Backend Developer

Join Newsquest Digital Media, the digital division of one of the UK’s leading local media publishers, and play a key role in building and optimising the backend systems that power our extensive digital news network, helping to shape the future of digital journalism. In this role, you will architect and deliver scalable solutions for a portfolio serving over 40 million unique users each month. You’ll work hands-on with PHP, MySQL, and modern development tools to enhance our CMS, streamline editorial workflows, and integrate AI-assisted technologies. You’ll collaborate with skilled engineers, product managers, and UX specialists in a fast-paced, agile environment where technical excellence and innovation are valued.  This is a remote-first role offering the opportunity to work on high-impact projects at scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain backend solutions using PHP and MySQL to support editorial workflows and digital content delivery
• Enhance and customise our content management system (CMS) to streamline processes for journalists and editorial teams
• Collaborate closely with UX, Product, and Editorial teams to design and implement innovative digital products and features
• Integrate and utilise AI-assisted development tools to improve productivity and editorial capabilities
• Participate in code reviews, maintain high standards of code quality, and contribute to best practices in source control management
• Troubleshoot, debug, and optimise backend systems to ensure high performance and reliability across our digital platforms
• Support the ongoing growth and scalability of our portfolio, which serves over 40 million unique users monthly
• Stay up to date with emerging technologies and industry trends, proactively suggesting improvements and new ideas
• Document technical processes and guide colleagues as needed
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and agile team environment

• Strong experience with PHP and MySQL
• Familiarity with Docker and Python
• Experience with front-end development tools such as SCSS and JavaScript (ES6+)
• Comfortable using Git or other source control management systems
• Enthusiastic to work with AI development tools
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and strong communication skills
• Advantageous: Experience with Elastic Search, Redis, Node, Babel, webpack, and modern JS frameworks (Vue, React, Angular)
• Highly organised, adaptable, and detail-oriented
• A proactive, can-do attitude and a passion for digital development