL Workbench or Dbeaver.

Web Development:

• HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript.
• Understanding of HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE).
• Experience with forms, validation, and user input handling.
• Basic understanding of REST APIs.
• Familiarity with JSON data format.

Development Tools:

• Version control with Git (basic commands: commit, push, pull, branch).
• Comfortable using command line / terminal.
• Experience with a code editor or IDE (PhpStorm, VS Code, etc.).
• Basic Linux / Unix command knowledge helpful.

Soft Skills:

• Willingness to learn and ask questions.
• Attention to detail (especially important for financial systems).
• Can follow coding standards and conventions.
• Comfortable receiving code review feedback.
• Good communication skills.

Preferred but Not Essential

• Any experience with Symfony framework (any version).
• Knowledge of Doctrine ORM or similar.
• Experience with warehouse / logistics / e-commerce systems.
• Exposure to financial systems or payment processing.
• Understanding of cron jobs and scheduled tasks.
• Experience with Bootstrap or similar CSS frameworks.
• Knowledge of KnockoutJS or similar frontend frameworks.

Technical Environment You'll Learn

• Languages: PHP 8
• Frameworks: Symfony, FlightPHP, Laravel (new development), Doctrine ORM
• Database: MySQL
• Version Control: Git
• Systems: Linux (Ubuntu), cron, SFTP
• Tools: PhpStorm, Postman, command line, * You can break down problems into smaller steps.
• You search for solutions before asking for help (but know when to ask).
• You can read stack traces and error logs.
• You're methodical in debugging issues.
• You learn from mistakes.

Team Player:

• You accept code review feedback positively., We're looking for someone who will grow with us. Within 1 - 2 years, you should be:
• Working independently on features without constant supervision
• Reviewing code from other junior developers
• Making technical decisions on implementation approaches
• Contributing to API design discussions
• Debugging complex production issues confidently

Learning Mindset:

• You're eager to learn about production systems and real - world development.
• You ask questions when you don't understand something.
• You're comfortable admitting when you need help.
• You want to understand why things work, not just how
• You're interested in database optimization and system performance.

Careful Approach:

• You understand that mistakes in financial systems have real consequences.
• You test your code thoroughly before requesting review.
• You read error messages and try to understand them.
• You follow established patterns rather than inventing new approaches.
• You write code comments to explain your thinking., Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £28,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Referral programme
• Store discount

We operate 150+ retail stores across the UK with our own 80 - vehicle delivery fleet, turning over £150m annually. Our technical infrastructure supports warehouse operations, ERP systems, various reward schemes, fleet management, and business intelligence systems that require high reliability and data precision.