Lead Front End Software Engineer

hedgehog lab; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading product consultancy in Manchester is seeking a Lead Front End Software Engineer to act as the technical lead for a focused product team. You will guide architectural decisions, mentor engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality features. The ideal candidate has significant experience in software engineering, particularly with React and TypeScript. This is a permanent role offering flexible working arrangements and a chance to influence product development.

Benefits

28 days holidays + bank holidays

5 Impact Days per year

Flexible working environment

Annual wellbeing budget

Mental health support

Company supplied Apple Mac

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a senior or lead engineer.
• Strong background with React and TypeScript.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical lead for a product team building a next-generation platform.
• Make architectural decisions balancing rapid progress and maintainability.
• Work hands-on across the stack to deliver production-ready software.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to refine requirements.

Skills

React

TypeScript

Python

PHP

Job description

Job title : Lead Front End Software Engineer

Type : Full-time, Permanent

Location : UK, with flexible home, office, or hybrid working

What you'll do

You will act as the technical lead for a small, focused product team building a next-generation energy modelling platform. You will guide architectural decisions, support engineers day-to-day, and help the team deliver high-quality features at pace.

In this role, you will:

• Lead technical direction, making pragmatic architectural decisions that balance rapid progress with long-term maintainability.
• Work hands‑on across the stack to turn prototypes and product flows into robust, production‑ready software.
• Partner with designers, product managers and data specialists to refine requirements and translate complex concepts into workable solutions.
• Provide mentorship and support to other engineers through pairing, code reviews and clear technical guidance.

Why this role

This is a key role within a strategic product team working on a complex, high‑visibility platform. You will have real influence over how the product is built and the engineering standards it is built on.

Own the technical approach for a new product as it moves from prototype to full‑scale build.

Work in a modern, cross‑functional environment with autonomy and the opportunity to take on technical leadership.

Solve interesting challenges that blend UI, business logic, modelling and AI‑driven behaviour.

Enjoy the stability of a permanent role while contributing to a long‑term, impactful product initiative.

Who is hedgehog lab

We’re an outcome‑driven product consultancy where product, design and research sit side by side.

You’ll join a team that values curiosity, collaboration and impact, building products that truly matter.

hedgehog lab benefits

• 28 days holidays + bank holidays
• 5 Impact Days per year to spend on L&D, volunteering or innovation
• Flexible working environment
• Annual wellbeing budget + two days of wellbeing leave
• Mental health support
• A company supplied Apple Mac

Our tech stack

• Front‑end: React, Next.js, TypeScript
• Backend: Python, PHP
• Cloud and infrastructure: AWS

What we are looking for

• Significant experience as a senior or lead engineer
• Strong background with React and TypeScript

Ready to apply?

Submit your application below. Please note that we’re unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.