Quick Summary
Backend Developer (Remote)
Zap, a digital design and marketing agency based in Glasgow, Scotland, is seeking a skilled and motivated Backend Developer to join our growing team. This role offers flexible working with core hours from 10 am to 6 pm. If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and enjoy working on high-impact digital projects, this opportunity is for you.
About Zap
For over a decade, Zap has been transforming screens into brand showcases for clients across various industries. Our compact yet talented team blends creativity and technical expertise to build cutting-edge digital experiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Build robust WordPress plugins that power massive eCommerce clients.
- Develop scalable, high-performance solutions for clients generating over £400 million annually, handling more than 10 orders per second during peak times. Your code must be clean, efficient, and built for scale.
- Research and implement innovative ways to enhance our backend capabilities across client websites.
- Debug and optimize functionality for maximum speed, performance, and scalability.
- Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code.
- Collaborate effectively with front-end developers, designers, and project managers to create cohesive digital experiences.
- Liaise with third-party providers to integrate external applications.
- Stay ahead of industry trends and recommend new tools, technologies, and best practices.
- Provide Out-of-Office Emergency Support on a rota basis (6 PM – 9 PM UK Time), efficiently handling client emergency requests during assigned periods.
Requirements
We are looking for a confident and creative individual with plenty of ideas and the initiative to express them. Our nimble team is perfect for someone who enjoys creating their niche and taking ownership.
While experience is important, the capacity to learn quickly and continuously is even more valuable. If you are eager to hit the ground running, you will fit in well.
You will work closely with the Development team and creatives across all our teams. A collaborative mentality is essential, whether producing great work or engaging in team discussions.
Work Composition
- 60% Back End Development
- 30% Testing / Quality Assurance
- 10% Front End Development
What We're Looking For
- WordPress Developer expertise: well-versed in building and utilizing custom plugins, working with WP-CRON, transients, caching, and query optimization.
- WooCommerce experience: proven ability to develop scalable, high-traffic eCommerce websites.
- Proven experience writing scalable, clean code for high order volumes and large-scale operations.
- Strong PHP and JavaScript skills, with in-depth knowledge of MySQL and REST APIs.
- Laravel and React experience is a bonus.
- Proficiency with GIT-based workflows and version-controlled environments.
- Efficiency-focused mindset, prioritizing speed, user experience, and process improvement.
- Independent yet collaborative, able to take ownership of projects and work efficiently solo or as part of a team.
- Excellent communication skills, able to articulate ideas clearly and collaborate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Benefits
- Competitive and negotiable salary, dependent on experience.
- Company Bonus: 10% of salary, paid annually for the past 5 years (contingent on company goals or discretion).
- Service Bonus: £1,000 per annum, paid into your monthly salary, up to 5 years (£5,000 total).
- Fully remote team, eliminating daily commutes.
- Minimum of 39 holidays per year, plus an extra day off for your birthday.
- Twice-yearly all-team meetings culminating in social events.
- Certified as a Best Place to Work company.
- Provision of all necessary remote working tools and equipment.
- Full private BUPA Healthcare & Dental coverage.
- Access to a staff benefits & wellbeing platform.
- Pension-providing employer.
Hiring Process
Our typical hiring process includes:
- Review of your application and portfolio.
- An initial call with our Head of Backend Development to assess mutual fit.
- A short WordPress-related task to demonstrate your skills.
- A follow-up interview to discuss the task, joined by our Technical Director and Web Director.
- A job offer, if everything aligns.
NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES, PLEASE.