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- Tasks: Lead backend development on modern Symfony platforms and APIs, solving complex technical challenges.
- Company: Join a growing tech team in a supportive, collaborative environment focused on education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £65,000, hybrid work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with a focus on continuous improvement and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping backend architecture for a globally recognised organisation.
- Qualifications: Strong PHP and Symfony experience, with a knack for clean, maintainable code.
Location: Leeds (Hybrid – 2 days per week onsite, Monday & Thursday)
Salary: Up to £65,000 (DOE)
The opportunity: We’re looking for a Senior Back-end Developer, with expertise in PHP and Symfony to join a growing technology team building modern web platforms that support a globally recognised education-focused organisation. This is a hands-on senior engineering role, ideal for someone who enjoys owning backend development, solving complex technical problems, and contributing to the ongoing evolution of scalable web applications and APIs used by thousands of users. You’ll join a close-knit engineering team where collaboration, openness, and culture are genuinely valued. The environment is modern, supportive, and delivery-focused, with a strong emphasis on continuous improvement, technical quality, and shared ownership. The business is investing heavily in its digital platforms, with an ambitious roadmap focused on improving user experience, expanding platform capability, and supporting long-term growth. You’ll play a key role in shaping backend architecture and helping drive engineering standards across the team.
What you’ll be doing: As a Senior Back-end Developer, you’ll take ownership of backend development across a modern Symfony-based platform and API ecosystem, working closely with frontend developers, stakeholders, and leadership teams.
- Leading backend development across web applications and APIs
- Designing, building, and maintaining scalable Symfony-based services
- Developing and improving RESTful API endpoints
- Supporting ongoing platform scalability, reliability, and performance
- Refactoring existing functionality to reduce technical debt and improve maintainability
- Collaborating with frontend developers working within React / Next.js applications
- Supporting architectural decisions and promoting engineering best practices
- Participating in code reviews and mentoring less experienced developers
- Contributing to technical discussions, sprint planning, and delivery processes
- Supporting integrations with third-party platforms including CRM, payment, and analytics tools
Core technology stack:
- PHP 8
- Symfony
- Symfony API Platform
- MySQL
- Docker
- AWS
- React / Next.js frontend environment
- Jira, Bitbucket, Slack
What we’re looking for:
Essential experience:- Strong commercial experience with PHP and Symfony
- Experience building and maintaining APIs and backend services
- Solid understanding of MySQL and relational database design
- Experience supporting and improving complex web applications
- Strong understanding of software architecture and backend best practices
- Experience working within collaborative Agile development teams
- Ability to write clean, scalable, and maintainable code
- Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
- Experience with Symfony API Platform
- Experience working with Docker-based local development environments
- Exposure to AWS and cloud-based deployments
- Experience integrating third-party platforms and services
- Experience mentoring junior developers
- Frontend exposure with React or Next.js
About you: You’re a hands-on engineer who enjoys solving real technical problems. You take ownership and care about building high-quality systems. You enjoy working as part of a collaborative, close-knit team. You’re comfortable contributing ideas and influencing technical direction. You value clean architecture, maintainability, and continuous improvement. You’re adaptable, proactive, and motivated by meaningful work with real-world impact.
Senior PHP Developer in Leeds employer: Fynity
Contact Detail:
Fynity Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior PHP Developer in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who work with PHP and Symfony. Attend local meetups or online webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects, especially those involving backend development and APIs. This will give you an edge and demonstrate your hands-on experience to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your problem-solving skills. Practice coding challenges related to PHP and Symfony, and be ready to discuss your past projects and how you tackled complex issues.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented developers like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior PHP Developer in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with PHP and Symfony. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Let us know what makes you tick and why you’re a great fit for StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, share examples of complex technical problems you've solved in the past. We love seeing how you approach challenges and what solutions you’ve implemented, especially in backend development.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fynity
✨Know Your Tech Stack Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in PHP, Symfony, and the other technologies mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of RESTful APIs and MySQL, as you might be asked to solve problems or discuss your experience with these during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific technical challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. Use examples that highlight your ability to write clean, scalable code and improve existing systems, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Teamwork
Since the role involves working closely with frontend developers and other team members, be ready to talk about your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to team discussions, code reviews, and mentoring junior developers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s engineering practices, their roadmap for digital platforms, and how they support continuous improvement. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.