Twilo Creative
Lead Back-End Developer

Lead Back-End DeveloperTwilo Creative LimitedFully remote (UK-based) · In-person team meetups in Leeds twice monthlyFull-time£50,000 per yearAbout UsFor over a decade Twilo Creative has delivered bespoke websites and applications for clients. Recent builds include a consumer loan funnel with eligibility checking and an enquiry CRM, a vehicle configurator for a global automotive brand, a multi-site platform and brand repository for an international restaurant group, custom software, and many more applications of all shapes and sizes.One person leads each department here and carries full accountability for their area. This role owns development: you lead a small team including a Front-End Developer and a Back-End Developer. The department's delivery, security and standards sit with you, whoever does the hands-on work. Day to day you'll work closely with our Designer and Operations Manager.We work fully remote and meet in person in Leeds twice a month.The RoleWe're looking for a Lead Back-End Developer who can be a key contributor to the business and an integral part of the team. This is a senior, decision-making role at an agency: someone who leads the development team while working in a continuous feedback loop with our Designer and Operations Manager.You'll be hands-on across our websites, applications, and custom internal systems, with real ownership, from building bespoke tools that solve genuine business problems to setting the technical direction for the development team. Fluency with AI tools such as Claude and/or Codex is central to our workflow. If you like variety, autonomy, and seeing your work make a direct impact, you'll feel at home here.What You'll DoLead back-end development of web applications, websites and e-commerceBuild custom Laravel apps from the ground up, for example finance and forecasting tools, document storage and repository solutionsDesign and build APIs and manage third-party integrationsOwn the department's security and quality standards, reviewing work against them and making sure systems stay patched and protectedMake and guide key technical and architectural decisionsPlan and run development sprints, directing and unblocking the other developers day to dayWork in close, continuous collaboration with our Designer and Operations ManagerWrite clean, maintainable code and test it end to end: load the page, click the button, and check what happens downstream before calling anything doneExperienceA senior developer with substantial commercial experience, including in a senior or decision-making capacityExperience leading other developers: organising work, reviewing code, setting standardsAgency experience, with a strong track record of client contact and communicationClient and project management experience: comfortable owning relationships and deliveryStrong PHP skills with deep, hands-on experience in LaravelUses AI coding tools such as Claude or Codex as a core part of how they build, demonstrated at interview. This carries equal weight to framework knowledge, and applicants who can't show it won't progress.Experience building custom business systems and tools from scratchSolid understanding of servers and infrastructure, able to oversee deployments and step in when neededA security-conscious mindset and experience keeping systems patched and safeExperience handling personal and financial data securely and in line with UK GDPRSound judgement on architecture, performance, and code qualityPerson DescriptionA natural collaborator, used to working with clientsProactive: anticipates what's needed, takes initiative, and drives work forward without waiting to be askedAn excellent communicator who works professionally and builds strong working relationshipsSees past their own ticket: understands the front end, the user journey, and the knock-on effects of their workHolds themselves to high standards that match the company's ownReliable with process and deadlines: able to follow procedures and deliver on timeA key contributor and integral team member, comfortable making decisions at a senior levelBenefitsLife coverIncome protectionPrivate medical insuranceFully remote working32 days' holiday including bank holidaysSound like you? Apply now with your CV. We'd love to hear about the systems and tools you've built and are proudest of.Pay: £50,000.00 per yearBenefits:Company eventsCompany pensionLife insurancePrivate medical insuranceWork from homeApplication question(s):Tell us about the AI tools you use and how they're integrated with your daily workflow.Experience:Senior Developer: 10 years (required)Work Location: Remote