Lead Front End Software Engineer - Contract

hedgehog lab; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A product consultancy is seeking a Lead Front End Software Engineer on a contract basis. The role involves leading a product team to build a next-generation energy modelling platform, making architectural decisions, and mentoring engineers. Ideal candidates will have significant experience with React and TypeScript. Enjoy flexible working arrangements including home and hybrid options while contributing to impactful product initiatives.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a senior or lead engineer.
• Strong background with React and TypeScript.
• Ability to make pragmatic architectural decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical direction for the product team.
• Turn prototypes into production-ready software.
• Mentor and support engineers.

Skills

React

TypeScript

Architectural decision-making

Mentoring

Hands-on development

Tools

AWS

Python

PHP

Job description

Job title : Lead Front End Software Engineer - Contract

Type : Full-time, Contract

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.

Our tech stack

We're tech-agnostic; however, these are our specialisms :

• 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.