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# Software Engineering Manager / Tech Lead (PHP)

- **Company:** Shiptheory
- **Location:** Bristol, UK
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** £85,000.0 - £120,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** PHP (Programming Language), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Apache HTTP Server, CakePHP, Cloud Computing, Relational Databases, Linux, DevOps, Programming Tools, Python (Programming Language), MySQL, Model View Controller (MVC), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), Software Engineering, Database Engines, Web Applications, Indexer, Graphql, Restful APIs, Service Stack
- **Published:** September 28, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=1bc26f1749237ad7

## About the Role

You will need to be passionate about building PHP based web applications with a focus on APIs with a minimum of 6 years developing commercial-grade PHP (at-least 2 years as a team leader or manager) and will have worked on large, high volume transactional systems.

You will also need to be able to adapt quickly, and open to learning new languages.

 * Experience with CakePHP (or another MVC based framework).
 * Knowledge of SOAP, GraphQL, RESTful APIs.
 * An understanding of relational database design, normalization and indexing.
 * An understanding of e-commerce or experience working within e-commerce or shipping would be a valuable asset but is not essential.
 * While you don't need to be a world-class Dev-Ops, an intermediate understanding of cloud computing techniques and best-practises is required.
 * Enthusiasm for developer efficiency and smooth CI/CD pipelines is a given as a senior; the right solution wins over ego every time.
 * At-least 2 years leading a development team.
 * Proven experience leading or managing engineers in a team environment.
 * Experience running performance reviews and developing engineers.
 * Experience hiring and building engineering teams.
 * Strong understanding of delivery management (planning, estimation, accountability).

We're a small, bootstrapped team, you'll be the type of person that likes to get their hands dirty and focuses on solutions., * managing other developers: 2 years (required)

## Description

Shiptheory is looking for a full-stack PHP engineering manage to join our technical team in Bristol. As the engineering manager at Shiptheory, you will touch all areas of our technology stack, including our core PHP/Linux/Apache-based application, our mission-critical Python messaging application and various development tools. Our database engine of choice is MySQL. You'll be exposed to traditional system Linux and modern cloud infrastructure practises. In addition to being a strong individual contributor, you will take ownership of a small team of engineers (6+ developers), ensuring consistent delivery, high engineering standards, and a healthy, accountable team culture.


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