Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to design and develop scalable web applications using PHP and Laravel.
- Company: Ambitious Leicester-based tech company with a focus on open-source and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and professional development budget.
- Why this job: Shape technical strategy and mentor a talented team in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5 years of software engineering experience and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Exciting projects with modern tech stack and clear progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
Salary: £70,000 - £80,000
Location: Leicester (Hybrid - 2 days per week in office: Tuesday & Thursday)
Industry: Open-Source / Enterprise Web Applications
The Opportunity
I'm recruiting for an ambitious Leicester-based tech company that is expanding its engineering leadership team. This role is perfect for a Lead Software Engineer with a passion for PHP and modern web development, looking to shape technical strategy, mentor a team, and deliver enterprise-grade solutions. You'll lead a team of around 15 developers, working in a collaborative environment that values open-source contributions, code quality, and professional growth.
What You'll Be Working On
- Leading the design, development, and maintenance of scalable web applications
- Driving architectural decisions and best practices across the team
- Mentoring and coaching engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration and growth
- Collaborating with Product and Design teams to deliver high-quality features
- Conducting code reviews and strategic technical planning
- Improving system performance, reliability, and developer experience
Projects include enterprise web platforms, customer-facing applications, and internal tools built on open-source technologies.
Tech Stack (Open-Source)
- Backend: PHP, Laravel
- Frontend: Vue.js
- Databases: MySQL
- Infrastructure: Linux, Docker, CI/CD pipelines
- Cloud: AWS
- Testing: PHPUnit, Jest
Strong leadership, full-stack development experience, and open-source mindset are more important than knowing every tool.
What They're Looking For
- 5 years commercial experience with software engineering, including team or project leadership
- Strong PHP and Laravel experience, with full-stack development knowledge
- Experience with open-source technologies in production
- Comfortable making architectural decisions and guiding technical strategy
- Excellent mentoring, leadership, and communication skills
- Agile team experience and collaborative mindset
Salary & Benefits
- £70,000 - £80,000 depending on experience
- Hybrid working: 2 days per week in Leicester office (Tuesday & Thursday)
- 25 days holiday plus UK bank holidays
- Flexible hours and work-life balance
- Company pension scheme
- Private healthcare and wellbeing support
- Annual learning and development budget
- Modern equipment provided
- Clear progression and leadership development opportunities
Why Apply?
This is an exciting opportunity for a Lead Software Engineer to drive technical strategy, mentor a talented team, and work with a modern PHP/Laravel/Vue stack in a collaborative Leicester-based company.
Lead Software Engineer in Leicester employer: Oscar Associates Limited
Contact Detail:
Oscar Associates Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who work with PHP or Laravel. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects, especially those involving open-source technologies. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your leadership and mentoring experiences. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've guided teams and made architectural decisions in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Lead Software Engineer role. Highlight your PHP and Laravel expertise, as well as any leadership experience you've had. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for open-source technologies and how you’ve led teams in the past. Let us know why you're excited about this opportunity at StudySmarter and how you can help shape our technical strategy.
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving enterprise web applications or open-source contributions, make sure to mention them. We love seeing real examples of your work and how you approach problem-solving!
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 us you’re keen to join the StudySmarter family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oscar Associates Limited
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in PHP, Laravel, and Vue.js. Brush up on your knowledge of open-source technologies and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past projects. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the tools but can also lead a team effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've mentored or led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you drove architectural decisions or improved team collaboration. This will demonstrate your ability to guide others and foster a positive work environment.
✨Understand Their Culture
Research the company’s values and their approach to open-source contributions. Be ready to discuss how you align with their culture and how you can contribute to their collaborative environment. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but a place where you can grow together.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready about their projects, team dynamics, and future goals. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you. Remember, interviews are a two-way street!
