Senior PHP Developer

About The Company Tate is a distinguished organization renowned for its innovative approach to software development and technology solutions. With a strong commitment to excellence, Tate specializes in delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance web platforms tailored to meet diverse client needs. The company fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment, emphasizing continuous learning and technological advancement. Through its dedication to quality and innovation, Tate has established a reputation as a leader in the software industry, supporting clients across various sectors with cutting-edge solutions. About The Role We are seeking a highly skilled Senior PHP Developer to join our dynamic engineering team. This role is based in Hertfordshire with a hybrid working model requiring two days in the office per week. As a key member of our development team, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining complex web applications that are critical to our business operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in vanilla PHP, with a passion for backend development and a knack for problem-solving in a fast-paced environment. This position offers the opportunity to work on large-scale platforms, contribute to technical improvements, and influence the direction of our web solutions. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including testers, support staff, and business stakeholders, to deliver high-quality features and ensure optimal platform performance. The role is well-suited for someone who enjoys taking ownership of projects, working independently, and continuously seeking innovative ways to improve platform functionality and efficiency. Qualifications The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in PHP development, with significant experience in full-stack development focusing on backend systems. You should have hands-on experience working with vanilla PHP versions 7 and 8, demonstrating proficiency in writing clean, scalable, and maintainable code. A solid understanding of MySQL or MariaDB databases is essential, alongside experience designing and consuming APIs. Familiarity with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS is also required to support integrated web solutions. In addition, candidates should demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills, effective communication abilities, and the capacity to work independently within an established environment. Experience using AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot or Claude is highly desirable. Knowledge of version control systems and a proactive approach to technical challenges will set you apart. Responsibilities Develop and implement new platform features and enhancements to meet evolving business needs.Write clean, efficient, and well-documented PHP code that adheres to best practices and coding standards.Take ownership of technical solutions from initial design through deployment and ongoing maintenance.Refactor and optimize existing functionalities to improve performance and maintainability.Design, develop, and consume RESTful APIs to facilitate seamless integration with other systems.Perform performance tuning and database optimization to ensure high responsiveness and scalability.Participate in code reviews, contribute to engineering best practices, and promote a culture of continuous improvement.Support complex technical issues, providing third-line support when necessary.Collaborate effectively with testers, developers, and business stakeholders to deliver high-quality solutions.Identify opportunities to improve tooling, development processes, and platform performance through innovative ideas and technical insights. Benefits Joining Tate offers an attractive package of benefits designed to support your professional growth and well-being. You will have access to modern AI-powered development tools, fostering an innovative work environment that encourages continuous learning. The company promotes a flexible hybrid working model, allowing you to balance in-office collaboration with remote work for optimal productivity. Additional benefits include competitive salary packages, comprehensive health insurance, pension schemes, and opportunities for career advancement within a forward-thinking organization. Tate values work-life balance and provides a supportive environment where your ideas and contributions are recognized and rewarded. The company also invests in ongoing training and development programs to help you stay at the forefront of technological advancements. Equal Opportunity Tate is committed to promoting equal opportunities in the workplace. We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to our success and strive to create an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments during the application and interview process to ensure accessibility for everyone. Your individuality and unique perspectives are appreciated, and we invite you to share your preferred pronouns in your application. Our goal is to ensure a fair and supportive hiring process for all applicants.