Senior Full Stack Developer (Node.js / React / Next.js)

Senior Full Stack Developer (Node.js / React / Next.js) Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 per annum Location: Chester / Hybrid The Opportunity We are looking for an experienced Senior Full Stack Developer with strong Node.js expertise and a solid background in React and Next.js to join an established digital transformation team currently going from strength to strength and undergoing an exciting period of transformation. This is a permanent opportunity for a senior engineer who wants genuine technical ownership and the opportunity to make a significant impact on a business-critical digital platform. You’ll join the team at an important stage of the programme, helping to modernise and refactor an existing business-facing management platform used to support complex operational and management workflows. The role is highly hands-on, with a particular focus on Node.js backend development, API architecture and application modernisation, alongside contributing to a modern React/Next.js frontend. You’ll have the opportunity to influence technical decisions, improve performance and scalability, and help shape the long-term architecture of the platform. About the Role As a Senior Full Stack Developer, you’ll take ownership of key areas across the backend and frontend, with a particular emphasis on Node.js and API development. You’ll work closely with other engineers, UX/UI specialists, product teams and stakeholders to deliver high-quality, scalable digital products. You’ll be comfortable working autonomously, making technical decisions and contributing from day one, while also being a collaborative member of a wider delivery team. This is a role suited to someone who enjoys working across the stack but has a strong backend bias and genuine depth in Node.js. Key Responsibilities Lead and contribute to the modernisation and refactoring of existing applicationsDesign, develop and maintain robust Node.js backend services and APIsDevelop and maintain OpenAPI-driven backend servicesDesign and implement scalable API architectures and integrationsWork with PostgreSQL and Prisma ORM to develop efficient data access and persistence layersIdentify opportunities to improve backend performance, scalability, security and maintainabilityContribute to the development of the frontend using React and Next.jsWork with Next.js App Router, Server Components and Server Actions where appropriateBuild and integrate APIs across the frontend and backendImplement and optimise client-side and server-side caching strategiesDevelop automated tests using technologies such as PlaywrightWork closely with other engineers to define technical approaches and maintain high engineering standardsContribute to technical architecture and make pragmatic engineering decisionsCollaborate with UX/UI, product and delivery teams to translate requirements into scalable technical solutionsContribute to the refinement of user stories, requirements and delivery plansParticipate in stakeholder discussions and technical presentations where requiredSupport the continued evolution of engineering practices, standards and ways of workingTechnology Environment You’ll be working across a modern technology stack including: Node.js – core backend technologyReactNext.js – App Router, Server Components and Server ActionsTypeScriptOpenAPI-driven backend servicesPostgreSQLPrisma ORMPlaywrightClient-side and server-side cachingDockerAzure DevOpsAzure CI/CD pipelines You’ll Ideally Have Extensive commercial experience with Node.js and TypeScriptStrong experience designing and developing RESTful APIs and backend servicesExperience working with OpenAPI or API-first developmentStrong understanding of backend architecture, application design and software engineering principlesCommercial experience with React.js and Next.jsExperience working across both frontend and backend applicationsExperience with PostgreSQL and/or relational databasesExperience with Prisma or a similar ORMProven experience delivering application refactors, migrations or significant modernisation programmesA strong understanding of performance, scalability, security and maintainabilityExperience writing automated tests and working with modern testing frameworksExperience with Docker and modern CI/CD practicesThe ability to work independently and take ownership of technical decisionsStrong communication skills and confidence working with both technical and non-technical stakeholdersA proactive, collaborative and delivery-focused approachExperience working within enterprise or complex digital transformation environments would be advantageous Why Join? This is an opportunity to take on a genuinely senior Full Stack engineering position with real technical and architectural ownership, rather than simply delivering tickets against an established roadmap. You’ll be joining a high-profile digital transformation programme where your technical decisions will directly influence the performance, scalability and future direction of a business-critical platform. The role has a particularly strong Node.js/backend focus, making it a great opportunity for an engineer who wants to work on meaningful backend architecture while retaining the ability to contribute across the full technology stack. You’ll work with modern technologies, collaborate with experienced technical and delivery teams, and play a significant role in the continued evolution of an enterprise digital product. The role offers a flexible hybrid working approach from Chester. Candidates must be UK-based and have the right to work in the UK.