Lead Developer

Maxwell Bond; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology consultancy in the UK is seeking a Lead Developer for a remote, 6-month contract. You will support API development for a high-traffic consumer platform, working alongside front-end engineers using AI-assisted development tools. The ideal candidate has extensive Node.js experience and a strong understanding of backend performance. This position is outside IR35, offering flexibility and the chance to work in an innovative environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience with consumer-facing platforms.
• Ability to deliver production-ready APIs fast and independently.
• Experience with caching and optimization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Support API development and backend delivery for a high-traffic consumer platform.
• Collaborate effectively with front-end developers to design seamless integrations.
• Make confident technical decisions with minimal guidance.

Skills

Node.js

RESTful API design

AI coding tools

Backend performance

Scalability

Security at production scale

Job description

Lead Developer (Contract, AI-Driven Environment, Node.JS)

We’re looking for an experienced backend senior developer to support API development and backend delivery for a high-traffic consumer platform. You’ll work alongside front-end engineers to build scalable, secure, and performant systems using modern tools and AI-assisted development.

• 6 month, fully remote contract. Outside IR35

You’ll be a good fit if you :

• Deliver production-ready APIs fast and independently
• Have proven experience with consumer-facing platforms
• Use AI coding tools (Cursor, Claude Code, Codex, or similar) to speed up development
• Make confident technical decisions with minimal guidance
• Follow clear architectural standards and established development patterns
• Understand backend performance, scalability, and security at production scale
• Build reliable, maintainable APIs and data systems
• Collaborate effectively with front-end developers to design and implement seamless integrations
• Apply caching and optimization techniques for high-traffic environments

We’re not looking for :

• Developers needing extensive supervision or mentoring
• Anyone without production experience in consumer-facing systems
• Those who avoid AI coding tools

Core Technical Requirements :

• Node.js (extensive production experience) - this is key, you must have
• RESTful API design and de...