At a Glance
- Tasks: Build high-traffic, content-heavy sites using headless WordPress and modern development practices.
- Company: Join a leading digital media group investing in innovative web platforms.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working with occasional office visits and competitive salary.
- Why this job: Be part of a forward-thinking team focused on performance, security, and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Strong headless WordPress experience, deep PHP knowledge, and API integration skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with engineers across the UK and Europe on cutting-edge projects.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Peterborough (Hybrid, occasional office visits, once a month)
Full-time, Permanent
£60,000 - £65,000
I'm currently working with a leading digital media group that's investing heavily in their web platform and they’re looking for a Senior WordPress Engineer with serious backend skills, particularly in headless WordPress at scale. This is a genuinely exciting opportunity to get stuck into building out high-traffic, content-heavy sites that are powered by clean, scalable architecture and modern development practices. It’s not your average WordPress gig, think API-first, JAMstack, CI/CD pipelines, and containerised environments – all the good stuff.
You’ll be part of a growing, forward-thinking team where engineering standards are high, DevOps is a given, and everything is built with performance and security front of mind. This is a hands-on, code-focused role where your experience with custom plugins, GraphQL, REST APIs, and advanced PHP will be key to shaping robust, reusable services across multiple sites and teams. There’s also a strong collaborative element here, you’ll be working closely with other engineers across the UK and Europe as they roll out the next generation of their platform.
What you’ll need to bring:
- Strong experience in headless WordPress development (enterprise-level experience is ideal)
- Deep PHP knowledge (7/8) and understanding of the WordPress core
- Hands-on experience creating and integrating with REST APIs and WPGraphQL
- Custom theme/plugin development optimised for headless use
- ACF, CPTs, taxonomies – you know the drill
- Secure API handling (OAuth, JWT) and best practices in authentication
- Solid grasp of performance optimisation – query tuning, caching, CDN strategies
- Familiarity with Docker, Git, and modern CI/CD pipelines
- Confidence in delivering clean, frontend-ready APIs (React, Next.js or similar)
- JAMstack know-how and a passion for scalable, API-first design
Location & Working Setup: The team is mainly based in London and Peterborough, but this role is open to hybrid/remote working, with a touchpoint in the office around once every 4–6 weeks.
If you’re an experienced WordPress engineer who’s passionate about headless builds, modern architecture, and writing clean, reliable code, this could be a great fit.
Senior WordPress Engineer – Headless employer: Job Traffic
Contact Detail:
Job Traffic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior WordPress Engineer – Headless
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in headless WordPress development. Join online forums or communities where professionals discuss their experiences and challenges. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also help you network with potential colleagues.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise in PHP and REST APIs by contributing to open-source projects or creating your own GitHub repositories. This hands-on experience can demonstrate your skills effectively and make you stand out during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects where you've implemented JAMstack architecture or optimised performance through caching and CDN strategies. Real-world examples will illustrate your capabilities and understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the company's online presence, such as their blog or social media channels. Comment on their posts or share relevant content to show your interest in their work and culture. This can help you make a memorable impression before the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior WordPress Engineer – Headless
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with headless WordPress development, PHP, and API integrations. Use specific examples of projects where you've implemented these skills to demonstrate your expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for modern web development practices and how your background aligns with the company's goals. Mention your familiarity with JAMstack, CI/CD pipelines, and any relevant collaborative experiences.
Showcase Relevant Projects: If possible, include links to your portfolio or GitHub showcasing projects that reflect your skills in custom theme/plugin development, REST APIs, and performance optimisation. This will give the hiring team tangible evidence of your capabilities.
Highlight Soft Skills: Don't forget to mention your ability to work collaboratively with teams across different locations. Emphasise your communication skills and how you can contribute to a forward-thinking team environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Traffic
✨Showcase Your Headless Experience
Make sure to highlight your experience with headless WordPress development during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've implemented API-first architectures and how you tackled challenges related to scalability and performance.
✨Demonstrate Your PHP Proficiency
Since deep PHP knowledge is crucial for this role, be ready to discuss your experience with PHP 7/8. You might be asked to solve coding problems or explain complex concepts, so brush up on your PHP skills and be prepared to showcase your understanding of the WordPress core.
✨Discuss Your API Integration Skills
The role requires hands-on experience with REST APIs and WPGraphQL. Prepare examples of how you've created and integrated these APIs in past projects, focusing on secure handling practices like OAuth and JWT authentication.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Teamwork
As this position involves working closely with other engineers, be sure to convey your collaborative spirit. Share experiences where you've successfully worked in a team environment, particularly in remote or hybrid settings, to demonstrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.