Lead Full Stack Engineer (Perm) - TypeScript / Next.js / Node.js

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

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday plus bank holidays

5 Impact Days per year

Flexible working environment

Annual wellbeing budget

Mental health support

Company supplied Apple Mac

Job summary

A digital product development firm in the UK is seeking a Lead Full Stack Engineer to build a premium web product. This hands-on role requires strong TypeScript and Next.js skills, alongside experience with backend services and APIs. You will guide technical decisions, collaborate closely with an external team, and focus on producing high-quality user experiences. The position allows for flexible working arrangements, including home and office options, and emphasizes real ownership and impactful decision-making.

Qualifications

• Strong TypeScript experience working with ExpressJS and/or NestJS.
• Strong Next.js experience, building secure applications.
• Experience building and interacting with APIs.
• Data modelling experience.
• Experience with queuing and async worker patterns.
• Ability to deliver pixel-perfect template implementation.
• Strong standards compliance and compatibility across modern devices and browsers.
• Efficient, clean code that’s easy to maintain and extend.

Responsibilities

• Lead the build of a premium, subscription-based web product.
• Build secure, scalable applications with a strong focus on quality.
• Guide technical decisions and set engineering standards.
• Work closely with an external engineering team for knowledge transfer.
• Contribute to a frontend experience that’s fast, clean, and responsive.

Skills

TypeScript

Next.js

ExpressJS

NestJS

APIs

Data modelling

Async worker patterns

Standards compliance

Clean code

Tools

AWS

Job description

Job title: Lead Full Stack Engineer (TypeScript / Next.js / Node.js)

Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: UK (flexible home, office, or hybrid working)

UK offices: Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester and London

Start date: Early March

Please note that to be considered for this role, you must be based within 30 miles of one of our UK offices.

What You’ll Do

You’ll lead the build of a premium, subscription-based web product used by senior decision makers.

You’ll work hands‑on across the full stack. TypeScript end-to-end. You’ll build secure, scalable applications with a strong focus on quality and user experience.

A lot of the core data already exists. Your job is to help shape how it’s delivered and presented in a way that feels clear, polished and trustworthy.

You’ll build and maintain backend services, APIs, and supporting processes. You’ll contribute to a frontend experience that’s fast, clean, and responsive across devices.

This is a delivery-focused role. You’ll guide technical decisions, set engineering standards, and support others through good practice and clear direction.

You’ll also work closely with an external engineering team. Knowledge transfer and long‑term maintainability are key. The goal is software that can be owned, operated, and extended with confidence.

What’s In It For You

You’ll work on a high-profile product where quality genuinely matters. Users will notice the difference between “good enough” and “excellent”.

You’ll have real ownership from day one. You’ll help shape the approach, not just implement someone else’s plan.

You’ll be trusted to lead delivery while staying hands‑on. This is not a role where leadership means stepping away from the code.

You’ll work in a team that values clear thinking, strong engineering fundamentals, and pragmatic decision‑making. No chaos. No guesswork. No over‑complication.

You’ll also get variety. Different challenges. Different stakeholders. Real‑world problems to solve. The kind that builds your experience and keeps the work engaging.

If you want a role where your decisions stick, your output is visible, and your work has real impact, this is it.

What You Get In Return

• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
• 5 Impact Days per year for learning, volunteering or innovation
• Flexible working environment
• Annual wellbeing budget plus two days of wellbeing leave
• Mental health support
• A company supplied Apple Mac

What We're Looking For - Required Experience

• Strong TypeScript experience working with ExpressJS and/or NestJS
• Strong NextJS experience, building secure applications
• Experience building and interacting with APIs
• Data modelling experience
• Experience with queuing and async worker patterns
• Ability to deliver pixel‑perfect template implementation
• Strong standards‑compliance and compatibility across modern devices and browsers
• Efficient, clean code that’s easy to maintain and extend

What We’re Looking For – Nice To Have

• Experience working with remote LLM APIs
• Exposure to data enrichment approaches
• AWS knowledge, including creating AWS‑native TypeScript solutions from scratch

Ready to apply?

Apply now and help build the next generation of digital products at hedgehog lab.