Senior PHP Developer

The opportunity:We're looking for a Senior Back-end Developer, with expertise in PHP and Symfony to join a growing technology team building modern web platforms that support a globally recognised education-focused organisation. This is a hands-on senior engineering role, ideal for someone who enjoys owning backend development, solving complex technical problems, and contributing to the ongoing evolution of scalable web applications and APIs used by thousands of users. You'll join a close-knit engineering team where collaboration, openness, and culture are genuinely valued. The environment is modern, supportive, and delivery-focused, with a strong emphasis on continuous improvement, technical quality, and shared ownership. The business is investing heavily in its digital platforms, with an ambitious roadmap focused on improving user experience, expanding platform capability, and supporting long-term growth. You'll play a key role in shaping backend architecture and helping drive engineering standards across the team. What you'll be doing:As a Senior Back-end Developer, you'll take ownership of backend development across a modern Symfony-based platform and API ecosystem, working closely with frontend developers, stakeholders, and leadership teams. Key responsibilities include:Leading backend development across web applications and APIsDesigning, building, and maintaining scalable Symfony-based servicesDeveloping and improving RESTful API endpointsSupporting ongoing platform scalability, reliability, and performanceRefactoring existing functionality to reduce technical debt and improve maintainabilityCollaborating with frontend developers working within React / Next.js applicationsSupporting architectural decisions and promoting engineering best practicesParticipating in code reviews and mentoring less experienced developersContributing to technical discussions, sprint planning, and delivery processesSupporting integrations with third-party platforms including CRM, payment, and analytics tools Core technology stack:PHP 8SymfonySymfony API PlatformMySQLDockerAWSReact / Next.js frontend environmentJira, Bitbucket, Slack

What we're looking for:Essential experience:Strong commercial experience with PHP and SymfonyExperience building and maintaining APIs and backend servicesSolid understanding of MySQL and relational database designExperience supporting and improving complex web applicationsStrong understanding of software architecture and backend best practicesExperience working within collaborative Agile development teamsAbility to write clean, scalable, and maintainable codeExcellent problem-solving and communication skills Desirable / bonus experience:Experience with Symfony API PlatformExperience working with Docker-based local development environmentsExposure to AWS and cloud-based deploymentsExperience integrating third-party platforms and servicesExperience mentoring junior developersFrontend exposure with React or Next.js About you:You're a hands-on engineer who enjoys solving real technical problemsYou take ownership and care about building high-quality systemsYou enjoy working as part of a collaborative, close-knit teamYou're comfortable contributing ideas and influencing technical directionYou value clean architecture, maintainability, and continuous improvementYou're adaptable, proactive, and motivated by meaningful work with real-world impact