Full Stack Developer in Manchester

We are seeking a skilled Full Stack Developer to join our growing digital delivery team. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, enhancing and supporting modern digital services and web applications, with a particular focus on Strapi CMS, Government Digital Service (GDS) design principles, and front‑end development. Working as part of a multidisciplinary Agile team, you will collaborate with designers, business analysts, content specialists and developers to deliver accessible, user‑centred digital services. You will contribute to both front‑end and back‑end development activities, helping to create scalable, maintainable and secure solutions that meet client and user needs. This role is ideal for an experienced developer who is comfortable working independently, contributing to technical discussions and helping deliver high‑quality digital services.

Responsibilities

• Development & Delivery
  • Design, develop and maintain full‑stack web applications and digital services.
  • Build and customise content models, APIs and templates within Strapi CMS.
  • Develop responsive, accessible and user‑centred front‑end interfaces aligned with GDS standards.
  • Integrate front‑end applications with CMS platforms, APIs and back‑end services.
  • Contribute to technical design discussions and solution development activities.
  • Produce clean, maintainable and well‑documented code following agreed development standards.
  • Participate in code reviews and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Support testing, defect resolution and deployment activities.
  • Work collaboratively within Agile delivery teams using Scrum or Kanban methodologies.
• Content Management Systems
  • Configure and maintain Strapi CMS environments.
  • Develop reusable content types, components and templates.
  • Support content editors and stakeholders in managing digital content effectively.
  • Implement workflows and governance controls within CMS platforms.
  • Assist with CMS upgrades, maintenance and optimisation.
• User‑Centred Design
  • Develop services in line with Government Digital Service (GDS) standards and best practices.
  • Work closely with UX and service designers to implement accessible and inclusive user experiences.
  • Ensure solutions meet WCAG accessibility requirements.
  • Support user testing and iterative improvement activities.
• Operational Support
  • Investigate and resolve application issues and defects.
  • Support deployment and release activities across development, test and production environments.
  • Contribute to technical documentation and knowledge sharing.

Technical Skills & Experience

• Essential Front‑End Development
  • Strong experience developing responsive web applications using HTML5, CSS3 / SCSS, JavaScript / TypeScript, React.js or Next.js.
  • Experience implementing GDS Design System components and patterns.
  • Strong understanding of accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA).
• Back‑End Development
  • Experience developing APIs and server‑side applications using Node.js and Express.js.
  • Experience integrating with RESTful APIs.
  • Understanding of authentication and security best practices.
• CMS Development
  • Hands‑on experience with Strapi CMS.
  • Experience creating content models, components and collections.
  • Experience customising CMS templates and content structures.
  • Understanding of headless CMS architectures.
• DevOps & Tooling
  • Git version control.
  • CI/CD pipelines.
  • Experience working with cloud‑hosted environments.
  • Familiarity with containerisation technologies such as Docker is desirable.

Knowledge & Behaviours

• Strong understanding of software development principles and best practices.
• Experience working within Agile delivery environments.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Comfortable working independently whilst contributing to wider team objectives.
• Commitment to quality, accessibility and user‑centred design.
• Proactive approach to learning and continuous improvement.

Desirable Experience

• Experience delivering services for UK Government or Public Sector organisations.
• Familiarity with the GDS Service Standard and GOV.UK Design System.
• Experience with Azure or AWS cloud platforms.
• Experience with automated testing frameworks.
• Experience working within secure or regulated environments.
• Experience supporting CMS migration projects.
• Understanding of SEO and digital content optimisation.

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Relevant technical certifications are advantageous but not essential.

Experience

• Proven experience delivering production digital services and CMS‑driven websites.
• Demonstrable experience working with Strapi CMS and modern JavaScript frameworks.
• Experience working across both front‑end and back‑end development activities.
• Experience collaborating within Agile, multidisciplinary delivery teams.

Employee Benefits

• Training – All team members are offered a number of options in terms of personal development, whether it is technical led, business acumen or methodologies. We want you to grow with us and to help us achieve more.
• Private medical cover for you and your spouse/partner, offered via Vitality.
• Discretionary bonus based on a blend of personal and company performance.
• Holiday – You will receive 25 days holiday, plus 1 day for birthday and 1 day for your work anniversary in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Electric Vehicle leasing with salary sacrifice.
• Contributed Pension Scheme.
• Death in service cover.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age.