Head Of Development

Mirai Talent; Royton; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-day week

Hybrid work (Mon-Thu in office, Wed Wf

Job summary

Mirai Talent is seeking a hands-on Lead Developer to steer the development function, write code, and shape technical direction while staying close to delivery.

The role covers end-to-end projects using WordPress, Next.js, RESTful APIs, and headless CMS architectures, with a focus on infrastructure, hosting, deployment, and data-driven systems. The position offers a 4-day week and hybrid working, with Manchester-area flexibility and a high-trust culture.

Qualifications

• Experience with WordPress, Next.js and modern frontend/backend builds.
• Ability to own projects from idea through delivery.
• Strong communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end delivery across web and platform projects.
• Build and integrate RESTful APIs and headless CMS architectures.
• Work with SQL, PostgreSQL and database-driven systems.
• Manage hosting environments, servers, DNS, domains and deployments.
• Get involved in CI/CD workflows, testing, QA and performance optimisation.
• Scope, plan and price technical work.
• Drive better processes, workflows and development standards.
• Build internal tools, dashboards and automation.
• Play a key role in how AI and automation are rolled out across the agency.

Skills

WordPress

Next.js

APIs

Frontend/Backend builds

Tools

CI/CD

Hosting & Deployment

DNS & domains

Job description

Bolton (moving to Manchester) | Full-time | 4-day working week

If you’re looking for a role where you can genuinely shape how an agency builds, delivers and scales, this is one of those rare ones.

You’ll be joining an ambitious team with an impressive portfolio of clients, a clear vision for where they’re heading, and the appetite to do things properly.

This isn’t a sit-back leadership role. It’s hands-on, strategic, and not for everyone. But if you like being in the detail and influencing the bigger picture, it’s a unique offering.

The role

You’ll lead the development function while staying close to the work. Writing code, solving problems, and shaping technical direction.

• Own end-to-end delivery across web and platform projects
• Build and integrate RESTful APIs and headless CMS architectures
• Work with SQL, PostgreSQL and database-driven systems
• Manage hosting environments, servers, DNS, domains and deployments
• Get involved in CI/CD workflows, testing, QA and performance optimisation
• Scope, plan and price technical work
• Drive better processes, workflows and development standards
• Build internal tools, dashboards and automation
• Play a key role in how AI, automation and agentic workflows are rolled out across the agency

A blend of builder, leader and strategist.

What they’re looking for

• Experience with WordPress, Next.js and modern frontend/backend builds
• Comfortable working across infrastructure, hosting and deployment
• Experience in fast-paced, client-facing environments
• Able to own projects from idea through to delivery
• Clear communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Someone who improves how things are done, not just maintains them

Why it’s worth a look

• 4-day working week
• Hybrid: Monday to Thursday in the office, Wednesday from home
• Great agency with strong momentum
• Impressive portfolio of clients
• Real opportunity to shape development and AI direction
• High trust, high ownership environment
• A role where you’ll genuinely have impact

Mirai believes in the power of diversity and the importance of an inclusive culture. It welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, understanding that a range of perspectives strengthens both its team and the teams of its partners. This is just one of the ways that they’re taking positive action to shape a collaborative and diverse future in the workplace.