Start Date: ASAPLocation: Edinburgh (Office-Based/Hybrid)Salary: Competitive – Dependent on ExperienceContract Type: Permanent, Full-TimeWe are pleased to announce a new opportunity for a Lead Developer to join our team. This is a full-time permanent role based in Scotland, working hybrid from our Edinburgh office.Who You'll Be Working WithAt Zudu, we're building more than software. We partner with ambitious organisations to deliver AI-enabled, human-driven digital products that create real impact. Our teams move fast, think smart, and work side by side with clients to solve challenges that matter. We're not your typical software house. We're outcome-obsessed and relentlessly human in everything we do.As part of our exponential growth, we're looking for people who want to be part of something exciting: high-growth, high-impact projects with some of the most forward-thinking businesses in the UK and beyond. If you want to challenge the norm, deliver innovation at speed, and do your best work alongside a collaborative, ambitious team, Zudu is where you'll thrive.What You Will Be DoingThis is a senior, hands-on leadership role. You will shape standards, set direction, and still spend most of your time writing production code.If you want real responsibility, autonomy, and variety, read on.The RoleYou will lead one of our delivery squads.You own technical delivery.You own standards.You own outcomes.Expect roughly a 70/30 split between hands-on development and leadership. That balance will flex depending on project phase, deadlines, and team needs.You will work in close partnership with a Product Owner who owns client relationships and priorities. You own how the work gets delivered, and how well.Your SquadYou will lead a dedicated, cross-functional squad:1 Product OwnerYou, Lead Developer2 to 4 mid-level developersYou are accountable for delivery quality, technical decisions, and team progression.What You Will Work OnBespoke web platforms and business-critical applicationsMobile apps built with React NativeAPI integrations and backend systemsA mix of greenfield builds and existing platforms at scaleOur clients trust us with meaningful problems. You will see your work used in the real world, not parked in backlog purgatory.How We WorkAgile delivery, Scrum or Kanban, depending on contextTwo-week sprints are typicalA mix of fixed-price and time and materials engagementsThis is an agency environment. Variety is part of the deal.In a single week, you might:Lead active development on a primary projectReview PRs and unblock another squad memberProvide estimates or technical input on a proposalIf that energises you, you will thrive here.If you want to work on one product for a year without interruption, this is not the role.Your Tech StackWe are versatile when it comes to client projects, our main tech stacks right now are.FrontendReactInertia.jsReact NativeTailwind CSSBackendLaravel PHPNode.jsDataMySQLPostgreSQLMongoDBInfrastructure and ToolingGit and GitHubCI/CD pipelinesAWS hosting, project-dependentDocker, where it makes sensePart of your role could be supporting tech stack change, pivots and future approaches.Strategic DirectionWe are standardising backend delivery on Laravel. You will help drive that consistency and quality across projects.What You Will Be Responsible ForDeliveryOwning end-to-end delivery across multiple client projectsTaking projects from kick-off through to production and handoverTaking over and improving existing client platformsPlanning and balancing workload across your squadRemoving blockers and unblocking people quicklyTechnical LeadershipDefining and enforcing coding standards alongside other Lead DevelopersReviewing and approving pull requestsMaking architecture decisions that stand up over timeOwning CI/CD pipelines, deployments, and hosting decisionsSetting testing standards and ensuring they are followedMentorship and LeadershipDeveloping mid-level developers through pairing, feedback, and reviewRunning regular 1:1s with your direct reportsIdentifying skill gaps and creating opportunities to close themCommercial SupportProviding technical estimates and input during pre-salesFlagging risks early and clearly during scopingContributing to technical sections of proposals and statements of workWhat We Are Looking ForExperience5+ years commercial software development experienceAt least 2 years operating at Lead or Senior level with people responsibilityExperience working in an agency or consultancy environmentFull project lifecycle exposure, from scoping to live supportA proven track record of mentoring and developing othersTechnical CapabilityStrong commercial Laravel or Symfony experienceSolid React experienceStrong SQL knowledge, MySQL or PostgreSQLConfident with Git workflows and pull request processesExperience setting up and maintaining CI/CD pipelinesComfortable owning cloud deployment and hosting decisionsNice to HaveExperience integrating LLMs into production systemsReact Native apps shipped to productionNode.js API developmentInertia.js and TailwindDocker and containerisationAWS infrastructureMongoDBwhat we are looking for in youClear, confident communicator, written and verbalComfortable speaking with clients when requiredAble to explain trade-offs to non-technical stakeholdersSelf-directed and trusted to manage your own timeCalm under pressure, decisive when neededWhat This Role Is NotThis is important.It is not a role for developers who only want to codeIt is not suited to people who need heavy management oversightIt is not a single-product environmentIt is not comfortable or predictableIt is ownership-heavy, fast-moving, and sometimes ambiguous. That is exactly why people join us.BenefitsCompetitive salary commensurate with experienceCompany pension schemeCompany healthcare (Vitality)Enhanced maternity / paternity leaveHybrid workingCompany meetups and fun cultureCollaborative and supportive work environmentProfessional development and training opportunities30 days of annual leave, plus your birthday off!If you are interested in joining our dynamic team and making a difference at a fast-growing, ambitious company, please submit your CV and cover letter via the form, detailing your relevant experience and skills. Don't forget to mention the word “Boost” in your cover letter.Job Types: Full-time, PermanentPay: £60,000.00-£80,000.00 per yearBenefits:Company pensionEnhanced maternity leaveEnhanced paternity leavePrivate dental insurancePrivate medical insuranceWork Location: Hybrid remote in Edinburgh EH6 6LX