Job Description

Are you a passionate PHP Developer ready to lead a talented team and shape the digital future of public services? Are you a passionate and experienced PHP developer ready to take the lead on innovative digital projects that directly impact the lives of thousands? Medway Council is seeking a Lead PHP Developer to drive the development of robust, accessible, scalable and user-focused web solutions that make a real difference to our residents.
About the Role:
As the ICT Lead PHP Developer at Medway Council, youll play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining high-quality, accessible, and scalable digital services for the public. You will build user-friendly websites and online forms that enhance service delivery across the council. This role offers the opportunity to shape the technical direction of our web platforms, contribute to digital transformation initiatives, and collaborate with a range of stakeholders to deliver innovative, secure, and efficient solutions.
Key responsibilities:

• Ensure code quality, security, and performance through best practices and modern frameworks.
• Design and implement robust web applications and websites, ensuring applications are secure, scalable, and performant.

• Design and manage database schemas, optimize queries, and ensure data integrity.
• Work closely with front-end developers, designers, and other stakeholders to integrate user-facing elements with server-side logic.
• Communicate effectively to translate business requirements into technical specifications.
• Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to colleagues, ensuring the delivery of high-quality web solutions.

Ready to Make an Impact?

• Apply now and help us shape the future of digital services in Medway.

If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please email the ICT Development Manager david.bailey@medway.gov.uk .
In return we offer you:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Generous local government pension scheme package
• Access to wider training and development qualifications
• Flexible working scheme
• Travel plan discounts
• Car Benefit Scheme from Tusker
• Access to CAREFIRST advice & counselling service
• Employee discount scheme for national and local retailers
• The Government has introduced new ways of supporting parents with childcare costs. Further details are available here: - https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/

We're committed to making Medway carbon neutral by 2050. We have developed an action plan to ensure we play our part in addressing the climate emergency. Our declaration fits into our Council Plan priority of making Medway a place to be proud of. The main outcome being a 'clean and green environment'. All Medway Council staff can access an additional days paid leave to undertake a volunteering activity which supports climate change.
Our organisation:
Medway is a unitary authority in the South East of England, made up of the towns of Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham and more rural areas, including the Hoo Peninsula.
Situated in Kent in the South-East of England, the area has plenty of green spaces, excellent facilities and easy access to the national motorway and rail networks, facilitating superb transport links to London.
We provide all local Government services for a quarter of a million people, looking after education, environment, social care, housing, planning, business and much more - everything from frontline services such as rubbish collection and events like the Dickens Festival to work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure services in Medway run smoothly and cost effectively.
Working at Medway Council means that you get to be part of this journey working alongside talented, professional colleagues to drive forward change to transform the lives of our residents and the communities they live in.
Important Information-
Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile
Equal Opportunities Commitment Statement
Medway Council is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All appropriately qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, marital status, family commitments, sexual orientation, age, HIV status, religious or political beliefs, social class or trade union activity or irrelevant spent conviction.
For further information please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.
Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.
Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.