Backend Developer

Application Deadline: 16 January 2026

Department: Technology and Development

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Remote/UK

Reporting To: Jason Taylor

Compensation: £40,000 / year

Description

Join Newsquest Digital Media, the digital division of one of the UK’s leading local media publishers, and play a key role in building and optimising the backend systems that power our extensive digital news network, helping to shape the future of digital journalism.

In this role, you will architect and deliver scalable solutions for a portfolio serving over 40 million unique users each month. You’ll work hands-on with PHP, MySQL, and modern development tools to enhance our CMS, streamline editorial workflows, and integrate AI-assisted technologies. You’ll collaborate with skilled engineers, product managers, and UX specialists in a fast-paced, agile environment where technical excellence and innovation are valued. 

This is a remote-first role offering the opportunity to work on high-impact projects at scale. We offer a competitive salary, remote working, and comprehensive benefits. Newsquest Media Group is committed to diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

If you’re passionate about backend development, have a proven track record of relevant experience, and thrive on solving complex technical challenges, we want to hear from you. This is your opportunity to make a tangible impact in digital media, playing a central role in developing solutions that set new standards for digital news delivery and reach millions every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain backend solutions using PHP and MySQL to support editorial workflows and digital content delivery
• Enhance and customise our content management system (CMS) to streamline processes for journalists and editorial teams
• Collaborate closely with UX, Product, and Editorial teams to design and implement innovative digital products and features
• Integrate and utilise AI-assisted development tools to improve productivity and editorial capabilities
• Participate in code reviews, maintain high standards of code quality, and contribute to best practices in source control management
• Troubleshoot, debug, and optimise backend systems to ensure high performance and reliability across our digital platforms
• Support the ongoing growth and scalability of our portfolio, which serves over 40 million unique users monthly
• Stay up to date with emerging technologies and industry trends, proactively suggesting improvements and new ideas
• Document technical processes and guide colleagues as needed
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and agile team environment

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Strong experience with PHP and MySQL
• Familiarity with Docker and Python
• Experience with front-end development tools such as SCSS and JavaScript (ES6+)
• Comfortable using Git or other source control management systems
• Enthusiastic to work with AI development tools
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and strong communication skills
• Advantageous: Experience with Elastic Search, Redis, Node, Babel, webpack, and modern JS frameworks (Vue, React, Angular)
• Highly organised, adaptable, and detail-oriented
• A proactive, can-do attitude and a passion for digital development

Job Benefits and D&I

• Remote Working 
• Competitive salary
• Contributory pension
• Perks and discounts with numerous retailers and organisations
• Opportunities for team building and training days
• 25 days’ paid holiday, plus statutory bank holidays
• An extra day off on your birthday
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Structured career progression, ongoing training, and personal performance reviews
• Discount vouchers
• Discounted gym membership
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Mental health support via Lifeworks
• Eye test vouchers, plus £50 towards the cost of new glasses
• Annual volunteer or charity day
• Staff referral scheme

Newsquest Media Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all community sections regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Our recruitment process will consist of various stages and activities. As part of our commitment to fairness to all applicants, we will take into account any adjustments that could help you.