Lead Developer

LRQA is seeking a highly qualified and results-oriented Lead Developer to play a pivotal role within the EiQ P roduct Team. This position offers the suitable candidate the opportunity to significantly impact the company's technological direction and the ultimate success of our product . LRQA's supply chain management software EiQ helps you monitor and manage your supply chain ESG risks in real-time, enhance your responsible sourcing programme, and supports due diligence regulatory compliance. EiQ is used by businesses to enhance Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risk management. It provides comprehensive ESG solutions to transform responsible sourcing programme s and to facilitate sustainable trade. The platform uses machine learning combined with a robust dataset from onsite audits and trusted civil society research to empower companies, suppliers and financial institutions to meet customer, regulator and stakeholder due diligence requirements. The ideal candidate will assume a multifaceted role. They will act as a strategic thought leader, collaborating closely with the Head of Development , Business Analysis, Project Management, Architecture, and wider SCRUM teams to define product roadmaps, assess and evaluate new technologies , and ensure the technical feasibility of ambitious projects. Furthermore, the successful candidate will be a hands-on technical expert, responsible for designing, developing, and implementing complex software solutions leveraging their mastery of modern technologies. The Lead Developer will also foster a collaborative and innovative environment where junior developers can flourish under their mentorship. They will champion best practices, ensuring the code produced is not only functional but also secure, scalable, and maintainable for the long term. Through their leadership and technical expertise , the suitable candidate will play a vital role in driving the creation of successful software products that propel the company's business forward. This role is ideal for a passionate developer with a strong leadership spirit, a drive for innovation, and a desire to make a substantial contribution. We offer the opportunity to tackle challenging problems, collaborate with a talented team, and make significant impact on the company's technological landscape. Key Responsibilities: Working in a technical and management role, as part of a scrum team to deliver high qu ality, secure and scalable software solutions. Provide strategic technical leadership on critical projects, collaborating with the Head of Development and Architecture teams to define product roadmaps, design solutions, and ensure technical feasibility. Lead the design and development of complex software solutions using a combination of technologies, demonstrating strong expertise in at least two of the following: React JS Node JS Ruby on Rai ls Champion best practices in software development methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall), ensuring efficient and high-quality delivery. Ensure code quality, performance, and maintainability through code reviews with team members and educate through constructive comments. Experience in performance optimization techniques and troubleshooting complex performance issues in production environments. Ownership of best CI/CD practices, for maintaining the quality of software products Establish and maintain high coding standards, architecture principles, and code review processes to ensure code maintainability, security ( DevSecOps ) , and scalability. Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, and other stakeholders to understand requirements, translate them into actionable technical solutions, and provide technical guidance throughout the development lifecycle. Stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies within the software development landscape, actively researching and evaluating new solutions for potential integration. Mentor junior developers, providing guidance on technical skills, best practices, and career development. Lead code reviews, providing constructive feedback to improve code quality and knowledge sharing within the team. Troubleshoot and debug complex software issues, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions. Participate in technical discussions and provide expert advice to internal stakeholders. Contribute to the continuous improvement of development processes and tools. 50% on team management. 50% hands-on development. This position offers hybrid working options and requires on-site attendance at the Birmingham office as needed. This position does not offer visa sponsorship. Technical / Professional Qualifications / Requirements: Minimum 10 years of experience in software development, with a proven track record of success in leading and delivering complex projects. Demonstrated experience working effectively within Agile development methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban). Hands-on experience in web front-end development React JS, and knowledge of pure HTML5/CSS/JS design. 3 years of hands-on experience in web back-end development with Node.js, and familiarity with the Ruby on Rails framework. 2 years of experience in large-scale application development or integrations with multiple system / technologies Strong knowledge of RESTful services and API design, and a solid understanding of web stacks. Experience with querying database both using ORM and SQL in optimal ways. Ability to develop clean/maintainable code, that is highly performed and secured by design. Proficient with Git (GitLab / Azure DevOps) and Docker. Knowledge of CI/CD tools like Gitlab CI, Jenkins and Azure DevOps. Ability to design and implement data model (database schemas) and data pipeline to support business processes. Ability to implement automated unit tests. Experience of working as a part of Scrum team. Actively participate in all the Scrum events. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, taking ownership of assigned tasks while collaborating seamlessly with others. Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Excellent time management and organizational skills. A passion for learning and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies