At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a high-performance, headless WordPress site using React.
- Company: Join SB Media Group, home of Supercar Blondie and SBXcars.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of digital innovation in the supercar industry.
- Qualifications: Expertise in React.js, WordPress, and modern CSS frameworks required.
- Other info: Mentor junior developers and shape the future of web development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: UK, Ideally London or Manchester
Company: SB Media Group (SupercarBlondie.com and SBXcars.com)
We are looking for a Lead Web Developer to spearhead the next generation of the Supercar Blondie digital experience. We are moving toward a Decoupled (Headless) Architecture, separating our WordPress content engine from a high-performance frontend.
As the Lead Developer, you will bridge the gap between our rich media content and a cutting-edge user experience. You will be responsible for building a site that is as fast, sleek, and high-performance as the supercars we feature, ensuring that global audiences get an instant, premium experience on any device.
What will you be doing…
- Headless Architecture: Architect and maintain a decoupled environment using WordPress (REST API/GraphQL) as the backend and React/Next.js as the frontend.
- Performance Engineering: Optimize for "Core Web Vitals" to ensure the site remains at the top of Google Search rankings and loads instantly for viral traffic.
- Scalability: Work with modern deployment platforms (like Vercel, Netlify, or AWS) to manage high-concurrency events during major car launches.
- Interactive UI: Build custom, high-end interactive components (interactive car galleries, auction timers, etc.) using modern JavaScript frameworks.
- Security & API Integrity: Ensure secure data flow between the WordPress CMS and the frontend, implementing robust caching strategies.
- Team Leadership: Guide the transition from traditional WordPress themes to a modern JavaScript-based stack, mentoring junior developers along the way.
What have you done before…
- Expert-level knowledge of React.js and Next.js (or similar frameworks like Gatsby/Nuxt).
- WordPress Expertise: Deep understanding of WordPress as a headless CMS, including custom post types, WPGraphQL, or the REST API.
- Modern CSS: Proficiency in Tailwind CSS, Styled Components, or Framer Motion for high-end animations.
- State Management: Experience with Redux, Context API, or SWR/React Query for data fetching.
- DevOps & Deployment: Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, Edge Functions, and CDN optimization (Cloudflare).
- Backend Knowledge: Solid understanding of PHP (for WordPress customization) and Node.js.
The Ideal Candidate
- You have a portfolio of high-traffic, visually stunning websites.
- You understand that for a media brand, SEO and Speed are everything.
- You are excited by the challenge of "breaking" traditional WordPress to build something faster and more flexible.
Lead Web Developer (Headless WordPress & React) employer: SB Media Group
Contact Detail:
SB Media Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Web Developer (Headless WordPress & React)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the web development community, especially those who have experience with headless architectures. Attend meetups or webinars to get your name out there and show off your passion for cutting-edge tech.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a personal project that highlights your expertise in React and WordPress as a headless CMS. This not only demonstrates your abilities but also gives you something tangible to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on performance engineering and modern deployment platforms. Be ready to discuss how you would optimise for Core Web Vitals and manage high-concurrency events—these are hot topics for the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at SB Media Group and contributing to our exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Web Developer (Headless WordPress & React)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your expertise in React.js and WordPress. We want to see your portfolio showcasing high-traffic, visually stunning websites that demonstrate your ability to create a fast and sleek user experience.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect how your experience aligns with our needs for a Lead Web Developer. Mention specific projects where you’ve worked with headless architecture or optimised performance.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at SB Media Group
✨Know Your Tech Stack Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in React.js, Next.js, and WordPress as a headless CMS. Be ready to discuss your experience with REST API and GraphQL, as well as how you've optimised for Core Web Vitals in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Bring along a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially high-traffic sites. Be prepared to explain the challenges you faced and how you overcame them, particularly in terms of speed and SEO.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves team leadership, think of examples where you’ve mentored junior developers or led a project. Discuss how you can guide the transition from traditional WordPress themes to a modern JavaScript stack.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect technical questions that test your problem-solving skills. Practice explaining your thought process when tackling issues related to performance engineering, security, and scalability in web development.