Senior Developer at Oktra About the Company Oktra is the UK’s leading workplace design and build company, shaping places that connect people and inspire our everyday work. With over 30 years of experience and B Corp certification, we create future‑focused workplaces where people and businesses thrive. Oktra’s designers, builders & strategists provide complete workplace consultancy — from a single office relocation, design and fit‑out, to workplace planning, refurbishment, and interior branding on a global scale. Our in‑house model means our clients benefit from speed, simplicity, and a single point of accountability at every stage of their journey. We're headquartered in London, with a regional presence in the South, Midlands, and North of England. Role Overview We are looking for a highly skilled Senior Developer to join our IT department and take ownership of our internal business systems and web platforms. This role is central to the ongoing development, maintenance, and support of our core systems, which are to the daily operations of our internal projects, sales and design teams. You’ll be working on a custom‑built internal platform developed in PHP (Laravel) with a PostgreSQL backend, as well as supporting and maintaining several WordPress‑based websites. The ideal candidate will have deep technical expertise in Linux environments, Docker, web server technologies (Nginx/Apache), and DNS/application communication configuration. You’ll also play a key role in shaping the future of the development of functions which will be built into the system to improve the way the company works, with the opportunity to help grow the team, lead code reviews, and mentor junior developers as the department scales. Key Accountabilities

Lead the development and enhancement of internal business systems built on PHP Laravel with a PostgreSQL and Azure blobstore backend. Perform ongoing operational maintenance, debugging, and performance tuning of existing applications and webspace. Provide technical support and issue resolution for internal users, including those under pressure or facing critical issues. Manage and maintain company websites built on WordPress, including plugin updates, theme customizations, and security hardening. Administer and troubleshoot Linux‑based systems that host internal applications and services. Build, deploy, and manage containerised applications using Docker. Configure and maintain web servers (Nginx) for optimal performance and security. Assist with firewall configuration and troubleshooting to ensure secure and reliable access to internal and external services, APIs and repos. Use Git repositories for version control, code collaboration, and structured deployment workflows. Implement and enforce Git workflow best practices, including feature branching, pull requests, code reviews, and release tagging. Collaborate with the IT team to ensure seamless integration between systems and infrastructure. Document system architecture, workflows, and development processes. Ensure quality, maintainability, and adherence to best practices. Mentor and support junior developers as the team grows, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing development culture. Contribute to the planning and execution of system upgrades, migrations, and new feature rollouts. Work closely with individual departmental stakeholders of the business systems to learn how they work and suggest system improvements to promote system interaction efficiency.

Required Skills and Attributes

5+ years of experience in software development, with a strong focus on PHP (Laravel) and PostgreSQL with an ability to develop new branches on systems, ensuring QA and testing is convenient. Extensive knowledge and expertise around the function of ERP and CRM systems within businesses. Expert‑level knowledge of Linux‑based systems, including shell scripting, system services, and performance tuning. Hands‑on experience with Docker for development of complex business systems and production environments. Proficiency in configuring and managing Nginx web servers. Knowledge of web domains and registrars, how domain records work and are amended. Familiarity with physical and web firewall technologies and network security knowledge. Strong experience with Git, including structured workflows (e.g., Git Flow), branching strategies, and CI/CD integration. Solid understanding of MVC architecture, RESTful APIs, and modern web development practices. Experience with WordPress development and administration. Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills across the full stack. Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. Excellent communication skills, especially when dealing with non‑technical stakeholders or challenging personalities. Calm, professional demeanor under pressure and in conflict situations. >Knowledge of Microsoft Power Platform and PowerApps. An understanding of data flows and data migration topologies, utilising tools such as Azure Data Factory, SSMA, SSIS. Working knowledge of APIs and manoeuvring of data between systems via calls.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications

Experience in construction, architecture, or design industries. Familiarity with container orchestration within Docker. Knowledge of front‑end frameworks (e.g., Vue.js, React) is a plus. Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields. Understanding business flows, from lead generation to project delivery. A creative mind, skills uniquely yours which inspire confidence and reassure those you work with.

Employment Details Seniority level: Mid‑Senior levelEmployment type: Full‑timeJob function: Engineering and Information TechnologyIndustries: Design Services #J-18808-Ljbffr